What to do in Halifax? Disney Cruise related ...

[Ted in Halifax]

What advice would you give to someone on the Disney Cruise that stops in Halifax (remember they don't overnight there).
- - - - - - - - - - - I will summarize the suggestions below - - - - - - - -

Here’s a quick rundown on Halifax. I realize that you only have time for a day trip, so I will avoid anything of interest too far outside of Halifax.
What would I do if I was in Halifax for a Day?

This is a quick reference section (more Narrative below)

Here is a nice PDF file that covers most of the area downtown http://www.halifax.ca/rec/documents/HfxWaterfront.pdf

The Citadel http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/index.aspx

Ride the Harbor Hopper http://www.mtcw.ca/harbourhopper/
This is a webcam on one of the Harbour hoppers (note that this doesn't operate year round)

Theodore Tugboat http://www.mtcw.ca/theodoretugboat/
This is a Webcam of the Ferry Terminal, but you may see Theodore hanging around here

Public Gardens http://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca/

Graves of the Titanic http://titanic.gov.ns.ca/graves.html

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mmanew/en/home/default.aspx

Walk the Waterfront https://my-waterfront.ca/user/pdfs/Halifax_Waterfront_Map.pdf
Boardwalk along the Waterfront Webcam

Halifax/Dartmouth ferry across the harbor for a cheap “cruise”. http://www.halifax.ca/metrotransit/ferries.html

Shopping, stroll along Spring Garden Road. http://www.springgardenarea.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=856

Shopping also, Historic Properties on the waterfront is another great shopping area if you are looking for souvenirs. http://www.historicproperties.ca/

Pier 21 http://www.pier21.ca/home/
Pier 21 Webcam

Pier 22 Pavilion http://www.cruisehalifax.ca/

Point Pleasant Park http://www.pointpleasantpark.ca/en/home/default.aspx

St. Paul's Church http://www.stpaulshalifax.org/

Casino Nova Scotia http://www.casinonovascotia.com/home.aspx

Bluenose II http://museum.gov.ns.ca/bluenose/index.htm
A Song about the Bluenose

Titanic http://titanic.gov.ns.ca/museum.html

Nova Scotia Crystal http://www.novascotiancrystal.com/

Alexander Keith's Brewery http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Keith's_Brewery

Grocery Store (This is similar to a Hannaford's (has Pharmacy and liquor store) http://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Nova-Scotia/Halifax/Atlantic-Superstore/5230692.html

Discovery Center (For Kids) http://www.discoverycentre.ns.ca/

General Tours http://www.ambassatours.com/atlantic-canada-sightseeing-tours/halifax

Food - where to Eat - There are no shortage of places to eat ... I will add a list soon
Pub Style Food (we have a strong Irish character to our pubs)
Splitcrow http://www.splitcrow.com/
The Old Triangle http://www.oldtriangle.com/home.php?site_id=1
Lower Deck http://www.lowerdeck.ca/ldeck/default.html

Snacks
Cows Ice Cream

Finer Dining
http://www.fivefishermen.com/news_restaurant.htm
http://mckelvies.com/

Exercise - Weight room and tread mill at Goodlife fitness, Scotia Square. Running? I suggest, that when you get off the ship you head South to Point Pleasant Park, unless you like Hill running.
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Here is a more narrative section on Halifax

Halifax on a Budget …

Walk the Waterfront along boardwalk. Basically, you will head North from the Ship, along a boardwalk. Head to the Ferry Terminal and ride the ferry to Dartmouth (there are two ferry routes .. I recommend Dartmouth, since it is short ride and has a better waterfront area at the end of the route. (Woodside is the other choice, but it would be longer with less facilities at the other end). 2011 prices are $2.25 per adult per ride. You cannot stay on the ferry and return, you must disembark and pay for the ride back again. Great opportunity to get a few photos from the other side of the Harbor, plus it will only cost a few dollars each way. Ferry runs every 15 minutes.

Walk uphill to Citadel Hill, walk the exterior to get an idea of the view that the Fort once had. There is a cost to go into the fort itself, but you can walk around the entire perimeter. Great photo op. You can also see the Old Town Clock on the side of Citadel Hill. Then head to the Public Gardens, no fee, just enter at any corner of the property. After this, you can walk down Spring Garden Road, there are lots of shops to look through.

