Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which was built in 1856, stands above the city's downtown. It never actually saw battle, but is an excellent example of a 19th-century British fort. During summer months, interpreters wear red British uniforms.
A road cuts up the hillside to the fortress, and viewpoints have excellent views of the city, the harbor, Dartmouth, little Georges Island, and the Angus L Macdonald bridge. The Old Town Clock, which has become the symbol of Halifax, also sits on the hillside. Prince Edward originally commissioned it in 1803. It has four clock-faces and chimes and is an enduring memorial to the punctuality of a strict disciplinarian.
Halifax Harborfront
Halifax Harborfront
Much of the downtown waterfront in Halifax has a boardwalk along its length where heritage vessels, small sail boats, tugs, and ferries come and go. The "Historic Properties" area has been refurbished as an attractive pedestrian precinct of 19th-century stone warehouses and old wharf buildings, now serving as bright shops, artists' studios, and restaurants with terraces overlooking the harbor. The roads are closed to normal traffic. The square between two warehouses has been roofed over to make an equally attractive mall. From the docks, harbor sightseeing cruises regularly depart on a range of sailing ships and motor vessels.
Pier 21 National Historic Site
Pier 21 National Historic Site
Pier 21 saw more than one million immigrants gain entry to Canada from 1928 to 1971. The interpretive centre has exhibits that explore the immigration experience from the homeland departure to being assimilated in a new country. There are views out to the lighthouse on Georges Island.
Just a short walk away, the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market is loaded with local goodies. It's open daily, and there's a rooftop picnic area.
Peggy's Cove
Peggy's Cove
Peggy's Cove is a particularly delightful little bay on the rugged Atlantic coast, 43 kilometers southwest of Halifax. The area is generally regarded as a must see in this region, and in summer, this little community is largely overrun with tourists. Colorful houses, rolling granite bluffs, and an old lighthouse give the pretty spot a special atmosphere. Peggy's Cove achieved sad notoriety in September 1998, when a Swissair plane crashed into the sea killing 229 people. A memorial marks the event.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a view over Halifax harbor and brings the sea indoors with its collection of small craft, model ships, photographs, and curiosities of maritime history. Exhibits are devoted to sea life and historic vessels, plus historic events like the monumental Halifax Explosion in 1917.
The survey vessel "CSS Acadia ", berthed at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, was built for the Canadian hydrographic service in 1913.
Halifax Public Gardens
Halifax Public Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens, in a seven hectare park, was opened to the public in 1867. It is a good example of Victorian horticulture, with an ornamental bandstand, fountains, statues, and formal flower-beds. Ducks and other waterfowl make a home in the garden ponds.
Heavy iron gates mark the entrance on Spring Garden Road. The garden is gradually undergoing restoration work to maintain some of the key features.
Province House
Province House
This Georgian sandstone building known as Province House, completed in 1819, is the seat of Nova Scotia's Parliament, in existence since 1758. The guided tour includes the "Red Chamber" where the Council used to meet, as well as the parliament chamber and the library that, with its two grand staircases, was once the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. This is where, in 1835, Joseph Howe defended himself against the charge of defamation. His acquittal is regarded as the beginning of a free press in Nova Scotia. He later went into politics and led the campaign against confederation, but ultimately joined the dominion government in Ottawa.
Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park
One of the most splendid places to stroll in Halifax is Point Pleasant Park, on the southernmost point of the city peninsula. This natural area features towering trees, winding footpaths, and great views out over Halifax harbor and the North West Arm. It is closed to vehicles.
Within the park are many historical monuments and remnants of wartime. The Prince of Wales Tower is a round stone tower that was built by Prince Edward in 1796. It was the first of its kind in North America, the prototype "Martello Tower." The basic idea was to combine soldiers' accommodation, a store-house, and cannon mountings in a unit capable of defending itself, surrounded by immensely thick stone walls, with access only by a retractable ladder to the first floor.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
In downtown Halifax, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum is the Atlantic provinces. The museum features a permanent collection of visual arts from the Maritimes and around the world, numbering more than 13,000 pieces. There is a particular emphasis on the work of Nova Scotian folk artist, Maud Lewis, and part of the gallery's collection includes her shed-sized house that is decorated with vibrant paintings. The gallery also features excellent temporary exhibitions.
McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park
McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park
McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park is located at the mouth of Halifax Harbour. Ferry boats take visitors to this natural area to enjoy bird watching, hiking, or a little history. While Lawlor Island is not open to the public, McNab Island features 400 acres of woodland area along with Fort McNab, a national historic site. Other heritage buildings include summer homes, Maugers Beach Lighthouse, and a long-closed teahouse
