Halifax (Canada) - Halifax (Canada)

Halifax
Halifax Town Clock
StateCanada
RegionNova Scotia
Altitude0-241 m a.s.l.
Surface5,490 km²
Inhabitants407.007 (2007)
Prefix tel 1 902
POSTAL CODEB0J, from B3A to B4G
Time zone UTC-4
Position
Map of Canada
Reddot.svg
Halifax
Tourism site
Institutional website

Halifax is the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.

To know

Halifax is the main provincial and regional center of the Nova Scotia. However, it is a small city by North American standards.

Geographical notes

The city is located on the peninsula of the same name, on the western side of the port, opposite Dartmouth.

When to go

ClimategenFebmaraprmagdownJulneedlesetOctnovdec
 
Maximum (° C)004814192223191383
Minimum (° C)-9-8-4161114151161-5
Precipitation (mm)15111413412111910810698107135154160
Weekly forecasts available on weatheroffice.gc.ca

The hottest months are July-August which of course are judged to be the best for a visit. For the rest, the climate of Halifax is characterized by abundant rains distributed throughout the year but more frequent in November. In September 2003, Hurricane Juan struck the city, causing serious damage.

Background

Built in 1749 by the will of Colonel Edward Cornwallis as a military base aimed at countering the presence of the French who settled in the nearby Cape Breton island, Halifax soon welcomed numerous settlers due to its location in a sheltered bay and its proximity to sea routes to England. Halifax is in fact closer to the Cornwall than it is Vancouver as the crow flies.

On the morning of December 6, 1917, the collision of the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc, which was carrying about 2,500 tons of explosives, with the Norwegian SS Imo in Narrows, a strait connecting the northern part of Halifax Harbor to the Bedford Basin, caused the Halifax Explosion which killed more than 2,000 people and destroyed the northern half of the city.

The city was soon rebuilt and during the Second World War it became an important strategic base for the English army, which here supplied the boats with supplies for the mother country.

In recent years the city has expanded strongly, incorporating the suburbs and exceeding 400,000 inhabitants. It has a cheerful character due to the presence of young people who study in colleges and its many universities and who often flit around the street on roller skates.

How to orient yourself

Downtown Halifax - The historic center lies on a peninsula in the middle of the deep bay that forms the natural harbor of Halifax. The original nucleus of the city was limited to the southeastern part of the peninsula overlooking the port and was surrounded by walls. Its forts and old houses that overlooked narrow alleys have long since disappeared and those few that survived were demolished by bulldozers starting in 1960 as part of the renovation of the historic center. Today this area is referred to as Downtown Halifax. It includes the Central Business District but is also a tourist spot thanks to the high concentration of hotels, restaurants and pubs. Downtown Halifax is also where major sporting and cultural events take place. Halifax Boardwalk is the waterfront on which the main attractions of the city are located, such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Nova Scotia Casino. Another very busy thoroughfare in the center is Argyle street where the Neptune Theater is located.

Neighborhoods

The main symbol of the city is theHalifax Citadel, on a high hill above the city.

Halifax is conventionally divided into three districts: South End, representing the oldest and richest urban nucleus south of the citadel, North End, the northern suburbs destroyed and rebuilt after theHalifax Explosion and the residential area of West End. The center is squeezed between the Citadel and the sea. The inhabitants of the city are known as Haligonians.

Dartmouth - In front of Downtown Halifax and separated from it by an arm of the sea in the middle of which stands the islet of San Giorgio and crossed by a comings and goings of ferries is Dartmouth. Once a separate suburb, it is now incorporated into the city of Halifax. Nicknamed the City of Lakes, Dartmouth has its own attractions, among which the Bedford Institute of Oceanography stands out.

How to get

By plane

Halifax Stanfield International Airport
The Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth

MetroX Route 320 it is the only public transport connection between the airport and the city, and the most convenient option. This is an express bus with only two intermediate stops at Fall River and Dartmouth (Bridge Terminal). The complete journey takes approximately 55 minutes and costs $ 3.50 each way. The frequency is one bus every 30 minutes during peak times, one every hour at other times. The first departure from the airport is at 5:45 am and the last at 00:15 am.

Once on board it is advisable, if necessary, to ask the driver for a "transfer", in order to continue the journey on another bus. A Transfer it is a small piece of paper to show to the next bus driver as proof of payment for the ticket. You can change buses in Dartmouth or Halifax, or hail a taxi at either bus stop.

The Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth is the ideal place to change buses. It features an indoor waiting room, public toilets, a few shops and bars and an information point. From the Bridge Terminal, Route 1 goes directly into downtown Halifax to the Spring Garden Road area, but if you are traveling with a bulky suitcase it is good to consider that during rush hour it is often very crowded.

The last stop, in downtown Halifax, is located on Albemarle Street. It is within easy reach of most hotels, including Delta Halifax, Delta Barrington, Prince George Hotel, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites. On the other hand, Albemarle Street is a bit out of the way, so you may need to hail a taxi to get to your final destination. If you do not have bulky luggage and you have requested the transfer, a great idea would be to go down the hill and take a bus in front of Duke Tower (for bus to Quinpool Road) or to the Scotia Square Terminal on Barrington Street (for buses to South End, Spring Garden Road, and the universities).

