I’ve been to Canada a number of times, mainly to Toronto and Montreal for IRC gatherings, and to Winnipeg and Vancouver for family reunions. The Maritimes were lovely, but I didn’t have enough time there.
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Visit some of Halifax’s historic highlights. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, located on the waterfront, is the perfect place to learn about Nova Scotia's maritime heritage. The Titanic is central to the museum’s role. While the survivors of the disaster made their way to New York, the dead were transported to Halifax, along with their precious possessions. Many Titanic victims were then taken to Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the headstones paid for by White Star Line, the British shipping line who owned Titanic. This was the burial site for the tragedies that have befallen Halifax. Consider those who lost their lives in the 1917 explosion. A French cargo ship, full of high explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel in the harbour. The explosion devastated a district of Halifax - 1,800 people were killed by the blast, fires or collapsed buildings, and another 9,000 were injured.
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Lawn cemetery
Visit some of Halifax’s historic highlights. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, located on the waterfront, is the perfect place to learn about Nova Scotia's maritime heritage. The Titanic is central to the museum’s role. While the survivors of the disaster made their way to New York, the dead were transported to Halifax, along with their precious possessions. Many Titanic victims were then taken to Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the headstones paid for by White Star Line, the British shipping line who owned Titanic. This was the burial site for the tragedies that have befallen Halifax. Consider those who lost their lives in the 1917 explosion. A French cargo ship, full of high explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel in the harbour. The explosion devastated a district of Halifax - 1,800 people were killed by the blast, fires or collapsed buildings, and another 9,000 were injured.
The Maritimes, on Canada's east coast
A key part of Canada's history is Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, so visit this C19th fort with a sweeping view of Halifax city. Between May-Oct, the Citadel is enlivened by two historic regiments of the British Army, the pageantry of the 78th Highlanders and the precision of the Royal Artillery thrilling visitors with daily live enactments. The bagpipes and rifles help the recruits with the next foot drill. At sunset, join the other side of the Citadel i.e the Citadel Ghost Tour, seeing the creepy lore from the early 1800s.
Discover historic Halifax by embarking on a walking tour through the city centre. See the history, culture and architecture of the coastal city, visiting the Old Burying Grounds and Grand Parade. The special Halifax’s Old Town Clock (1800) is in a tower located at Fort George in the centre of town. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and commander-in-chief of the British military forces, wanted a clock for the British Army and Royal Navy garrison.
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Halifax Public Gardens is one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian garden (1867) in North America. These Gardens are a living testament to an era where visitors welcomed respite from the urban atmosphere. The 16-acre public space, marked by ornate metal gates, still displays well shaped flower beds, quiet walkways, a picturesque gazebo and perfect picnic spots. Locals and visitors love the beauty and peace of the park, next to the Citadel. The gardens are open daily from 7a.m to sunset.
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See the other important historic sites eg St Paul's Anglican Church, St Paul’s has been an historic community since 1749. Continue along to the beautiful waterfront, passing the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Walk on the boardwalk to see the Discovery Centre and fine restaurants. The tour ends at the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21! See City Hall
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For centuries, the lives of Maritimers have been shaped by the ocean, whether through fishing, shipbuilding or the navy. Browse through a variety of exhibits tracing the history of navigation, from the first explorers to the age of steam, and shipping accidents. In 1948, Fisherman’s Market became one of Canada’s first federally regulated seafood plants. The Halifax Market is a wholesaler, retailer and world exporter of fresh, frozen, smoked & salted seafood, and live Atlantic lobster. Fisherman’s Market is a direct link to the sea in every aspect of the fishery, from licence owners, vessel operators and fishing, to processing, distribution and retail. Seabright Smoke House products include hot and cold smoked salmon, mackerel, haddock and cod, all of which are smoked daily on-site by the market’s smokehouses.
Towering over central Halifax, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a tribute to the city's military past. 4 forts have occupied this hilltop since 1749, when career British military officer Edward Cornwallis governed the region; the fort that stands today dates to 1856. Wander the Citadel's corridors to see Halifax's involvement in war eg American Revolution, American Civil War and both World Wars. The on-site Army Museum gives a closer look at the fortress's history. And to relive the hill back in its heyday, re-enactors of the Royal Artillery fire the traditional noon gun. From May-Oct the kilted 78th Highland Regiment give guided tours of the fort and show what it was like to be a soldier there. The Citadel is a 15-minute walk west of the waterfront.
