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Halifax, Nova Scotia

 


Halifax, with a population of 400,000, is the capital of Nova Scotia. It is known for its maritime history, entertainment venues, and characteristic pubs. In its vicinity lie several charming waterfront communities and maritime heritage sites. Our first post-Covid trip was a return to this lovely area. 
 

Halifax is dominated by the hill-top Citadel, a star-shaped fortress built in 1797, and its Old Town Clock Tower.
 

At the Citadel National Historic Site, tours and costumed reenactments capture the life of the soldiers and their families.

The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk extends 3 km along the harbour. It is the hub of tourist attractions including Casino Nova Scotia, the farmers' market, the Maritime Museum and unique shops, pubs and buskers.
 

Historic structures in Halifax include Government House, St. Mary's Basilica, and Grand Parade Square with the Cenotaph and St. Paul's Church.

Argyle and Grafton Streets form the historic heart of downtown Halifax known for shopping, nightlife, theater, live music and al fresco dining.
 

Founded in 1818, Dalhousie University is one of Canada's oldest universities attracting 20,000 students from around the world to its 13 faculties.
 

The Canadian Museum at Pier 21, at the location of the original ocean liner and immigration shed, has displays about 400 years of immigrant experience.
 

A ferry crosses Halifax Harbour to Dartmouth, a larger municipality with its own attractions, waterfront boardwalk, museums and galleries.

The Lighthouse Trail is a scenic route along the shoreline near Halifax. There are multiple viewpoints to see charming fishing communities such as Prospect Point seen here.
 

           

Lupines grow wild in fields and along highways everywhere in the Maritimes, in full bloom in June and July.
 

Nova Scotia is home to 160 historic lighthouses, the most famous being Peggy's Point on St. Margarets Bay in the historical community of Peggy's Cove.
 

Peggy's Cove is a picturesque fishing village along a narrow inlet on wave-washed boulders.

The Sailors' Memorial is dedicated to the thousands who have served in war and peace.

The Emigrant  by Armando Barbon pays tribute to the thousands of immigrants who entered Canada at Halifax.
 

   

The Volunteers by Marlene Hilton Moore honours the women who aided the WWII effort.

Several statues throughout Halifax honour its long maritime and military history.
 

Within a one-hour drive of Halifax, are several scenic coastal villages, such as Chester seen here.

The view across the harbour of three side-by-side churches in Mahone Bay has become an iconic image of Nova Scotia.
 

The town of Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its brightly painted British Colonial buildings built in the 1750s. It has an impressive maritime museum.
 

Historic homes in Lunenburg have been beautifully restored. Horse-drawn wagons take visitors along the streets.

St. John Anglican Church and the nearby Lunenburg Academy have a distinctive architectural style.
 

A former rum-running and ship-building town, Lunenburg is famous for its tall-ship schooners, such as the Bluenose on the Canadian dime.

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This site was last updated 02/13/23