Halifax Travel Guide

Fresh sea breezes, parks, a laid-back atmosphere...all of these make Halifax an ideal place to live in. But not everyone is as fortunate as the more than 400,000 residents in the capital city of Nova Scotia. But you can still experience the leisurely pace of life in Halifax even for just a day. Visitors to the busy Atlantic seaport can savor a lot of nature and culture among the city's historic buildings, its art galleries and museums and in the day-to-day comings and goings of the Halifaxers as they enjoy their fine public gardens, trendy shopping centers and modern restaurants.

Sights

The highly regarded Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library is a cool place to spend a few hours, especially if you remember what great resources most U.S. public libraries used to be before all the tax cutting. The 400-hectare McNabs Island in Halifax Harbour is also worth exploration. Maps and directions are provided by the McNabs Island Ferry staff. Pier 21 Center tells the interesting story of the many immigrants who entered Canada through Pier 21. You should also visit the eight-pointed Citadel National Historic Site, a former British colonial outpost. The Victorian- style Halifax Public Gardens, St. George's Round Church and the Province House should also be in your list of must-sees. Concerts, sports and other events are usually held in the Halifax Metro Center. If you have young travelers with you, check out the technical and scientific displays at the Discovery Centre, a museum of science and technology.

Dining

Halifax restaurants specialize in the great local seafood and lobster especially. Most of the city's dining spots are concentrated along Spring Garden Road. More fine restaurants can be found along Argyle Street (which is also good for nightlife), Granville Street, Queen Street and South Park Street. Fast-food and lunch fare options are in abundance at the large food court in the Park Lane Mall. There are great restaurants offering spectacular views of the harbor along the waterfront downtown. The city hotels also have fine dining for a romantic night out, although reservations may be necessary if you're not a guest. There are pubs and bars along Granville Street if you want to get out and rub shoulders with the Halifaxers.

Shopping

From independent local stores to upscale shopping complexes, there is something for every serious retail enthusiast in Halifax. One of the city's largest shopping malls is the Halifax Shopping Center, with more than 150 shops specializing in fashion, clothing and more. For local finds, head to the Harbourside Market. On the outskirts of Halifax, you can find your shopping needs at the Mic Mac Mall. For shopping with historical flavor, the Barrington Place Shops, which are housed in a mall that's stood since the 1900s, make for a unique experience.

Where to Go in Halifax