Halifax Travel Guide, Nova Scotia

Halifax is a vital commercial and financial hub, a city with a youthful air and also an intimate one; a pleasing and well-protected harbor side, with major fishing grounds and shipping lanes. Throughout the years it strived to become a major port and military base, a city with an attitude. Halifax harbor is the second-largest natural harbor in the world, a busy center with numerous ships boats and yachts coming in and out.

Halifax’s history as a city began in1749, when Col. Edward Cornwallis set a military outpost. It was the harbor that attracted most of the settlers and the city’s waterfront is still the most attractive part of the city especially between Sackville Landing and the Sheraton Casino where the waterfront's shopping core is located.

It is packed with shops, take-out food emporia, and minor monuments. In summer it roams with tourists enjoying the beautiful view and it is still summer the favorite season for jazz concerts music festivals and sports events but a year round attraction are the stout buildings of wood and stone that are among the oldest warehouses in Canada now being used as shops or restaurants. Visiting the waterfront you can’t miss its most appreciated landmark the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic which has a Titanic display that attracts many visitors.

The cheapest way to enjoy a view of the city and harbor is by going to the Ferry Terminal and taking the passenger-only ferry.

The city is home to a number of colleges and universities, fine restaurants, hotels, shops, museums, and parks all welcoming visitors. They are the major venues that feature art exhibits, crafts sales, live theater, and fine food. All of them are quite easy to visit as they are within walking distance the city being fairly compact and a walk on its streets can prove to be a pleasant experience. Public transport is also a convenient option.

Not far from the waterfront is the city’s major landmark, the Citadel. It is an imposing stone fortress close to downtown Halifax overlooking the modern buildings. You can visit the place on your own pace and if you feel like a rest there’s a nice urban landscape from the Grand Parade. There’s a terrace carved into the hill and it is considered by many a nice spot to relax and watch the people go by. You can continue your visit with the City Hall, built in the 1890s with a beautiful Victorian architecture then go on visiting the Public Gardens and Spring Garden.

A spot that has recently become of historic importance is the Summit Place where the world leaders gathered in 1995 for the G-7 Economic Summit.

The area called Historic Properties is also frequented this time by those who want to relax after a tiring day. For those looking for a more romantic end of the day can choose to join one of the boat tours that depart from the Halifax waterfront. There are many other tours that concentrate on fishing, whale-watching or other type of entertainment.

On land there’s plenty to do for the sports lovers; they can practice cycling, canoeing, golf, horse riding and sea kayaking. Those who choose bikes have the advantage to shape up while visiting the city. Bikes can be rented at Harbor Bike. The same can be done with canoeing and you will see the part of the city that can be viewed from the waterfront. Deeper into the ocean waters can adventure those who fancy sea kayaking. For a more interesting outdoor entertainment Hatfield Farms Adventures offer riding opportunities for everybody.

With a seemingly never-ending list of things to see and do, you'd want to get a head start and jet off to Halifax.

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