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.
The Halifax Citadel is one of the most popular attractions in Canada. The citadel that stands today on the aptly named Citadel Hill is actually the fourth fort to sit on the site. The first citadel on the site was constructed in 1749, although it was not in the form of the citadel we see today. The current star-shaped fort was built in 1856 and took 28 years to complete. In its history, the citadel never suffered an attack and many of the original 1856 features are still preserved today. A visit to the Army Museum includes watching 'The Tides of History', and experiencing the day-to-day life of a soldier or his wife in the mid-Victorian era. Concerts are sometimes organized at the garrison grounds here.
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.
Thanks to its prime location, Halifax Harbour is generally the first port of call and the last outbound port for ships sailing across the Atlantic. The harbor includes the Northern Arm, the Bedford Basin, and a strait called the Narrows. Many piers and wharves extend out into the harbor under the jurisdiction of the Halifax Port Authority. The historic waterfront landmark also offers beautiful panoramas of the city and surrounding Atlantic coast. Head here during twilight with a loved one to admire the vista of twinkling lights from houses in Dartmouth across the harbor, enjoy a boat ride around Georges Island, or board a cruise to explore the best that Halifax has to offer. A visit to Halifax Harbour is a must for anyone looking to explore the very heart of the port city.
In Eastern Passage there is a village that you must see. Restored to its original look and feel, Fisherman's Cove is a place where residents still fish for lobster. Wander the boardwalk and explore the little shops for some local art and crafts. Have lunch at one of the smaller take-outs or indulge in a larger meal at Boondocks Dining Room and Lounge. As the sun comes down, Fisherman's Cove becomes a perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer while you take in the beautifully painted evening sky.
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.