Old Burying Ground was the first cemetery to be opened in 1749 and for many decades was a non-denominational burial site for the citizens of Halifax. In 1793, it was handed over to St. Paul's Anglican Church and for nearly a century of service, it closed down in 1844 when the Camp Hill Cemetery replaced the Old Burying Ground. This national historic site was in neglect till the 1980s when the Old Burying Ground Foundation restored it. With around 1,300 tombstones and 12,000 graves, it has some famous dead resting in its grounds. The most notable structure of the cemetery, the Welsford-Parker Monument stands at its entrance. This is the only war memorial commemorating the Crimean War in the continent and the second oldest of its kind in the nation.
To walk through the iron gates of The Halifax Public Gardens is to step back a century; Canada's first public gardens have that effect. Since 1867, visitors have enjoyed the flowers, trees, fountains, a pond and winding paths. Sit on a bench near the Victorian bandstand and listen to the music and marvel at the beauty of a huge Rhododendron in bloom. Bring lunch, you'll want to stick around. one thing to remember while visiting the park is that opening times vary in the winter and summer seasons.
Opened in 1999, Alderney Landing is a popular spot by the harbor for not only businessmen but also those looking for some form of entertainment. Pipped as a community cultural center, is a sought after convention center and entertainment space. Check out some live performances outdoors in their Events Plaza or witness top-notch acts by performers from all across the world at their theater. The Craig Gallery is a great place to catch a glimpse of local art or explore their markets such as the Farmers' Market and the Norman Newman Market for regional produce and craft-works.
Point Pleasant Park offers a sight of squirrels, blue jays, woodpeckers and a good 74.8 hectares (185 acres) to explore. Although it is located a few minutes from downtown, it feels like being in the country. You can walk by the water or through the forest; there are a variety of paths. Bring a picnic lunch or barbecue a few hot-dogs; the park has pits for cooking and plenty of tables. Spend a relaxing day exploring the old forts, watching for seals or mingling with the dog walkers and joggers.
The Fairview Lawn Cemetery is one of the most significant and historic cemeteries in the city. When the Titanic went down on 12 April 1912, Halifax was the closest port and of the 209 bodies recovered, about 129 were buried here. Five years later, Halifax was host to another tragedy: the Halifax Explosion. Nearly 2000 perished in the disaster and many are interred here. Located just north of the city's business and industrial districts, the Fairview Lawn Cemetery is a major stop for the curious and those interested in the historical disasters.
York Redoubt is a fort system with strategic views of the Halifax Harbor, near the city of Halifax in Nova Scotia. The lookout has been in use since more than a century, and during important events such as the World War II, when it was used by the military. Today, the complex includes the remnants of the Martello tower and a collection of cannons and other artillery. Visitors can view these monumental pieces of history while soaking in panoramic views of the harbor and indulging in recreational activities.