Halifax
Overview
The capital city of Halifax and its many surrounding communities make up the Halifax Regional Municipality in the easterly province of Nova Scotia. Here, history, shopping, fine dining, sightseeing, folk music, theatre, high teas, gallery exhibitions and festivals provide unique and entertaining diversions for all tastes.
While visiting, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities to explore Halifax’s rich culture. Visit the Halifax Harbour, one of the busiest ports in Canada and second-largest in the world and admire the expansive natural harbour. Next, take a stroll through Halifax's streets and get a glimpse of the city's past through its stunning historic architecture. The Town Clock located at Brunswick and Citadel Streets is Halifax's most recognized landmark.
Downtown, a collection of lively neighbourhoods await you, complete with upscale boutiques, bars and live music. In the centre of downtown is Citadel Hill (Fort George) – a star-shaped hilltop fort built in the early 1800's. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the harbour.
But Halifax's busy urban lifestyle is probably most evident in the scenic waterfront region. Beginning at Sackville Landing and heading towards Purdy's Wharf, you’ll find shops, pubs, warehouses and some of the city’s oldest buildings.
Want to see even more of what the East has to offer? A short drive along the scenic Nova Scotia coast takes you through picturesque fishing villages, including the world-famous Peggy's Cove. You may even spot whales and other marine life. After all, Halifax is also a world-class whale-watching destination and home to dolphins, seals and many species of fish.
Before you go, pay your respects at Fairview Cemetery – the final resting place of 121 of the victims who perished with the Titanic. You’ll even find the gravesite of J. Dawson here – the person believed to have inspired Leonardo DiCaprio's character in the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic.
Halifax is a fantastic destination for:
- culture and history
- outdoor adventure
- shopping and dining
Airport served by: YHZ
Destination basics
Climate
If you’re visiting Halifax for the first time, don’t expect the typical temperate climate of other regions bordering on the water’s edge. In fact, with its short summers and winters, Halifax receives climate changes consistent with cities in Canada not surrounded by water. Here you’ll find warm summers averaging around 23 C and winter temperatures between 0 C and -10 C. Halifax also receives quite a bit of snow – on average, 85 days per year.
As for spring and fall, you’ll find Halifax temperatures ideal for spending time outdoors or visiting indoor attractions. Temperatures during these seasons are generally in the 5 C to 15 C range.
What makes it different?
Halifax is full of history. Throughout the city, you’ll find landmarks and memorials commemorating WW I and WWII as well as the fishing and naval industries.
When visiting Halifax’s harbour port, it’s crazy to imagine that only a century ago disaster struck with what’s now known as The Halifax Explosion. In 1917, a ship loaded with explosives collided with another ship in the harbour, killing over 2,000 people and injuring 9,000. The largest man-made explosion of its time, the accident caused $28 million in damages and left 6,000 people homeless.
During both World Wars, Halifax served as an important naval base where Allied ships found safe haven until they were able to safely travel across the Atlantic. In Point Pleasant Park sits a memorial recognizing the nearly 2,000 Royal Canadian Navy members who lost their lives during WWII.
In Halifax’s Fairview Cemetery, you’ll find the graves of 121 Titanic victims who were laid to rest here, including the man who is said to have inspired the character Jack in James Cameron’s movie, Titanic.
The city’s many memorials and landmarks serve as a testament to the determination, perseverance and strength of character that is typical of those who call Halifax home.
Points of interest in Halifax
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