Halifax
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Halifax, Canada
Canada | Cities | Historical | Nature
| Halifax and Nova Scotia |
|---|
| Where: Nova Scotia province, Atlantic coast of Canada |
| Trip purpose: - History sightseeing - Nature sightseeing |
| Pros: - Typical Atlantic Canada - One of the oldest colonies in North America - Natural beauty |
| Cons: - Freezing humidity in winter - Need extra travel leg from Canadian hubs |
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Why visit Halifax and Nova Scotia?
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia province in Canada. Nova Scotia is a typical representation of Atlantic Canada, or Maritime Provinces. Canada is a very large country with profound differences between the provinces in terms of nature. These differences reflect on local cultures and ways of living. The province also has 400 years of history, as long as it gets in Americas. As it faces Europe across the Atlantic, the province is the place of one of the oldest European colonies in North America - Acadia of New France. One cannot have a complete impression of Canada without visiting the the Maritimes.
Where in the world?
Location
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, the most populated Atlantic province of Canada. It is located on the east coast of mainland Canada that is directly opposite to Europe across the Atlantic ocean.
Getting there
The city has Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) 35 km from downtown. Direct flights connect Canadian and some US cities. Periodically, there are direct flights to more popular European cities, such as London or Paris. If you live outside Canada you will likely need a connection stop, usually Toronto. It takes 2 hours from Toronto. If you plan a multi-city tour of Canada, Toronto would be a good hub and a destination on its own. Arriving at Halifax, we would recommend renting a car at the airport as most sightseeing is accessible by car only.
Electricity
120 volts, 60Hz, socket with two flat vertical slots.
Language
English, although it is Canada, not everybody speaks French in Nova Scotia.
Currency
Canadian Dollars (CAD) ~ $0.75 USD
Vaccination and infections
According to CDC no vaccination is required in addition to the routine vaccination established in most countries (subject to your country of origin and your personal vaccination). Hepatitis vaccine is recommended. There is NO risk of malaria in the country. Prevent yourself from insect bites to avoid insect transmitted infections. Some parts of Canada are endemic for Lyme and other tick born diseases. Please see updated information for health at CDC site or health authority in your country.
Visa
Visitors from most countries need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Check for your situation here.
When to go?
The warmest months are July and August, while the coldest is January. January temperatures are almost always below freezing. Combined with humidity and freezing rains, winter months are not pleasant. Best time to visit is late spring through early autumn. Precipitation also slows during this time. The spring brings blooming flowers, summer - warmer temperatures, while fall brings vibrant tree colors. The trees turn red and yellow in late September - early October.
Where to stay?
Although there are no high luxury hotels, there is a choice between the higher end chains such as Hilton, Marriott, Westin and the similar class local hotels such as Lord Nelson.
What to do?
The city
The city itself is worth exploring and you will definitely end up at the Halifax Waterfront. It is a base for boat tours, shopping and seaside dining. The local specialty is lobster and it is always fresh and tasty. In the city, you can visit the Public Gardens, first in North America of the kind. If you like beer, do not miss the Alexander Keith brewery. For history lovers and military inclined, visit the Halifax Citadel. Another historical attraction is the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
Peggys Cove
Peggy's Cove became a symbol of Atlantic Canada due to its picturesque lighthouse settings. There are several theories for the name. The most romantic that Peggy was either a girl or young woman, a sole survivor of a shipwreck. As she could not remember her name, the family who adopted her called her Peggy. She later married a local resident and was called Peggy of the Cove. A less romantic theory is that the cove is called after the bay which extends beyond the cove - the St. Margaret's Bay. Peggy is short of Margaret. Regardless of the name, the place is one of the most photographed in Canada. Lobsters served at the local restaurant are excellent.
Cabot Trail in Cape Breton
Another frequently photographed and filmed part of Atlantic Canada is the Cabot Trail of Cape Breton island. Breathtaking views along the highway are the reason. There are several coastal communities along the road, which are worth stopping. Lobsters, as anywhere in Nova Scotia, are the local specialty. You will see lobster traps everywhere in Nova Scotia and the adjacent New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Wine tasting
You probably did not expect this subsection on the page. Yes, some grapes can grow in Nova Scotia and some wines can be of drinkable quality. They may not compete with the Old World wine regions, but for wine lovers it can be a local attraction. Please explore wine tasting.
Whale watching
Whale watching tours are similarly popular in Nova Scotia as in Newfoundland.
As always, we have no affiliation with any booking companies or resorts. We simply share our experience and opinions.