Cruises from Halifax

The vibrant city of Halifax lies on a peninsula that stretches alongside the Atlantic Provinces of Canada. It is the capital city of Nova Scotia and is regarded as one of the world’s best natural harbours. The city also takes pride in its rich maritime history. Today, Halifax has grown to be the economic and cultural nerve-centre of Eastern Canada. Besides admiring the waterfront, there is a host of activities that travellers can engage in while they are there.

The city is accessible through the Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport, which is located 35km to the north. There are direct flights to and from Toronto, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Calgary and Boston, among others. The history of the city can be traced back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was the gateway for European immigration to Canada. However, the native inhabitants of the area, the Mi`kmaq, had been living in the area for hundreds of years before. The modern city of Halifax came into existence in 1749, when the British established a military outpost there. The undulating hills of this coastal city rise up to the Halifax Citadel, which is a star-shaped fortress that provides a breathtaking view of the city’s coastline

Of particular interest is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum. There are displays of various artefacts, such as images and charts of the Royal Canadian Navy and details of local shipwrecks through the past century. There is also the Pier 21 National Historic Site or Canada’s Immigration Museum, which depicts true stories of the 1.5million immigrants who passed through Canada’s borders in the last century. The immigrants’ various trials and tribulations, including displacement, evacuee children and the plight of war brides are poignantly showcased there. You can also visit nearby Peggy’s Cove, where the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial and the world’s most photographed lighthouse, the Resident Lighthouse, are located. A trip to Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery is also recommended. At the brewery, an interactive tour will take you on a retroactive journey into the world of beer and brewery.

Halifax is a city that has numerous events and festivals every year. Most travellers will get to see parties, parades, concerts or displays of amazing fireworks. The Nova Scotia International Tattoo Festival, which is held in July every year, is a major festival that attracts people from all corners of Canada. Among the other notable events that take place annually are the Atlantic Jazz Festival in July; the Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival, also in July; the Annual Halifax International Buskers Festival in August; the Maritime Fall Fair in October and the Annual Port of Wines Festival in November.

There are also many outdoor activities that you can indulge in while you are in Halifax. Kayaking or rafting in the glittering waters of the Atlantic or taking walking tours are just two that will keep you busy when you are vacationing in this bustling city.