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Often when our thoughts turn to travel, and we wish for an exciting, adventurous
or leisurely vacation, we automatically think of destinations south of the
boarder or abroad. But, you'll find more variety, seasonal changes, delightful
sightseeing and the friendliest people right here in our own backyard. Let's
travel into the heart of the picturesque Maritimes with its warm and welcoming
people, anxious to share their unique culture. Tourists flock here from all
over Canada and the United States during the spring, summer and fall to enjoy
the festivities that these fair-weather seasons offer.
Flying from Edmonton to Toronto to meet up with my travelling companions, we boarded the VIA Rail train which took us to Montreal, where we transferred and boarded the 'Ocean' train for our overnight trip to Halifax. For comfort, service and a pleasurable trip - I give VIA Rail an 'A+' rating. It was probably my most memorable travelling experience where we could relax, dine, sightsee and socialize in the most comfortable surroundings. Our attendant was exceptional and our accommodations first rate. I highly recommend a trip on VIA Rail what ever your destination.
The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax is adjoined and only a short walk through the VIA Rail Station. This hotel offers first class accommodations in elegant and historic surroundings with a spectacular view of the Halifax Harbour or Point Pleasant Park. Halifax Harbour is second largest natural harbour in the world, and is a popular port-of-call for cruise ships sailing the Atlantic. These ships dock a short distance from the hotel and make for a dramatic sightseeing event from windows of the harbour view suites, especially when the ships are all lit up at night against the backdrop of the harbour lights and shimmering water. Service at the Westin is the best the city has to offer and we enjoyed our stay here immensely.
Restaurants in Halifax can compete with any fine dining or casual establishments in any major city. We enjoyed a fresh lobster lunch at 'Murphy's On The Water' on their open-air deck right on Cable Wharf with a central view of the harbour, and an elegant evening meal of halibut at the Historic Properties in 'The Upper Deck'. One of our favourite casual restaurants is located right next to the wharf and offers patrons the option of a view from a window seat inside or under an umbrella on the patio close to the action on the boardwalk. The Stayner's Wharf Pub & Grill, at 1781 Upper Water Street, is a great place for lunch or to relax with a refreshing beverage. And for breakfast, you can't beat the 'Bluenose II' on Hollis Street - the bacon and eggs are down-home good and always served with a smile!
We found the Maritime Museum fascinating with exhibits from the Titanic, the two World Wars, the Halifax Explosion of 1917 and your admission includes an on-board tour of the vessel 'CSS Acadia'. Of course a harbour tour is a must! We enjoyed a 3 hour narrated cruise by 'Murphy's On The Water' in the afternoon and were able to see both Halifax and Dartmouth from a totally different vantage point as we passed the cruise and cargo ships on their way into the harbour or out to sea. You can also choose an evening cruise if you wish, with a full buffet dinner. And, remember to take a light jacket or sweater on your cruise - the temperatures are always a few degrees lower out on the water.
We enjoyed a morning at the 'Pier 21' National Historic Site (at 1055 Marginal Rd. directly beside the VIA Rail Station). This historic site is Canada's last remaining immigration shed. More than a million immigrants were processed here from 1928 to 1971. The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (constructed between 1828 and 1856) is another site you will not want to miss. We drove up Citadel Hill to the clock tower in the centre of town. From atop the hill, you'll be able to photograph the entire city and harbour with a view of the Dartmouth skyline. Be prepared for a trip back in time on your tour with very authentic, costumed guides.
We visited the burial grounds for the Titanic victims at Fairview Cemetery and spent hours studying the markers and each told its own story. The cemetery is located in the North End of Halifax, near the intersection of Windsor Street and Kempt Road, overlooking the Bedford Basin.
If you're looking for a slower pace for a few hours the harbour front boardwalk is entertaining, yet relaxing, and is definitely part of the Halifax experience. We strolled along the boardwalk enjoying the street performers & their music, shopping at the little boutiques and stopping every once in a while for a little treat (our favourite was a tray of fish & chips). We visited the Farmer's Market right on the boardwalk exploring their gift shops for treasures and followed the aroma of the best traditional Maritime delicacies! Before one of our driving trips, we stopped at the Halifax Public Gardens. If you're looking for some quiet time to bird watch, perhaps enjoy a snack on a park bench, or take pleasure in some of the most beautiful flora, the Public Gardens is your paradise.
Of course, no trip to Nova Scotia is complete without a visit
to 'Peggy's Cove'. Only about an hour's drive outside of Halifax, this small
picturesque fishing
village with its world famous 'lighthouse' is the most visited and most photographed
place in Canada. Motor coaches stream into the parking lot, visitors are
everywhere with camera in hand and there's always a line up to mail a post
card from the
only working post office still located in a lighthouse. A stroll out onto
the rocks with the waves splashing up is exhilarating, but be careful, there
are
warnings of rouge waves that have on occasion surprised some daring tourists
who might venture a little too close to the water's edge. Visit the gallery
and gift shop, and enjoy lunch at the Sou 'Wester Restaurant. As we look
back on our pictures from our trip - Peggy's Cove tells a new story every time.
If your travels take you to the Halifax/Dartmouth area at the end of July,
beginning of August, then you'll be part of the Natal Day festivities when
both cities celebrate their Civic Birthday. The fun includes two community
parades and an amazing fireworks show among many other exciting all-day activites.
You can't help but get into the spirit!
Shopping is a real treat in Halifax even if you're only window shopping.
We strolled along Spring Garden Road, which runs uphill from Barrington Street
to Robie Street at the top. Spring Garden Place is a terrific shopping mall
with 25 shops for you to explore.
We couldn't miss a trip across the harbour from Halifax to the city of Dartmouth, which has its own list of interesting sights, events and fascinating history. We took the long scenic route from our hotel in Halifax around Bedford Basin located at the extreme end of the harbour, which was the only way to move between the twin cities in the old days, other than crossing the harbour by boat. The drive through the town of Bedford takes only about 1/2 an hour and won't disappoint the sightseer. Cottages dot the shoreline of the Basin, and you may want to make a stop along the way at Scott Manor House (15 Fort Sackville Rd.), a 2 1/2 storey Dutch Colonial mansion built c 1770 by Joseph Scott. We stopped for coffee in the town of Bedford for a look around and to enjoy some of the sights. In no time at all, we had circled the basin and arrived in Dartmouth.
The quaint downtown of Dartmouth is fun to explore and almost every vantage point offers an astounding view of the harbour and Halifax skyline. We continued driving along the shoreline to the fishing village and watched the fishermen come in with their catch of the day. This is a great spot to stop for ice cream and take in the view of George's Island and McNabs Island. If you'd like to visit the islands in the harbour, you can take a ferry from Eastern Passage or charter a boat from Cable Wharf in Halifax. On our return trip to Halifax, we decided to use the MacKay Bridge - it offers a view of the harbour that you'll want to capture on film. Don't forget change for the toll.
Checking out of our hotel on our last day, we drove our rental vehicle to the Halifax airport (about an hour outside of the metro area) and we were able to conveniently drop it off there before boarding our flight for Toronto. Because half my heritage is Nova Scotian, I know my travels will again see me in the Maritimes one day visiting family, but I urge everyone to visit at least once - it's bursting with excitement, history, excellent seafood, and is always memorable.
Our expert Travel Consultants would be happy to talk to you about a fun-filled Maritime Tour!
For pricing or to get started on your Maritime vacation, contact .
Phone: (780) 459-6661