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.
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.
Pier 21 was one of the most important ports for immigration in Canada and welcomed more than one million refugees between 1928 and 1971, comparable to Ellis Island on the US East Coast. The Canadian Museum of Immigration was built in 1999 to tell the story of this mass immigration and provide access to the only ocean immigration shed still standing in Canada. As part of the National Museums of Canada, it is the only museum in the country dedicated solely to immigration. Its exhibits are such that they appeal even to children and acquaint them with a major historical phenomenon that occurred over decades. Learn more about the Canadian role in World War II, delve into the desperate stories and dreams of the brides and children who sought refuge in Halifax and purchase a souvenir at the gift shop as a remembrance of your visit. Temporary exhibits and projects such as Digital Storytelling and Culture Trunks give visitors a fun and holistic learning experience.
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.
If you seek the hidden gems of Halifax without spending a cent, Halifax Free Walking Tours is your answer. This company provides guided tours free of charge between the months of June and November. Most tours are in French or English but groups can make requests in advance to conduct tours in Arabic or Mandarin Chinese. Walk through streets full of historic landmarks, explore the harbor area and waterfront parks, and learn about the best eateries in the city. The tours start at a major city landmark: Halifax Town Clock at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Though the tours are free, donations are welcomed as this is the only source of profit for the tour operator.
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.
Government House of Nova Scotia is the royal residence and official abode of the Lieutenant Governor of the province. The construction of this beautiful Georgian began in 1800. It is replete with portraits and art work, as well as several rooms for formal entertainment. It plays host to dinners, galas and special events of the Canadian Royal Family, and is a designated National Historic Site of Canada. Guided tours are available.
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.