Making the most of a few hours in Halifax
Aug 16th, 2004, 11:42 AM
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Making the most of a few hours in Halifax
In a few weeks, my partner and I will be flying in to Halifax at around 4:30 p.m. on a Thursday. By the time we collect our luggage, get a taxi or hotel shuttle downtown, and check in to the Westin, it'll probably be around 6 p.m. We're due to leave town at about 11 a.m. the next day to begin our Cape Breton vacation.
I realize we're doing Halifax a grave injustice by spending only 17 hours there, but Cape Breton is our priority. Still, in the short time available to us, we'd love to get some feel for the city.
If it were you, once you'd checked in, where would you head (by foot or cab) to find a nice midprice meal, good views of the city, or a sense of its personality? (History, seafood, and Celtic music are pluses in my book.) Thanks!
I realize we're doing Halifax a grave injustice by spending only 17 hours there, but Cape Breton is our priority. Still, in the short time available to us, we'd love to get some feel for the city.
If it were you, once you'd checked in, where would you head (by foot or cab) to find a nice midprice meal, good views of the city, or a sense of its personality? (History, seafood, and Celtic music are pluses in my book.) Thanks!
Aug 16th, 2004, 03:07 PM
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Go down to the Historic Properties area along the waterfront, read the menus on display at the restaurants, check out the shops, and pick the restaurant that most appeals.
The next morning you might like to visit the maritime museum, which is in the same Historic properties area, or walk up to Citadel Hill, or, the third choice but not necessarily in thrid place, is to just take the ferry boat across the harbor to Dartmouth, and back again.
BAK
The next morning you might like to visit the maritime museum, which is in the same Historic properties area, or walk up to Citadel Hill, or, the third choice but not necessarily in thrid place, is to just take the ferry boat across the harbor to Dartmouth, and back again.
BAK
Aug 17th, 2004, 04:49 PM
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Chris, you mentioned taking a taxi or a hotel shuttle in from the airport. If you look at the Halifax airport website (www.hiaa.ca) you can find some information on ground transportation. (It's under the "traveller information" button.) A taxi to the downtown area is $41 Cdn. There is also a less expensive bus service (the schedule is posted on the same web site), but the buses can be up to an hour apart. That can be a very long wait if you just miss one.
I am not sure whether any of the Halifax hotels run their own shuttle. I'm sure the Westin staff would be able to tell you.
Anselm
Anselm
I am not sure whether any of the Halifax hotels run their own shuttle. I'm sure the Westin staff would be able to tell you.
Anselm
Anselm
Aug 18th, 2004, 09:17 AM
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Many thanks, all, for the advice, which I shall follow up on.
Anselm, special thanks from a fellow Dorothy Dunnett aficionado. I heard Dame Dorothy give a talk a few years back when the last of the Niccolo books was released. It was shortly before she died. She was an amazing person!
Anselm, special thanks from a fellow Dorothy Dunnett aficionado. I heard Dame Dorothy give a talk a few years back when the last of the Niccolo books was released. It was shortly before she died. She was an amazing person!
Aug 18th, 2004, 12:51 PM
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Chris, my wife told me someone would eventually recognize it when I chose this name! You're right, I'm a Dorothy Dunnett fan. You are so fortunate to have heard her speak.
Last year we visited Bruges. I felt I was walking right through the Niccolo series--there are so many things that are exactly as she describes in the books. We found the White Bear "in its tall hooded niche on the corner" of the Poortersloge and, of course, the Jerusalemkirk, where Anslem Adorne and his wife, Margriet van der Banck, are buried.
Someday I'll have to visit Scotland to see other places mentioned in her books.
By the way, I asked my daughter today where one could hear Celtic music in Halifax. She says the Old Triangle, an Irish pub at the corner of Prince and Bedford Row, is the best bet. I'm not sure whether they have live music every night, but it is just in off the waterfront if you stroll down that way in the evening.
Have a great visit. As other posters have noted, Cape Breton is spectacular.
Anselm
Last year we visited Bruges. I felt I was walking right through the Niccolo series--there are so many things that are exactly as she describes in the books. We found the White Bear "in its tall hooded niche on the corner" of the Poortersloge and, of course, the Jerusalemkirk, where Anslem Adorne and his wife, Margriet van der Banck, are buried.
Someday I'll have to visit Scotland to see other places mentioned in her books.
By the way, I asked my daughter today where one could hear Celtic music in Halifax. She says the Old Triangle, an Irish pub at the corner of Prince and Bedford Row, is the best bet. I'm not sure whether they have live music every night, but it is just in off the waterfront if you stroll down that way in the evening.
Have a great visit. As other posters have noted, Cape Breton is spectacular.
Anselm
Aug 20th, 2004, 09:58 AM
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For a true Maritime experience head to the Lower Deck Pub ( met my husband here ! ), which is right by the Casino Hotel. They have an outdoor deck, and at night it's packed to the rafters with great people and music. Also might want to try the The Split Crow Pub, Peddlers Pub, and the Fife and Drum which is in the Casino Hotel lobby. Enjoy !
