From the moment our train was approaching Halifax, I knew that I would be in for a treat in terms of natural beauty. From Grand Lake to the Bedford Basin, I just kept saying "Wow..wow..." (my friend mocked my sentimentality) in almost disbelief at the beauty of the water and the shores approaching the city.

Taking a cab to our B&B at Oxford & Quinpool, I was very impressed with all the gorgeous homes we passed. The predominance of wood...shingled, wooden, well-kept, gaily-painted homes (from ochre to every shade of blue to purple to red, even fuschia), this city has a look in North America like no other I've been to.

I loved the vibrant, compact nature of the city. The number of recommended restaurants seemed limitless (I enjoyed Satisfaction Feast; tasty, healthy, flavourful vegetarian fare...Salty's I enjoyed for seafood.) Spring Garden Road was hip; I couldn't believe how talented some of the buskers were! The area near the waterfront was just replete with beautiful, historic homes, cemetaries, shops and churches...again, I can't think of another North American city other than perhaps Quebec that is this well-preserved. All this with the Halifax Harbour as backdrop...I must say I find H'fax one of the most attractive cities I've ever seen.

Point Pleasant Park was super, with former fortification ruins in a pleasantly wooded park, with views of the Northwest Arm and Halifax Harbour and the opposite relatively unspoilt shores again made me think Halifax was one of the most beautiful cities I'd ever been to.

Touring the Citadel, there was a very ear-pleasing bagpipe/drum performance and a 21-gun salute in honour of Queen Victoria (it was Victoria Day). A very good exhibit on the history of Halifax was here and the guided tour was informative and humourously presented (no extra charge after admission). After we went to the Halifax Public Gardens; I enjoyed the relaxed pace with people sitting out on park benches admiring all the tulips, daffodils and lakes. The ambience seemed very European. A small but thoroughly delightful city garden; I was very impressed.

Other than a mediocre buffet at the tacky Casino Nova Scotia my friend dragged me to (I'm not big on casinos anyway; some might enjoy this), I have nothing negative to say about the city. I got around on public transportation and foot exclusively, which is my preferred way of travelling. I was thoroughly charmed and look forward to a repeat visit. I will write about my day excursion to Peggy's Cove, Chester and Lunenburg in another trip report.