History of Halifax

Halifax was founded in 1749 by Governor Edward Cornwallis and 2500 settlers to act as a naval and army base to protect British interests from the French, creating Canada's first permanent British town on the world's second largest natural harbor. During the mid-18th century New Englanders moved north to Nova Scotia, attracted by Halifax's shipping and fishing industries. The 1750s and 1760s brought German, Scottish and Irish immigrants into the city. During the early 19th century the first black community began in Halifax. The 1830s brought the first group of Irish Catholics into Halifax, introducing a new religion to the city, which had previously been Protestant. By 1851 Halifax's population had grown to 20,749. In 1906, the Canadian government officially took over the army and naval base in Halifax from the British. Downtown Halifax is quite small and walkable but parts are very hilly which is something to keep in mind if you or anyone in your party has mobility issues. The Waterfront has a boardwalk that would be suitable for motorized scooters etc.

The Harbor

The land surrounding the harbor is hilly, which gives ships protection from ocean storms. The first half of 19th century was a prosperous time for Halifax's harbor, as trade between New England and Canada was friendly and profitable. By the second half of the 19th century Halifax's trade started slowing down, as United States ports became more desirable. During both World Wars, Halifax acted as an important naval base. Ally ships waited in Halifax Harbor until they were able to be safely escorted across the Atlantic. In 1917 Halifax experienced a terrible disaster when two ammunition ships waiting to cross the Atlantic collided in the harbor and caused the largest man-made explosion the world had known up to this time. The explosion killed over 2,000 people and caused $28 million in damages. Halifax spent the next several years reconstructing its northern district, which had been the hardest hit by the explosion. Halifax Harbor Webcam

The Citadel

The Citadel Hill in the heart of downtown Halifax has always been an important part of the residents of Halifax. The harbor's water is deep and never freezes over. The peninsula, which Halifax is located on, is 4.5 miles wide and 2 miles long.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUDKPbXnJG8

Warning: The Noon Gun. Today, re-enactors portraying the Royal Artillery can be seen about the fort performing their duties in their characteristic blue uniforms. The Artillery performs drill demonstrations on 12 pounder and 32 pounder smoothbore guns and 7" rifled muzzle loading guns. One of the most popular events at the Citadel is the daily firing of the noon gun. This will startle most people, so if you hear a large bang at noon, you will know what has happened.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoR9_4N9upw

The Economy
Today Halifax's port is one of the busiest in Canada. Fish, lumber and agriculture are some of the most widely exported goods from Halifax Harbor. Shipbuilding and fishing have attracted people to the area for hundreds of years; and today’s economy is largely based on its waterfront and harbor. The Oil and Gas sector leads Nova Scotia’s exports, at $1.25 Billion in 2007. And 40 trillion cubic feet of offshore natural gas potential remains – one of the top natural gas basins in North America. The 1,400 kilometer pipeline extends undersea from the Sable gas fields to Goldboro, Nova Scotia, then overland through Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Maximum throughput is about 600 million cubic feet per day.

Halifax is the home to many Nato ships, so don't be surprised if you see Canadian ships and subs. American vessels frequent here, as well as other Nato allies. Don’t be surprised if you see, Royal Navy, German, French, Dutch, Netherlands, Norwegian, Italian, Portuguese, and Danish and even from Greece. If there is a Nato exercise off the coast, anything can happen.

Peggy’s Cove
In a Storm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lzfOJ-IkVY
Please: Pay attention to the Warnings – We lose people there quite often (I am very serious here)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ULPry-DeU
If you are going to Peggy’s Cove it may well be cheaper to rent a car for the day and explore on your own. No Tolls, but gas is more expensive here. Bus tour info here http://www.ambassatours.com/atlantic-canada-sightseeing-tours/peggys-cove
Peggy's Cove Webcam

The Titanic
Halifax is the natural point of rescue for trouble in the Atlantic. When the Titanic issued its call of distress, Halifax was a key port in Titanic's failtful maiden voyage. Many artifacts of this are shown at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic For many, Halifax has become their final resting point. 150 Titanic victims were buried in ceremonies from May 3, to June 12, 1912. Nineteen are in the Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, ten are in the Baron de Hirsch Jewish Cemetery, and 121 are in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Of these, 44 remain unidentified.

