Halifax-any special reason to go there?
 

Can anyone tell me what Halifax has to offer, are there any special attractions or must see tourist spots? The only thing I know about it is that my Scottish ancestors either took off for Nova Scotia or New Zealand at around the same time. Thanks in advance. It would be early june so what would the weather be like, would it still be cold at night?

Halifax has lots to offer in terms of history from its buildings to the fortress on top of Citadel Hill. Although the major centre for the province of Nova Scotia, it still holds a small town feel. However, Scottish history is alive and well in other parts of the Province where I would recommend you travel. The Town of Pictou hosts the "Ship Hector" a replica of the ship that brought the first settlers to NS. The Town of Pictou also has the Hector Festival with a live rendition of the landing of the settlers. Outside of Pictou in Loch Broom is the Log Church which is located on the lands first settled by the Scottish. Antigonish, Cape Breton all have strong roots to the original Scots that landed here.

You should include a stop in Halifax for its museums which might give you some connections to your own family history. I'd suggest the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Dartmouth Heritage Museum, and the Citadel for the area's military history. Halifax is a lovely city, urban with a small town feel... LOL, people actually still make eye contact there and will stop to offer assistance if they see you looking at a map.

I forgot to mention, you can search for your ancestors at the Hector Centre. See attached link.

http://www.rootsweb.com/~nspcghs/genealogy_xl.pdf

One great thing about Halifax is that it is NOT (really) on the way to anywhere, so it isn't overrun by society.

I believe it has 5 universities or something, and "Spring Garden Road" is a happening college area.

If you're in Halifax for a couple/few days, a lunch out at Peggy's Cove is a good little day trip. If you're lucky, you can see gorgeous Atlantic ocean scenery there, OR you can be stymied by the PEA SOUP fog.

Halifax is just the right sized city to be the centerpiece for all of the natural wonders of Nova Scotia, and the one-way drives to much of the province aren't THAT outlandish from Halifax (with some exceptions, of course).

Early June... as far as weather, well, don't plan every moment of every day... without margin for error... because FOG will set in and render one (or two) of your days rather pointless.

The days are very long in early June, and that will help you in getting around.

With that said, IF you told me you were planning on getting to/near some of Nova Scotia's natural wonders (Cape Breton, Cabot Trail, Bay of Fundy, etc.) and not get to Halifax, I would not feel that you were going to make a terrible decision.

Halifax is a nice place, and I like the little ferry boat ride that goes across the bay to Dartmouth, and the waterfront area is enjoyable.

I'd still say that under some circumstances, it would be OK to miss Halifax even if in the general area.

Halifax is one of my favourite Canadian cities; I only went there funny enough due to my love for trains and there's one direct out there from Montreal where I live. I'm glad I went! It's got some lovely parks and gardens, a distinct architectural style and a vibrant walkable historic (by North American standards) central core.

For me highlights included Point Pleasant Park, the Citadel, the Victorian Gardens, the Historic Downtown, day trips to Peggy's Cove, Lunenberg and Chester and admiring the colourfully-painted homes.

I agree with the above posts. I'm a train buff so my reason for going was to ride ViaRail's Ocean from Montreal to Halifax and back. It is not a town I would have flown out to visit but I had a good time and did enjoy visits to many of the sites previously mentioned.

I went in August so I can't help with what weather to expect in June.

Halifax is wonderful, warm in both temperature and ambiance of friendly folk.The food is getting really sophisticated, in part because of the 5 universities that are part of the community. I would be much less concerned abou the fog than Northwest male seesms to be. Early June s not an especially foggy time.

If you go, you should take a side-trip to Peggys Cove-Mahone Bay-Chester-Lunenburg. The whole lot are within an hours drive down the South Shore and Lunenburg is a world heritage site.

Thanks everyone for your very helpful comments. Also for the family history advice.

I know Peggy.s Cove is a small lovely little town but is there an "it" place for lunch. B "it" I don't mean expensive I mean quaint and delicious?

First to Reeder: I've never lunched in Peggy's Cove, although I remember at least one large restaurant near the lighthouse. Understand that Peggy's Cove is not really a "town" - it's a very small village. I think of it as an essential "scenic stop" - the tiny cove itself is ringed with wooden buildings and colourful fishing vessels, and the shoreline of the bordering open ocean is composed of exposed granite bedrock with the waves crashing against it - very dramatic. But personally I would consider a lunch stop in another town along the coast - e.g. Mahone Bay or Lunenburg, after (or before) an hour or so taking photos in Peggy's Cove.

Re: Halifax - I agree it is a lovely small city, a very vibrant waterfront area (Halifax Harbour) - in addition to some of the museums mentioned, it has lots of shops and restaurants bordering the water, plus many pubs offering live entertainment. Search other posts here for details on other spots in Nova Scotia to visit while you're there - its a beautiful province with a variety of scenic and other attractions spread around. If you're coming far to get to Halifax, you'll want to see more than just this city. Cape Breton National Park is one of my favourites and the "Cabot Trail" drive through the park is famous as one of the most scenic in North America. The Lighthouse Route along the southeast shore is also popular - quaint fishing villages, artsy little towns, secluded beaches and of course - many lighthouses.

Everyone planning a visit to Nova Scotia should first get a copy of the Doers and Dreamers Guide published by the Government Tourism people - you can find the site online. It describes just about everthing in the province, and lists details of pretty well every accommodation also.

My suggestion would be to "hit" Peggy's Cove earlier in the day than lunch time and then tour down to Chester/Chester Basin, on the Lighthouse Route (slower road along the waters edge for much of the trip) go to Mahone Bay for lunch (the Biscuit Eater is very special) and then on to Lunenberg and back via the highway. Lunenburg is only 55 minutes from home base in Halifax.

Halifax is worthy of your time...skip Peggy's Cove unless you will not have a chance to see rocks and the ocean elsewhere. Definitely visit Lunenburg and Mahone Bay.
If you travel anywhere near the Bay of Fundy, stay at the Baker's Chest Tearoom and B&B in Truro..a wonderful experience!