  • Taxis and limousines. Ecb copyright.svgStandard rate of $ 63 for downtown Halifax. It can be booked at no additional cost. 

By car

Halifax is connected with the rest of the Canada with the provincial highways 102 is 104. There 102 colleague Halifax e Truro, where it is connected to the highway 104 (la Trans-Canada Highway). Going west on the 104 you reach the border of New Brunswick, then the Maine, Quebec or Prince Edward Island. The journey from Halifax to the New Brunswick border takes approximately 2 hours and there is a toll of $ 4.00 per Cobequid pass. Towards the east the 104 reaches Breton Chief or by taking a ship there Prince Edward Island.

For connections to other parts of Nova Scotia, provincial roads 101, 103 and 7 are the most direct options. The freeway 101 connects Halifax with Yarmouth through the Annapolis Valley, the freeway 103 colleague Halifax a Yarmouth across the South Shore and the freeway 7 connects the Halifax region with theEastern Shore is Antigonish.

On boat

A boat service operates between Halifax and Dartmouth. It's a great boat trip, especially on sunny summer days ($ 2.50).

Carnival Cruise Lines and other cruise lines stop off in Halifax.

On the train

  • 2 VIA rail station, 1161 Hollis Street (located in the southern part of Halifax). With three trains a week (Wed-Fri-Sun at 6:45 am - 2016) to Montreal. The journey takes approximately 22 hours and costs approximately $ 150-285. 


How to get around

The city of Halifax is very extensive, but the public transport services cover in a capillary and exhaustive way only the areas of the center. In a few days (one or two at most) you can see the main attractions of the historic center and, if you want to visit the more distant ones, a good option could be to rent a car.

By public transport

By bus

Halifax Transit. Ecb copyright.svg$ 2.50 with discounts for children and retirees. Halifax Transit is the public transportation company for the municipality, covering Halifax and surrounding areas. The fare gives access to all buses and boats, excluding long-distance buses such as those indicated as MetroLink is MetroX. 

By taxi

There are numerous taxis in the city, but finding one can be difficult in some areas. Booking a taxi is rarely a problem. If you are in the center of a bar or club to spend the evening, it is important to know that finding a taxi after the "last lap" can be difficult.

By car

If you decide to travel by car within the city, it is important to pay attention to pedestrians and buses. Many people walk in the center and often cross the street paying little attention to cars. As for buses, it is important to give them priority where applicable, to leave an appropriate space to allow them to turn without problems and not to pass them on single-lane roads.

What see

The CSS Acadia ship
city ​​Hall
  • 1 Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (Maritime Museum of the Atlantic). Founded in 1948 and located on the seafront, today it includes a modern building known as the Devonian Wing where, among other things, the remains of the Titanic, the shipwrecked ocean liner off the coast of Nova Scotia the night of April 14, 1912. In the dock behind the museum there are some period ships at anchor. These include the "CSS Acadia", a 1913 warship which was then used until 1970 for oceanographic research. 
  • 2 Immigration Museum (Canada's Immigration Museum - Pier21), 1055 Marginal Road (Marginal Road is the continuation of the promenade to the south near the Port Authority), ☎ 1 902 425 7770. Ecb copyright.svg$ 10 adults, $ 7.50 60, $ 7 students (with ID), $ 5.75 6-16 years, free up to 5 years, family ticket $ 25 (2 adults and three children, each tall child $ 3). Simple icon time.svgMay-October: Mon-Sun 9: 30-17: 30, November: Mon-Sun 9: 30-17: 00, December-March: Tue-Sat 10: 00-17: 00, April: Mon-Sat 10: 00-17: 00. Interesting museum that, in the footsteps of the Ellis Island Museum in New York, traces the history and events of 1,500,000 immigrants who landed in Halifax between 1928 and 1970. The visit lasts approximately 90 minutes including half an hour of a film and half an hour of guided tour. 
  • 3 Halifax Citadel (Halifax Citadel National Historic Site), ☎ 1 902 426 5080. Ecb copyright.svg11,70$. Although only the mighty surrounding walls and the barracks inside the courtyard remain of the fortress, amidst bright green meadows and well cared for according to Anglo-Saxon custom, it is worth going up the "Citadel Hill" if only for the beautiful views. on downtown and Halifax Harbor. The original fort was built in 1749 for fear of French raids and was subsequently enlarged until 1856 to counter the warlike intentions of the Mi'kmaq tribe, based in the peninsula of Nova Scotia before the advent of the Europeans. Contrary to forecasts, the fort never suffered attacks from either side. The multilingual guides accompanying visitors wear period costumes and uniforms and explain things in detail. 
  • 4 Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Bedford Institute of Oceanography), 1 Challenger Drive (Dartmouth), ☎ 1 902 426 3492. 
St. Paul's Anglican Church
The new Halifax Central Library. The terrace is open to the public and allows you to enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and the hill.
  • 5 Old Burying Ground, Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road. The cemetery was used from 1749 to 1843. 
  • 6 St. Paul's Anglican Church (Historic St. Paul's on the Grand Parade), 1749 Argyle Street (across the street from Old Burial Grounds), ☎ 1 902-429-2240, @. Ecb copyright.svgfree. Simple icon time.svg9:00-16:30. St Paul's Church is the oldest building in Halifax and the oldest Protestant church in the Canada. Founded on the proclamation of King George II in 1749, the building was built in the summer of 1750. On 2 September of the same year the Reverend William Tutty celebrated the first religious function even if, as the reverend himself reports, the construction was not yet completely completed. The project is based on the church of S Pietro in Vere Street, London which was designed in 1722 by James Gibbs, a pupil of Sir Christopher Wren. The similarity between the two churches is remarkable despite the addition, to that of San Paolo, of the vestibule and bell tower in 1812, of the side wings in 1868 and of the choir in 1872. Local materials were used for the construction of the church, but the wooden beams were carved in Saco, Maine, and brought to Halifax by ship. After more than two and a half centuries, a large part of the original wooden structure still remains. Charles Inglis, first American bishop of the Church of England, arrived in 1787 and made St Paul his cathedral. 
  • 7 Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis Street, ☎ 1 902 424-5280. Ecb copyright.svg12 $ adults, 10 $ 60, 7 $ students, 5 $ youth (6-17 years), 25 $ families (2 adults and 3 children), children under 5 free. Free for all after 5pm on Thursdays. Simple icon time.svgTue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10: 00-17: 00, Thu 10: 00-21: 00, Sun 12: 00-17: 00. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is not very large, but well exhibits the works of local artists such as Maud Lewis (folk art), Alex Colville (hyperrealism) and Mik'maq (indigenous art). Temporary exhibitions are also often hosted in the museum. 
  • 8 Province House, 1726 Hollis Street, ☎ 1 902 424-4661. Ecb copyright.svgfree. Simple icon time.svgJul-Aug: Mon-Fri 9: 00-17: 00, Sat-Sun and holidays 10: 00-16: 00, rest of the year Mon-Fri 9: 00-16: 00. Seat of the first provincial legislature and the first British overseas autonomous government. A clear example of Georgian architecture, the building first opened in 1842. Visitors can learn about the history of the building and the legislative assembly with guided tours. 
  • 9 Halifax Central Library, Spring Garden Road and Queen Street. After decades of discussions and projects, the new central library opened its doors in December 2014. The striking architecture that resembles the structure of a pile of books has attracted international attention. The building, with its distinct modern style, is a unicum in the urban environment of Halifax and is in contrast to the adjacent buildings. Visitors can go to the bar inside the library, consult the historical section and enjoy excellent views of the city from the terrace Citadel Hill and the port. 

