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Must-see things in Halifax?
Lodbrok
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So, I'm going on a work-related trip to Halifax at the end of June. I'm thinking about taking a few days of after attending a conference and doing some sight-seeing. Any locals care to enlighten me on what I should see and do? I know next to nothing about Halifax, and before I start checking the tourist-guides I would like some input from people who knows the area!
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How far afield do you have the possibility of venturing? Are you restricted to the city itself or could you go exploring a bit beyond? If you could, I would definately suggest seeing the Bay of Fundy. Quite incredible.
I'm currently residing on the opposite side of the country, but I have visited and enjoyed Halifax previously.
There are a lot of trails and very scenic roads in the area that are well worth following, if you have the possibility of renting a car. It's a very beautiful area.
There are also ships in the harbour - I can't remember which ones are permanent (I was last there when the Tall Ships were in in 2000). I do know there is a Second World War Corvette converted into a museum. Then there's Citadel Hill, which is a large fort and the old Town Clock - one of the most recognisable landmarks of the city. I used to live there until I was 7 - so unfortunately all I can really remember is stuff we would have done back then . . . like the Public Gardens if you're into ducks, flowers and trees. There are also a number of casinos along the waterfront too.
EDIT: well, scratch the Busker Festival, is doesn't start until August.
It really depends on what you want to do, there are tons of bars and pubs around (some of them right on the harbour), there are some museums, there are some boat tours (whale watching etc). Like others said Citadel Hill and Peggy's cove are really nice, then there is Point Pleasant (although it got devastated from Hurrican Juan its still just nice to walk through).
Uhhh there is lots of stuff to do, I guess it is kind of hard to tell you what there is, since I don't know what you enjoy doing. Let me know more specifically what you enjoy and maybe I can narrow some suggestions down.
Fun:
You could check out the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. They have a really cool Treasures of Ancient Egypt exhibit running until mid-August (To find that page click on exhibitions->on view now-> then click the treasures of ancient Egypt banner, as there's no direct link!).
That said, there's also the Museum of the Atlantic (which is on the waterfront).
I'd highly recommend checking out the waterfront/Citadel hill ESPECIALLY if you're going to be here over Canada Day, but also if the weather is nice (as others have already said). The Public Gardens look great during that time of year, and Point Pleasant Park is always a great place to walk and take in some nature (although it's not at the same level it once was because Hurricane Juan raped it). That should pretty much cover you for tourist hot-spots.
Holy fuck, I almost forgot... You should go on a Brewery tour or two... or three... or four...
Here's a list of the places:
Alexander Keith's (The beer that is celebrated here. We love it, it's delicious)
Garrison. I don't think you can tour with less than 15 people, BUT(!) you should go check it out if you're a beer lover, because they have some of the best micro-brewed beer. Raspberry Wheat = DELICIOUS.
Propeller Brewing Company. I guess it's the same deal, but you can check them out too.
Food:
The Economy Shoe Shop. Yes. Yes. Yes.
The food is awesome, they have an alright selection of beer/wine/spirits. If you're just looking for a snack, get the nachos. They've been voted the best in Halifax since the beginning of time.
Also, the Shoe Shop is located right above the Seahorse, where you can find live music/DJ's depending on the night.
Your Father's Moustache. Best Patio in Halifax. The food is great, and there's some live music too.
The Argyle. They've got some great food and their patio is also awesome.
For fine dining you could check out The Hamachi House at either the Fine Japanese Cuisine location, or the Steakhouse location. Yum.
These are just a sampling of the restaurants in Halifax, there's so many more (most of these are in the downtown core).
Nightlife:
Pubs, Pubs, and MORE PUBS.
Seriously, it's a blast, and pretty much the best way to suck in the culture (you don't even have to drink to enjoy the music/atmosphere).
Let's see... you could check out:
The Pogue. (Irish Pub, killer food, great atmosphere).
The Old Triangle. (another Irish Pub, though I've never been)
The Split Crow. (Cheap beer, loads of people, live music)
The Lower Deck. (Awesome Patio, live music. If you're pubbing, this will be a must.)
You could also check out the Casino (on the waterfront), and there are always dance clubs. Be wary of the Palace however, it's developed a reputation as "The last chance for romance" (which really isn't a good thing). Pacifico is better then most, and The Dome is ok. They're not hard to find, just follow the beat.
Again, this is really just a sampling of what you can do in the Downtown area. There's a great website with all the listings, restaurant reviews, and nightlife events you could want. It's The Coast, and it's the web version of our local event paper. They usually do a summer guide, but it's not out yet.
I hope I was somewhat helpful.
To be 100% honest, I have no sweet clue about the Whale watching thing.
But speaking of boats, I think that there are night Harbour cruises (Thursday/Friday/Saturday) on the Tall Ship Silva which are pretty fun.
Oh shit, another park that's really cool is McNab's Island. It takes a little time to get around to it (You have to go from Halifax, into Dartmouth, into Eastern Passage), but you get to see more of the City that way, and take in Fisherman's Cove and the Boardwalk in Eastern Passage, both of which are great spots to visit if you've got the time for it.
Is there anything else you may be interested in seeing/doing around the city?
Anyway, thanks for the tips so far. It looks like I will have three days to spend in Halifax. I still have some time before I go. tony_important, would it be ok if I sent you a PM if I have any specific questions?
No problem!
My sister used to be one of the guides on the Keith's tour, so I've been on it quite a few times, and definitely recommend it.
I'll also second the Citadel if you're into history.
I think that there are also day trips to Peggy's Cove that are boat one way (with whale watching) and bus the other way with time in between to have lunch and tour the village.
The Wooden Monkey is a few doors down from the Economy Shoe Shop and also serves very good food. It's more veggie/organic/local fare if you're in to that type of stuff.
I'm a total geek, so whenever I'm in town I have to stop in at Seaside Books which is exclusively a used sci-fi and fantasy bookstore. It's across the bay in Dartmouth, but it's just across the street from the ferry terminal.
Halifax is definitely a great city to spend time in. I hope you enjoy your trip!