Halifax is an Atlantic “Must See” Destination

York ReDoubt and Bro

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada enjoys one of the best waterfronts in Canada! I know, it is a bold statement but someone has to come out and say it. I have seen many oceanside villages, communities and cities researching Canada and nothing compares to the waterfront of Halifax for tours, restaurants, art and sightseeing. It was a pleasure to walk the boardwalk.

Any traveler visiting Halifax should plan for long days of sightseeing. It seems around every corner is a heritage building, a historic site or a sightseeing tour. Many streets are decotated with non-stop – shoulder to shoulder – shops, outdoor patios, art galleries and restaurants. So many buildings of brick and stone eager to tell their stories of history.

The archetecture of Halifax draws you in and the waterfront keeps you entertained. I spent many hours walking from street to street clicking like a shutterbug on caffeine. My personal “awe” and “wow” moments came while exploring on Lower Water Street, Hollis Street, Sackville Street, Spring Garden Street, Argyle Street and Barrington Street.

Sightseeing on Waterfront Boardwalk

The waterfront walkway of Halifax stretches from one end of the city to the other. The sights, sounds and smells are all ocean. Along the well maintained waterfront boardwalk walkway are historic museums, a cruise ship terminal, marinas, farm market, buskers, musicians, restaurants, outdoor patios, a ferry terminal, a casino, wildlife tours, tall ships and, even, Theodore the Tugboat (cartoon icon).

But… for me… it was the activity, the views of the lighthouse, the sailboats and the historic tall ships cruising in and out of the harbour which seem to steal the show. I was so drawn to the waterfront I visited it 3 times… think I may need therapy? Once I was able to drag my butt away from the harbour the attractions in town stole my attention again.

Citadel Soldiers on Patrol

An easy walk from the waterfront, playing neighbour, are the Citadel National Historic Site and the Public Gardens.

The Citadel is perched high on a hill like a bird on a high wire enjoying views of the city and harbour. Sunken into the hill, hidden from view, is a fortified fort surrounded by stone walls and “once” booming canons. Inside the fort are costumed soldiers performong their daily rituals as if we tourists were walking around like ghosts – out of sight, out of mind.

Down the hill, next to the Citadel, are the flowered gardens, floral scents and walking paths of the Public Gardens. The paths are lined with groves of trees and families of flowers dressed in yellows, reds, oranges and purples. The statues tell us the stories of Halifax history. The band stand with bench seating shares some of Halifax’s culture. The Public Gardens are a floral retreat within a city of stone.

Venturing outside the downtown core of Halifax the history continued to entertain us with visits to Point Pleasant Park, York ReDoubt Historic Site and the Fort Fleming Park.

Prince of Wales Fort in Pont Pleasant Park

Point Pleasant Park located on the southern tip of Halifax provides the wilderness trail pleasures some of us seek when visiting a community. The trails were well marked leading to various historic sites and a waterfront with picnic tables, monuments and sightseeing benches. The park is a haven for dog walking, jogging, walking and biking. Some trails are even off leash trails for dogs waiting for a taste of freedom.

The ReDoubt Historic Site is located just out of town near Herring Cove. The site is surrounded by stone walls. Hidden behind the walls – perched on a ridge – are some massive canons and fort buildings. Up on the hill is the command centre and a Canadian Flag waving proudly. The views from the historic site include the City of Halifax and the harbour. One can only imagine the canons in action protecting the entrance of  Halifax during the wars of man.

Fort Fleming Park is a great find which does not get allot of attention from tourism unless you enquire about it. The well maintained trails dissect a forest grove, circling around a frog pond, leading to the historic sites of Sir Sanford Fleming. The tower known as the “Dingle” is the highlight of the park. It was constructed in 1758 to commerate the 150th anniversary of government in Nova Scotia. The park is ideal for peaceful walks with the absence of crowds.

Fort Fleming Park

I cannot wait to publish our NovaScotiaEH.ca Travel and Tourism Website so to share the wonderful experiences located in the community of Halifax.