Parks

  • 10 Halifax Public Gardens, Spring Garden Road and South Park Street. Ecb copyright.svgfree. Simple icon time.svgopen from May to October. A beautiful Victorian-era garden that takes up an entire city block. In the park there are ponds, flowers, ducks and sometimes music under the gazebos. 
  • 11 Point Pleasant Park (Southernmost point of the main peninsula, bus 9). Ecb copyright.svgfree. Simple icon time.svgfrom sunrise to sunset. A large peaceful park that represents a privileged place from which to observe the conjunction between the strait and the Atlantic Ocean. The park contains some military buildings of historical significance such as the Martello Tower 19th century. 
  • 12 York Redoubt (1 hour by bus from the center). Ecb copyright.svgfree. Vast complex of fortifications built from the 1890s to the 1940s. A great activity to do is to explore the tunnels, caves, cliffs, bunkers, paths and harbor views. 
  • 13 Halifax Common, Quinpool and Robie. Large public space open to all. In summer it is popular with both tourists and residents of the area. In the park you can play sports, organize picnics and do physical activity. A skateboard track was permanently installed. 


Events and parties

Interior of the Scotiabank center before a hockey game
  • Busker Festival. If you visit the city in August, it will be possible to attend the performances of many street artists who entertain tourists and residents with their sketches, acrobatics, magic and sleight of hand. Stands selling food and souvenirs are also organized during the festival. 
  • The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Simple icon time.svgEvery year in July. the Tattoo is one of the largest annual indoor events in the world. It is a unique combination of music, dance, shows, military parades, comedies, competitions and other events. 
  • Culinary Tasting tour. Ecb copyright.svg30-60$. Simple icon time.svgJune-October. 
  • 3 Scotiabank center (formerly Halifax Metro Center), ☎ 1 902 451 1221. Sports hall where many sporting events are hosted, such as the Halifax Mooseheads ice hockey matches, but also numerous concerts and shows of various kinds. Scotiabank Centre (Q976408) su Wikidata 


