Found on the Bluenose Coast by the picturesque St. Margaret's Bay, Peggy's Cove is a popular day-trip destination for travelers in Nova Scotia. The area boasts a rustic appeal; it is famous for having beautiful beaches, colorful bird life, plentiful whale watching opportunities, scenic trails, and fun kayaking spots. Enjoy renowned Nova Scotia seafood, stroll the beach, or shop for local souvenirs. Outdoor enthusiasts are guaranteed a good time at Peggy's Cove, and everyone will enjoy a tour of the iconic Peggys Point Lighthouse.
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.
Segway Nova Scotia allows you to discover Halifax and its surrounding towns by the two-wheeled vehicle called Segway PT. Choose from Standard City Tours, Waterfront Tours and Beechville Lakeside Timberlea Tours. The first gives you a glimpse of the entire port city, the second lets you enjoy a panoramic view over the bay, while the third is for nature lovers. Segway Nova Scotia also offers a range of customized and theme tours, and winter tours that take you to top sports arenas in the city. The tour guides are knowledgeable and give tourists an amazing local overview and insider glimpse into the life at Halifax. If you wish to explore the city on your own, you can rent a Segway PT from this tour operator.
The second church constructed on this piece of land, Saint Mary's Cathedral Basilica was built in 1820, and its Gothic Revival façade invites a close look. Attend services or simply stop by for a visit, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Canada still celebrates daily mass. The church is quite fascinating to look at from the outside with a pure granite façade, and inside you will find a museum where you can learn about Saint Mary's grand history. The church has been given the designation of a National Heritage Site by the Canadian government and there is a tour guide on site to take you through it.
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.
The Emera Oval is an ice skating rink that is impossible to miss on the Cogswell Street. Open year round, the rink serves as a recreational facility for all those interested in ice skating and speed skating. If you wish to learn, skating classes are also available at the center. Those who are just accompanying friends but don't really wish to try the sport for themselves, can cheer them from the viewing area. The facility has also been used for several national and local level competitions in the past and has been extremely popular since its opening in 2010.
Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum is a fine place to check out a farmer's life back in the 19th Century. Wander through barns, houses, a blacksmith shop and more, for a first-hand look at the hardworking existence of those who filled the markets in those days. Gardening is done here the old fashioned way. Herbs and perennials await your nose and eye. On site is the Rose & Kettle Tearoom where you can have a cuppa after wandering the farm. And, of course, the museum is full of fascinating information. Guided Tours can also be arranged by the museum. Note: The museum is open from mid-May to mid-October.
Uniacke Estate was built between 1813 and 1815 as the summer home and garden of Attorney-General Richard John Uniacke. Located on the shore of Lake Norman and Lake Martha, this country estate is a paragon of Canadian-style Georgian architecture. Stepping into the estate is like setting foot on the sets of a Jane Austen movie, and the museum inside reveals much about the life and habits of the landed gentry in early 19th Century. The country house itself is surrounded by 930 hectares (2298 acres) of woods, with trails meandering through lush green forests, lake shores, historic mansions and archaeological sites. Eight of them are marked and allow hikers to discover both the beauty of landscaped gardens and nature's bounty in central Nova Scotia. The country house and museum are open only seasonally but the trails can be accessed throughout the year.
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.
Canadian Black culture was born in Nova Scotia; the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is dedicated to its preservation and promotion. Guided tours are available or you can wander alone through the archives. There are displays, some audio-visual items focusing on a rich musical tradition, as well as a library. In the amphitheater you may watch a cultural performance or hear a lecture on the history of the people who have lived in Nova Scotia. Call ahead for more details.