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Visit the super Farmers' Market which delights locals and tourists every Saturday and Sunday. 230 exhibitors offer fresh produce and handicrafts. Enjoy the colours and smells, while enjoying a wide selection of products to choose from: cheeses, sea-food, sweets and breads. And souvenirs to bring home from the Maritimes.
Visit the scenic Peggy's Cove fishing village and then go into Peggy's Cove’s charming rural community. Visit the picturesque Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and enjoy time walking around the small fishing village with scenic ocean views. Watch the sunset from Peggy’s Cove and then return to Halifax, taking a leisurely coastal drive with stops for views. The Metro population is c480,000
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Discover historic Halifax by embarking on a walking tour through the city centre. See the history, culture and architecture of the coastal city, visiting the Old Burying Grounds and Grand Parade. The special Halifax’s Old Town Clock (1800) is in a tower located at Fort George in the centre of town. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and commander-in-chief of the British military forces, wanted a clock for the British Army and Royal Navy garrison.
Old Town Clock, 1800
Halifax Public Gardens is one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian garden (1867) in North America. These Gardens are a living testament to an era where visitors welcomed respite from the urban atmosphere. The 16-acre public space, marked by ornate metal gates, still displays well shaped flower beds, quiet walkways, a picturesque gazebo and perfect picnic spots. Locals and visitors love the beauty and peace of the park, next to the Citadel. The gardens are open daily from 7a.m to sunset.
entrance to the Halifax Public Gardens, opened in 1867
See the other important historic sites eg St Paul's Anglican Church, St Paul’s has been an historic community since 1749. Continue along to the beautiful waterfront, passing the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Walk on the boardwalk to see the Discovery Centre and fine restaurants. The tour ends at the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21! See City Hall
A small part of the Halifax Boardwalk
St Paul's Anglican Church, opened in 1749
For centuries, the lives of Maritimers have been shaped by the ocean, whether through fishing, shipbuilding or the navy. Browse through a variety of exhibits tracing the history of navigation, from the first explorers to the age of steam, and shipping accidents. In 1948, Fisherman’s Market became one of Canada’s first federally regulated seafood plants. The Halifax Market is a wholesaler, retailer and world exporter of fresh, frozen, smoked & salted seafood, and live Atlantic lobster. Fisherman’s Market is a direct link to the sea in every aspect of the fishery, from licence owners, vessel operators and fishing, to processing, distribution and retail. Seabright Smoke House products include hot and cold smoked salmon, mackerel, haddock and cod, all of which are smoked daily on-site by the market’s smokehouses.
Towering over central Halifax, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a tribute to the city's military past. 4 forts have occupied this hilltop since 1749, when career British military officer Edward Cornwallis governed the region; the fort that stands today dates to 1856. Wander the Citadel's corridors to see Halifax's involvement in war eg American Revolution, American Civil War and both World Wars. The on-site Army Museum gives a closer look at the fortress's history. And to relive the hill back in its heyday, re-enactors of the Royal Artillery fire the traditional noon gun. From May-Oct the kilted 78th Highland Regiment give guided tours of the fort and show what it was like to be a soldier there. The Citadel is a 15-minute walk west of the waterfront.
The Citadel
Visit the super Farmers' Market which delights locals and tourists every Saturday and Sunday. 230 exhibitors offer fresh produce and handicrafts. Enjoy the colours and smells, while enjoying a wide selection of products to choose from: cheeses, sea-food, sweets and breads. And souvenirs to bring home from the Maritimes.
Visit the scenic Peggy's Cove fishing village and then go into Peggy's Cove’s charming rural community. Visit the picturesque Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and enjoy time walking around the small fishing village with scenic ocean views. Watch the sunset from Peggy’s Cove and then return to Halifax, taking a leisurely coastal drive with stops for views. The Metro population is c480,000
Peggy’s Cove lighthouse