What to do

Theodore Tugboat
Northwest Arm of Halifax Harbor towards sunset, with the Dingle Memorial Tower to the right
  • 1 Seafront. A promenade with a large variety of historic buildings, shops, restaurants and other attractions. Theodore Tugboat, a World War II corvette, and other boats moor at the port. During the summer months, many sea tours depart from here. 
  • Harbor Hopper. Guided tour of Halifax and its port in an amphibious vehicle. The tour is useful for discovering the city and in an hour, which will pass very quickly, it highlights the main points of interest in the city very well. 
  • 2 Boat tour, ☎ 1 902 420 1015. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun May-October. Murphy's the Cable Wharf is located in the heart of Halifax's waterfront and offers a wide variety of guided boat tours including wildlife and whale watching trips, sailing, fishing boat trips to watch offshore fishing and meal cruises on board. 
  • 3 Canoe rides on the Northwest Arm (St. Mary's Boat Club), 1641 Fairfield Road, ☎ 1 902 490-4688. Ecb copyright.svgRent a canoe for $ 8 per hour (2016). Simple icon time.svgSat-Sun 11: 00-19: 00. Hike along the stunning Northwest Arm, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean also called a Sandwich River, to see the historic Dingle tower in Flemming Park, the many sailboats that frequent the area on weekends or even, if you are lucky, take part in a regatta. Although swimming in part of the harbor was once permitted, it is no longer recommended today as polluted water can lead to health risks. 
  • 4 Watching an ice hockey game. Ecb copyright.svgTickets cost $ 8 / $ 15 and are available at the Metro Center box office. Halifax Mooseheads, a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team, plays from October to April in the Scotiabank Center. 
  • 5 Watch a basketball game. Ecb copyright.svgTickets are on sale at the Scotiabank Center box office. Halifax Hurricanes, a city team of the National Basketball League of Canada, plays from November to March in the Scotiabank Center. With many of the players from NBA teams and other teams including both US and Canadian colleges, Halifax Hurricanes is the only professional team in the Nova Scotia. 
  • 6 Alexander Keith Brewery Tour, 1475 Hollis Street. Simple icon time.svgTours every 1 hour and a half in summer, rarer in other seasons. There is a complete list on the site. Guided tour of the Alexander Keith Brewery rebuilt as thought it was in 1863, with actors in period costumes singing and dancing to explain the history of Keith's Brewery to tourists and offering a taste of bubbly and refreshing Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale . If you are a collector of Air MIles, these can be redeemed here for a ticket. 
  • 7 Dartmouth Ferry. Ecb copyright.svg$2,50. The Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry dates back to 1752. For the same cost as a city bus ticket, you can take the boat from Dartmouth for Halifax or vice versa. Be sure to ask for the ticket transfer (valid for 90 minutes), so you can go back with the same ticket. 
  • Outdoor excursions. Halifax has many outdoor excursions, such as scenic urban parks, conservation areas, and trails that line the coast. Some are very well known, others off the beaten path, but both are very interesting and wonderful. 


Shopping

Spring Garden Road, the main shopping street of the city
Seaport Farmers' Market, alongside the cruise ship terminal and the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21

Shopping areas

  • 1 Barrington Street (between Cogswell and Morris). Barrington Street is an up and coming area right in the heart of the Central Business District. Beautiful buildings that blend well with the increasing number of shops, make this street a great place to stroll and, why not, shop. 
  • 2 Brewery Farmers' Market, 1496 Lower Water Street. This is the former site of the Halifax Farmer's Market, relocated to a new building near the seaport at Pier 20. However, some vendors still sell their wares here every Saturday from 7am to 1pm. 
  • 3 Quinpool Road (between Connaught to Robie). Quinpool Road, the main thoroughfare in the center, is lined with streets selling bicycles, tropical fish, clothing and more. 
  • 4 Seaport Farmers' Market, 1209 Marginal Road. Simple icon time.svgMon-Fri 8: 00-17: 00, Sat 7: 00-16: 00, Sun 8: 00-16: 00. This is the new home of the oldest farmer's market in North America. The market moved to this waterfront building in 2011. The stalls are open every day of the year, but the day when most people come here is surely Saturday. Along with local products such as milk, bread, meat, preserves, it is also possible to buy ethnic products such as plants, clothes, works of art and objects of art. Street performers play both inside and outside the building. 
  • 5 Spring Garden Road (between Barrington and Robie). Definitely the main commercial district of the city, with a great variety of shops in buildings from different eras. Spending time here is very pleasant and if you visit Halifax, a stop on Spring Garden Road is a must. 

Shops

  • 6 Black Market Boutique, 1545 Grafton Street, ☎ 1 902 423 5724. Simple icon time.svgMon-Wed 10 am-6pm, Thu-Sat 10 am-7pm, Sun 11 am-6pm. In the boutique you can buy a large variety of accessories, pendants, and other items from all over the world. 
  • 7 Bookmark, 5686 Spring Garden Road, ☎ 1 902 423 0419. Simple icon time.svgMon-Fri 9-22, Sat 9-18, Sun 11-18. The last independent generalist bookshop on the Peninsula. A large selection of books in a small space. 
  • 8 Canook Trading, 1669 Barrington Sreet, ☎ 1 902 420 1297. Simple icon time.svgMon-Wed 10 am-6pm, Thu-Sat 10 am-8pm, Sun 11 am-5pm. Luxury clothes designed and made in Canada. 
  • 9 Dress in Time, 5670 Spring Garden Road. Often called incorrectly Dressed in Time, located in the Garden Road district, sells high quality vintage clothing at a reasonable price. 
  • 10 Fifty Hats, 1086 Queen Street. A modest but interesting collection of used objects with great abundance of hats. 
  • 11 Freak Lunchbox, 1729 Barrington Street, ☎ 1 902 420 9151. Simple icon time.svgSun-Thu 10: 00-23: 00, Fri-Sat 10: 00-24: 00. Summer opening at 9:00 (excluding Sun). Quirky and unique shop with a multitude of candies (sold by weight) and unique and hilarious trinkets. 
  • 12 Mary Jane's Smoke Shop, 1549 Grafton Street, ☎ 1 902 492 8653. Simple icon time.svgMon-Wed and Sat 10: 00-20: 00, Thu-Fri 10: 00-21: 00, Sun 12: 00-18: 00. Small shop in cimam on Grafton Street. 
  • 13 Rock Candy, 5189 Prince Street. A shop for items related to music (especially pop and rock) such as t-shirts, stickers, pins and much more. 
  • 14 Strange Adventures, 5110 Prince Street, ☎ 1 902 425 2140. Simple icon time.svgMon-Tue and Thu-Fri 10: 00-18: 00, Wed 10: 00-20: 00, Sat 10: 00-17: 00, Sun 12: 00-16: 00. Iconic and quirky shop selling comics, toys, board games and more. 
  • 15 Sugah!, Lower Water Street. Chocolate shop selling irresistible treats. 