The Halifax Explosion
December 6, 1917 started clear and sunny in Halifax. Before darkness fell, more than a thousand people would die, with another thousand to follow. Nine thousand more would be injured and maimed in the biggest man-made explosion the world had ever seen. There was a movie made about this. Warning, this is very graphic and may upset viewers. Having lost family in this blast and having my great grandmother losing an eye, this impacted my family deeply. Relief trains with doctors, nurses and supplies first arrived from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick towns within hours of the explosion and continued throughout the day and into the evening. These trains not only brought medical staff and supplies but also evacuated wounded to hospitals outside Halifax in towns such as Truro.

American support was strong, particularly from Massachusetts, with support trains bringing doctors, nurses, orderlies and much needed supplies to the effort. A relief train left from Boston, 1,100 kilometres (700 mi) away, at 10:00 PM on the day of the explosion. Relentlessly chugging through wintry terrain, it was delayed by heavy snowfall but reached Halifax a day plus a few hours later, at 3:00 AM on December 8, unloading much needed food, water, medical supplies, and some aid workers to relieve the Nova Scotia medical staff, many of whom had worked without rest since the morning of the explosion. My family (and the People of Nova Scotia) have always been deeply indebted to those who provided help. See Boston Xmas tree.

Food
Grab lunch and a pint at one of many pubs in the downtown area. They often have a lobster special which is great. The Five Fisherman, McKelvies (my Brother who grew up in Halifax, but has lived in Texas for the last 20 years enjoys McKelvies) would be great seafood. If you would rather have pub food, three favorites are the Splitcrow, Lower Deck and the Old Triangle. They play live music at night but not sure during the day. Probably on weekends only.

With Kids?
Halifax Central Common Park is a big park with a playground. There is also a playground along the waterfront (it is built like a wooden ship), near the Tourism building (1 story white building). Theodore Tugboat is a hit with the young kids.

Currency
Your credit cards should work fine, any bank will exchange cash if you need it. Also, you may find that some retailers accept US dollars with their own exchange rates (i.e the Liquor Commission). Any Bank in Canada can be trusted to give you the most reasonable exchange rate.

Send off
I can’t say for sure if Disney will schedule one of these send offs, but I include it because my son is the “loud one”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdbrvEsguQY

Scooters and related wheeled vehicles
For the most part, there should be very little difficultly using a scooter to get from the ship to and along the Halifax Waterfront. Sidewalks are well kept with all intersections equipped with sloped sidewalks. If you need a vehicle to take your scooter somewhere, I would contact Need-a-Lift


Specific Dates: I have not confirmed that these are the Dates in Halifax, but will attempt to do so. Here, I will put any events happening in the City at that Time:
June 12, 2012 - Tuesday
June 19, 2012 - Tuesday
July 10, 2012 - Tuesday
July 17, 2012 - Tuesday
Aug 7, 2012 - Tuesday
Aug 14, 2012 - Tuesday
Sept 4, 2012 - Tuesday
Sept 9, 2012 - Sunday
Sept 14, 2012 - Friday



More about Halifax or Nova Scotia
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/canada/Alberta-to-Nova-Scotia/Nova-Scotia.html
http://www.downtownhalifax.ca/

 

[LSmith]

Good ideas, Ted.

Here are some more suggestions:

Take a return trip on the Halifax /Dartmouth ferry across the harbour for a cheap “cruise”.

Explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the waterfront. It is a very interesting place.

For shopping, stroll along Spring Garden Road.

Historic Properties on the waterfront is another great shopping area if you are looking for souvenirs.

The Halifax Cemetery, Titanic Section. (I still haven’t done this but hear it is very interesting)

Grab lunch and a pint at one of many pubs in the downtown area. They often have a lobster special which is great. Two favourites are the Lower Deck and the Old Triangle. They play live music at night but not sure during the day. Probably on weekends only.

If you are with young kids, Halifax Central Common Park is a big park with a playground. My kids always insist on going there.

Downtown Halifax is quite small and walkable but parts are very hilly which is something to keep in mind if you or anyone in your party has mobility issues.

If you are going to Peggy’s Cove it may well be cheaper to rent a car for the day and explore on your own.

 

[Fundytrail]

Pier 21
Point Pleasant Park
St. Paul's Church
Casino Nova Scotia
Bluenose II
Alexander Keith's Brewery

 

[DeniseinNS]

Peggy's Cove
Harbour Hopper

 

[Fundytrail]

Ted, GREAT update!!!

 

[Nahanni]

Cruise ship will probably offer bus tours to Peggy's Cove & Lunenburg.

Maybe throw in a Hubbards Lobster supper.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I have already heard on the street that Disney has been searching for the Best options for tours. They have some things already in the works! Looks Good!