How to have fun

Granville Street

There are numerous bars, pubs and other clubs scattered around the city center. Of notable interest are those on Granville Street.

The sale of alcoholic beverages for private use is regulated by the provincial monopoly called NSLC (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation). Stores can be both independent and within shopping malls and grocery stores. The range of products available is surprisingly wide, but also quite expensive: a pack of 12 beers costs between $ 17 and $ 20 and a pint of rum or vodka around $ 12-14. Prices include taxes and returnable. Most shops close at 10pm Monday to Saturday and 5pm on Sundays. The shops are closed on public holidays. An exception is the drive-through shop near the up end Dartmouth of the MacDonald Bridge; this is often open on holidays. but only for the drive-through service. Small wineries and breweries are allowed to sell what they produce.

Shows

  • 1 The Neptune Theater, 1593 Argyle Street, ☎ 1 902 429 7070. Recently restored, the Neptune Theater is a city institution and also the best place for fans of dramatic art. 

Pub

Until a few decades ago, the old British laws governing places serving alcoholic beverages were in effect in Halifax. For example, if a venue served spirits then it also had to have live music and / or entertainment, if it served draft beer then it also had to serve food. Even though these laws are no longer in force, they have greatly influenced the places in the city where you can find great live entertainment and enjoy great food. Traditional music venues often organize evenings open mic where anyone who wants can sing or play a song.

  • 2 The Argyle, 1575 Argyle Street, ☎ 1 902 492 8844. 
  • 3 Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs, 1269 Barrington Street. Great live music. 
  • 4 East of Grafton, 1580 Argyle St, ☎ 1 902 428 5680. Tavern with pub prices. 
  • 5 The Foggy Goggle, 1667 Argyle Street, ☎ 1 902 444 1414. Simple icon time.svgMon-Thu 11: 30-24: 00, Fri 11: 30-02: 00, Sat 12: 00-02: 00, Sun 12: 00-24: 00. Relaxed venue serving local and international beers. Bluegrass night every Wednesday, they don't play "covers". 
  • 6 Gus's Pub, 2605 Agricola Street (North End). A venue that allows you to watch hockey games, with cheap beers and an interesting selection of live music shows. 
  • 7 The Halifax Alehouse, 1717 Brunswick Street, ☎ 1 902 423 6113. Traditional and popular pub with live music from midnight. 
  • 8 The Henry House, 1222 Barrington Street. Formerly known as Granite Brewery. It offers a wide selection of beers produced by local breweries. Good food in an English style pub. 
  • 9 The Lower Deck, 1887 Upper Water Street (in the waterfront Historic Properties). Great live music (non-traditional folk) most nights from 9pm. Wonderful interior. 
  • 10 Maxwell's Plum English Pub, 1600 Grafton Street, ☎ 1 902 423 5090. Excellent food and six types of imported beers, voted "Best Beer Selection" for more than 4 years. 
  • 11 The Old Triangle, 5136 Prince Street. A series of three pubs connected by stairs. Live music shows are often offered on the top floor from 8pm. The style of the music tends to that of traditional Irish / Scottish ballads. 
  • 12 The Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen Street, ☎ 1 902 423 7200. Halifax's oldest extant inn. 
  • 13 The Split Crow, 1855 Granville Street, ☎ 1 902 422 4366. Simple icon time.svgSun-Wed 11: 00-00: 30, Thu-Sat 11: 00-1: 00. Long-standing pub with weekend shows and well-priced food. Power Hour draws crowds for cheap drinks. 
  • 14 Your Father's Mustache, 5686 Spring Garden Road, ☎ 1 902 423 6766. Simple icon time.svgSun-Wed 10: 00-24: 00, Thu-Sat 10: 00-1: 00. Great atmosphere and good value for money. 
  • Lower Deck Pub. One of the most renowned restaurants in Halifax with live music every night. 

Night clubs

  • 15 Dome / Cheers, Grafton Street. Also known as Dirty Dome. Two different buildings connected to each other. Customers pay for access to one and can access both. Cheers has a bar atmosphere with live music. The Dome is a nightclub with a large dance floor, famous for cheap drinks but also for fighting. Student night is held on Wednesdays with a discount on admission if you show a student card. 
  • 16 Pacific, 1505 Barrington Street (Enter from Salter St on Graville Street), ☎ 1 902 422 3633. Simple icon time.svgFri-Sat 21: 00-2: 00. An exclusive place that attracts a varied clientele. 
  • 17 Reflections Cabaret, 5184 Sackville Street, ☎ 1 902 422 2957. Simple icon time.svgMon, Thu-Sat 22: 00-3: 30. A very busy club especially in the LGBT community. The busiest evening is certainly Saturday when the entrance price reaches double digits. Electronic, techno and house music depending on the evening. 


Where to eat

Sea fish is generally not that much cheaper in the Atlantic provinces than in the rest of the country. However, many Halifax restaurants specialize in seafood dishes. However, mussels are very convenient: generally of good quality, cheap and very popular. Another seafood worth trying are scallops, generally of a considerably higher quality than in the rest of theNorth America (a good scallop is about the size of a golf ball). The "Sea pie" fish pie when available is a great choice, as are the famous fish and chips or fish soup. Eating a lobster in a restaurant is quite expensive, an alternative is, if you have the possibility, to buy it and cook it at home or participate in one of the many lobster dinners organized by various associations during the warmer months. Lobsters can be bought for a good price at the fish markets or directly from the fishermen.

Dishes originating from the Nova Scotia available in Halifax are: Halifax donair, somewhat similar to doner kebab. It is made with finely chopped beef meatloaf and sweet sauce made from condensed milk and garnished with diced tomatoes and onions. Other specialties include thehodge podge (creamy soup made from fresh vegetables, rarely served in restaurants); blueberry grunt (made with baked blueberries and served with a pasta garnish); is deep fried pepperoni (a bar snack, often dipped in a mustard-honey sauce). The restaurants also offer the donair pizza with all the ingredients of Halifax donair served on a pizza. Also, you can find the donair meat in sausages, le donair egg rolls (egg roll filled with donair meat); the donair pogos (donair meat on a stick, kneaded and fried); the donair trousers and panzerotti; the donair poutine (an Atlantic adaptation of the traditional dish of Quebec). It is customary for pub and bar goers to go to pizzerias to eat something right after the nightclubs close on Fridays and Sundays.

THE Garlic fingers they are a typical dish of Atlantic Canada similar in shape and size to pizza and made with the same dough. In place of the traditional tomato sauce, the dough is coated with garlic butter, parsley and cheese and cooked until the cheese is melted. Sometimes bacon is also added. THE Garlic fingers they are served in thin slices (fingers, in fact) unlike traditional triangular slices.

Moderate prices

Many of the inexpensive restaurants in town are located along Spring Garden road. Numerous pubs also serve great food.

  • 1 Trident Booksellers & Cafe Halifax, 1256 Hollis Street, ☎ 1 902 423 7100. Simple icon time.svgMon-Fri 8: 00-17: 00, Sat 8: 30-17: 00. Bookshop-cafeteria with numerous books: you can simply take one and browse it while having a coffee or eat something and then buy it or put it back before going out. The beans are store roasted twice a week. 
  • 2 Steve-O-Reno's, 1536 Brunswick Street (just off Spring Garden Road, Brunswick), ☎ 1 902 429 3034. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun until 6pm. Offers baked goods, coffee and tea. It is recommended to arrive here before 1pm and order an 'Egg-O-Reno' breakfast sandwich. 
  • 3 The Ardmore Tea Room, 6499 Quinpool Road. Simple icon time.svg4:00-20:00. Unaltered since 1956 and often voted best budget restaurant diner by Halifax. Tra le specialità del locale, ci sono i piatti della cucina atlantica come la bistecca "Newfoundland Steak" (conosciuta anche come fried baloney), e il merluzzo con fagioli stufati per colazione. 
  • Pizza Corner 3 differenti pizzerie si trovano all'angolo tra Blowers e Grafton. Buoni ed economici la pizza e i donairs. Tuttavia, in questa zona può scoppiare nell'anarchia quando i bar chiudono e i ristoranti spesso chiudono i loro bagni, anche per i clienti. Se siete alla ricerca di una pizza più autentica provate Göttingen o Agricola a Little Italy.
  • 4 Hala's Pizza and Donair, 117 Kearney Lake Road (Wedgewood Plaza), ☎ 1 902 455 5300. Simple icon time.svgLun-Gio 11:00-22:00, Ven 11:00-23:00, Sab 16:00-22:00, Dom 16:00-21:00. Pizzeria affascinante e accogliente nota per i piatti fatti in casa. 
  • 5 The Coastal Café, 2731 Robie Street (North End Halifax), ☎ 1 902 405 4022. Lo chef e proprietario Mark Giffin prepara colazioni incredibili, pranzi e prodotti da forno. Ampia selezione di caffè, te e altre bevande non alcoliche. 
  • 6 Comfy Corner Café, 1313 Hollis Street. Buone colazioni in stile casalingo, personale gentile e ottima atmosfera. 
  • 7 Kings Palace, 6140 Quinpool Road. Cibo cinese. 
  • 8 Mexico Lindo, 3635 Dutch Village Road. Autentico cibo messicano. 
  • 9 Shiraz, 1240 Hollis Street, ☎ 1 902 404 3300. Simple icon time.svgLun-Dom 11:00-21:00. Un piccolo ristorante allestito in una vecchia stazione di taxi. Autentica cucina iraniana ottima e ad un prezzo accessibile. Famosi per la loro salsa calda, assolutamente da provare con un samosa! 
  • 10 Jincheng Chinese Cuisine, 1569 Dresden Row, ☎ 1 902 431 8588. Ecb copyright.svg11-20$. Simple icon time.svgMar-Dom 11:30-14:00 e 16:30-21:00. Noto ristorante cinese. 