 

[Never to old]

A big thank you to all of you who providing suggestions of places to see. I appreciate you taking the time to do it.

 

[Celidh]

I live just over an hour outside of Halifax.

If you have kids, there is the Museum of Natural History not too far from the waterfront. It was around $16.00 for a family admission. It's not really big but my kids always like it. They just had a T-Rex Exhibit there we went to. A year or two ago they had a travelling exhibit of reptiles etc. with snakes, turtles, I think they had a hawk. These were all animals that were rescued and couldnt be sent back to the wild. It's not too far from the water front but you would probably want to take a cab or if you could figure out the busses that would work too.

Last year they had a bus called "FRED) (short for free rides everywhere downtown). It was a courtesy bus that ran from about 10-5 everday in the summer. I couldn't find whether they were having it this summer too but it is definitely a cheap way to see the downtown area.

There is also the Discovery Centre just a few blocks up from the water front on Barrington Street. Another kid friendly place my kids love and not expensive for admission. It is a hands on place for kids to explore. It is getting a bit old as my kids have seen it so many times but they still love going somewhere that they are not constantly being told "hand off".

I love just walking on the waterfront. That is my favourite. In the summer if you hit the right time, usually early August I think they have the Busker Festival with lots of performers from all over the country and I think further places in the world. It's crowded but lots to see.

HMM, out of ideas for now that haven't been mentioned. If these have I apologize for repeating them.

Enjoy Halifax.

 

[1novascotian]

As funny as this sounds since we Haligonians know better...

For all those tourists who will be coming to Halifax:

DON'T GO SWIMMING IN THE HARBOUR.

I have seen/heard countless stories of poor unsuspecting tourists thinking that its ok to take a quick dip.

 

[1novascotian]

Oh, on a much more positive note... For those with a sweet tooth, there is a wonderful cupcake shop called Susies Shortbreads within walking distance from downtown. It is on a street called Dresden Row, which is just off of Spring Garden Road. In the summer though, keep your eyes peeled for a bright pink ice cream style truck, they go mobile in the summer!

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

Cows ice cream!

See I have my priorities straight! Lol

 

[nokidz]

thanks for the info. it has been years since i have been there. we are on the july 15th cruise.....
how far to truro? hour plus, right?

 

[Ted in Halifax]

That's right on ... one hour should get you to Truro. (add 15 minutes if you have some traffic!)

Ted

 

[Celidh]

thanks for the info. it has been years since i have been there. we are on the july 15th cruise.....
how far to truro? hour plus, right?

I live just past Truro in Debert, yeah it's about an hour or so to Truro depending on just where in Halifax you are leaving from and how fast you drive!

I see you are from Wasaga Beach, been there a few times. I live in Owen Sound till I moved here almost 14 years ago when I was 26. Made quite a few road trips to Barrie when my friend went to college there.

Enjoy your time in Nova Scotia.

 

[grantclaire]

Thanks for the great info! Just booked the July 8/12 cruise. Halifax has been on our to do list for some time.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Let us know if you have any questions!

 

[Tower]

Does the 5 Fisherman Still Exist?
If so, does that restaurant serve lunch? or only dinner?
I loved their all you can eat mussel bar!

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

Does the 5 Fisherman Still Exist?
If so, does that restaurant serve lunch? or only dinner?
I loved their all you can eat mussel bar!

yep! and by the looks of they still do lunch and dinner. website:
http://www.fivefishermen.com/ youll have to click on either the restaurant or the grill? i think to see what the hrs are and indiividual dining.

 

[redrosesix]

Just gotta say...have some really good fish and chips. Unfortunately, this is most expensive at the restaurants along the waterfront. But you'll get top quality (better, I think) and for a reasonable price at any of the local pubs. And yes indeed, kids are allowed in the pubs before 8:30 at night.

And if you do go to the waterfront, we love the Beavertails stand - there are many places to grab a snack and it's fun just to sit and watch a show or watch the kids climb the playgrounds.

I can't overstate how much fun the Theodore Tugboat cruise is for people of all ages. I've been on it twice for kids birthday parties, and learned things I never knew about Halifax (even though I grew up here)

When we have people visiting from out of town, their most lasting impressions are from the burial sites for the Titanic victims as well as the Titanic collections at the Maritime Museum - they also have excellent collections on the Halifax Explosion. A bit morbid perhaps, but adults seem to like these.