Average prices

  • 11 Ko-Doraku Sushi, ☎ 1 902 425 8888. In un piccolo vicolo su Dresden Row. Tra i miglior sushi in città con un'atmosfera incantevole. 
  • 12 Fireside Kitchen, 3430 Prescott Street, ☎ 1 902 454 7389. Le pietanze hanno prezzi ragionevoli, l'ambiente è accogliente e ogni piatto sul menu è buono. Il prezzo dei cocktail è scontato il lunedi durante il "Martini Monday". 
  • 13 Economy Shoe Shop, 1661-1663 Argyle Street. Dietro il bizzarro nome si nasconde un complesso con lampadari e lussureggianti giardini interni. Ricco menù. Da provare la Jazz night (di solito il lunedi) e i Nachos. 
  • 14 Elements, 1181 Hollis Street, ☎ 1 902 421 1000. Situato all'interno dell'albergo Westin Nova Scotian, Elements è il vincitore del Wine Spectator 2010 Award of Excellence e propone ottimi piatti di cucina moderna. Da provare sono i menu stagionali con prodotti freschi e locali. 
  • 15 The Wooden Monkey, 1707 Grafton Street, ☎ 1 902 444 3844. Simple icon time.svgDom-Gio 11:30-22:00, Ven-Sab 11:30-23:00. Ristorante vegano e vegetariano con piatti a base di prodotti locali, biologici e macrobiotici. Sono disponibili anche menu per i bambini. 
  • 16 Salty's, 1869 Upper Water Street (Privateers Wharf), ☎ 1 902 423 6818. Ristorante di pesce sul lungomare. Può essere molto affollato soprattutto d'estate, è consigliabile prenotare. 
  • 17 Heartwood Bakery & Cafe, 6250 Quinpool Road. Simple icon time.svgLun-Sab 10:00-20:00. Ottimo cibo vegetariano e biologico. Menu a pranzo e cena con zuppe, insalate, antipasti e dessert. 
  • 18 Coburg Cafe, 6085 Coburg Road (near Dalhousie University). Studenti si ritrovano qua per studiare in gruppo o semplicemente per fare quattro chiacchiere. Da provare sono la cioccolata calda e la torta di carote. 

High prices

  • 19 Chives Canadian Bistro, 1537 Barrington Street, ☎ 1 902 420 9626. Simple icon time.svg17:00-21:30. Ristorante moderno con un menu che varia di giorno in giorno proponendo solo prodotti locali e di stagione. 
  • 20 Da Maurizio's, 1496 Lower Water Street, ☎ 1 902 423 0859. Ristorante italiano con fama mondiale situato nel Brewery Market. 
  • 21 Five Fishermen, 1740 Argyle Street, ☎ 1 902 422 4421. Simple icon time.svgGrill: Lun-Ven 11:30-21:00, Sab-Dom 16:00-21:00; Ristorante: Lun-Dom 17:00-21:00. Aragoste, capesante e altri piatti a base di pesce. 
  • 22 Onyx, 1580 Argyle Street, ☎ 1 902 428 5680. Simple icon time.svgLun-Gio 16:30-23:00, Ven-Sab 16:30-1:00. Ristorante con influenze asiatiche e francesi. 


Where stay

Moderate prices

  • 1 Halifax Backpacker's Hostel, 2193 Gottingen Street, ☎ 1 902 431 3170, ☎ 1-888 431 3170, @. Ecb copyright.svg20$ letto in dormitorio, 57,50$ camera privata, 80$ camera famigliare. Facilmente raggiungibile in treno o in autobus, questa struttura offre camere a partire da $ 20. Servizi: internet e noleggio asciugamani. Situato un po' lontano dalla zona del "centro". Il bar della struttura serve dell'ottimo cibo. 
  • 2 Halifax Heritage House Hostel (HI-Halifax), 1253 Barrington Street, ☎ 1 902 422 3863, fax: 1 902 422 0116. Ecb copyright.svgLetto in dormitorio a 30$ per i membri, 35$ ai non associati, camere: $57-68. Check in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Nel cuore della città, questo ostello offre connessione internet Wi-Fi e una cucina. Facilmente raggiungibile in bus, metro e treno. 
  • Dalhousie University Dorm Rooms, ☎ 1 902 494 8840, ☎ 1-888-271-9222. Ecb copyright.svgsingole 48,50$ a notte, 290$ a settimana, doppie: 75$ a notte, 448$ a settimana. Alloggi in dormitorio e in stanze in stile appartamento da fine maggio a fine agosto. Disponibilità limitata (1-2 stanze a Howe Hall) durante l'anno scolastico. Le camere doppie contengono due letti singoli. I bagni sono in comune. Internet ad alta velocità. 
  • 3 Gerard Hall, 5303 Morris Street. Da inizio maggio a fine agosto. 
  • 4 Howe Hall, 6230 Coburg Road. Da fine luglio a fine agosto. 
  • 5 Shirreff Hall, 6385 South Street. Da inizio maggio a fine luglio. 
  • 6 Risley Hall, 1233 Le Marchant Street. Luglio e agosto, solo stanze singole. 

Average prices

  • 8 Coastal Inn, 98 Chain Lake Drive (nel Bayers Lake Business Park), ☎ 1 902 450 3020, ☎ 1 855 603 8999. Ecb copyright.svgStanze da 100$ inclusa la colazione e internet.. L'hotel è anche dotato di una piccola palestra e una piscina coperta. 
  • 9 The Garden South Park Inn, 1263 South Park Street, ☎ 1 902 492 8577, ☎ 1 877 414 8577. Ecb copyright.svgCamere da 99$, il prezzo varia con la stagione. Questa locanda si trova nel cuore del centro di Halifax. La struttura è dotata di 23 camere con aria condizionata e bagno privato. Lo staff è cordiale e disponibile a consigliare cosa visitare nelle vicinanze. 
  • 10 Waverley Inn, 1266 Barrington Street, ☎ 1 902 423 9346, ☎ 1 800 565 9346. Ecb copyright.svgCamere da 109$. In un unico edificio del XIX secolo ricco di oggetti d'antiquariato. 
  • 11 Four Points by Sheraton, 1496 Hollis Street. Ecb copyright.svgda 150$. Albergo situato nel centro della città e a poca distanza da tutte le principali attrazioni, con connessione internet WiFi. 

High prices


Safety

Halifax è una città generalmente sicura, ma bisogna prestare attenzione quando si cammina in alcune aree della città di notte. Il North End, inclusa l'area di Gottingen Street, è relativamente sicura per gli standard internazionali, ma ha una pessima fama localmente. Nella maggior parte il buon senso è sufficiente.

Gli attraversamenti pedonali, molto diffusi per la città, sono per lo più rispettati dagli autisti.

In inverno i rapidi cambi del meteo possono causare ghiaccio e lastre di ghiaccio sulle strade. Questa condizione è pericolosa soprattutto nelle zone collinari in città. In queste situazioni è ovviamente consigliabile guidare con prudenza.

How to keep in touch

Internet

Le sedi di McDonalds e Starbucks in Spring Garden road offrono ai propri clienti una connessione internet WiFi gratuita. La biblioteca "Dalhousie University Killam Library" ha inoltre dei computer per il pubblico con accesso a internet.

Keep informed

  • "Where Halifax" - Una pubblicazione gratuita mensile, reperibile anche presso gli alberghi, che informa sugli eventi, oltre a contenere liste di pub, ristoranti e locali notturni.
  • The Coast - Un settimanale anch'esso gratuito che informa dettagliatamente sugli avvenimenti mondani di Halifax.


Around

Il villaggio di Peggy's Cove
  • St. Margaret's Bay - Baia a circa mezz'ora della città, grande un po' come il porto, ma senza la città ed è piena di isole e piccole città. Nella sua estremità nord-occidentale ci sono bellissime spiagge come Queensland, Cleveland, Black Point subito prima della città di Hubbards. Probabilmente la principale destinazione qua è Peggy's Cove
  • Peggy's Cove - La più classica delle escursioni da Halifax si compie in direzione di questo villaggio di pescatori su un tratto di costa particolarmente seducente e tra paesaggi tormentati. Non è possibile tuffarsi nelle acque circostanti per via di pericolose correnti e delle onde impetuose che si infrangono a riva. In compenso esistono numerosi ristoranti e negozi di souvenir. Peggy's Cove si trova a 44km ad ovest di Halifax nella penisoletta di Chebucto.
  • Lunenburg - Proseguendo oltre Peggy's Cove e sempre lungo la cosiddetta "Lighthouse Road" che segue l'addentellata costa sud-occidentale e superata Chester, si incontra Lunenburg, un villaggio inserito nella lista dei Patrimoni Mondiali dell'Umanità.
  • Con qualche ora di automobile si possono raggiungere anche altre città ricche di storia come Mahone Bay is Wolfville. Anche guidare lungo la strada costiera "Highway 3" è un'attrazione dato che si possono ammirare stupendi paesaggi. Da consigliare soprattutto nei mesi estivi.

Useful information


Strade che passano per Halifax
Moncton ← Truro ← OR VIA Rail Ocean icon.png E → FINE
Truro ← Bedford ← N Nova Scotia 102.svg S → FINE
Yarmouth ← Hubley ← OR Nova Scotia 103.svg E → FINE
FINE ← OR Nova Scotia 111.svg E → Dartmouth → FINE
Truro ← Bedford ← N Nova Scotia 2.svg S → FINE
Yarmouth ← Hubley ← Jct WNova Scotia Route 333.svg ← OR Nova Scotia 3.svg E → FINE

Other projects

  • Collaborate on WikipediaWikipedia contains an entry concerning Halifax (Canada)
  • Collaborate on CommonsCommons contains images or other files on Halifax (Canada)
3-4 star.svgGuide : the article respects the characteristics of a usable article but in addition it contains a lot of information and allows a visit to the city without problems. The article contains an adequate number of images, a fair number of listings. There are no style errors.