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It comes as no surprise that Halifax enjoys great popularity, with its fresh sea air, luscious green parks and a lively art and cultural scene which charms visitors time and time again. The capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax has a rich maritime history due to its harbour location, and nowadays is a modern and bustling seaport and the economic as well as cultural hub of Eastern Canada. Its streets are lined with historical buildings, first-class restaurants and lively bars, which come night time attract locals to enjoy its live music scene.

Additional Information

Halifax is the provincial and regional hub of Nova Scotia. It is, however, a small city by North American standards (2016 pop. 425,900). Rather than feeling relegated to 'second-fiddle' status, this dichotomy is celebrated by residents who take pride in their slower pace and warm hospitality.

History

The area around Halifax has been inhabited by native Mi'kmaq for millennia. Modern Halifax was founded on June 21, 1749 as a British military outpost. Easily defended and featuring the world's second largest natural harbour, Halifax proved its worth during the Seven Years' War against the French and later in the American Revolutionary War, and as the base grew in size and importance, a significant population of merchants and other civilians sprung up in its wake.

On December 6, 1917, the collision of a munitions ship loaded with 2,500 tons of explosives resulted in the Halifax Explosion, which killed over 2,000 people and levelled the northern half of the city.

The city was quickly rebuilt, and during World War II Halifax was busier than ever, with British supply convoys assembling to start their perilous journey across the Atlantic as German U-boats lurked offshore. After the war, over a million immigrants to Canada passed through Halifax.

Orientation

The city of Halifax is on Halifax Peninsula, on the west side of the harbour, with Dartmouth to the east. The main landmark is the Halifax Citadel, on a high hill above the city, and it divides the city into three districts: the South End, representing the older, wealthier urban core south of the Citadel; the North End, the grittier northern suburbs destroyed by the Explosion; and the largely residential West End. The downtown core is sandwiched between the Citadel and the sea, making navigation a snap. Inhabitants of the city are known as Haligonians.

Climate

Extreme cold or hot temperatures are rare, as Halifax is located next to the ocean. Also the Gulf Stream helps making the winters milder. Typical for an oceanic climate at these latitudes, there will be a lot of rain or snow throughout the year. Summer and early autumn are weather-wise the best seasons to visit the city. In the autumn months hurricanes affecting the North American east coast may occasionally move all the way up to Halifax.

Visitor information

© Sourced from Wikivoyage

Colourful Lunenburg is a must see when visiting Canada’s Nova Scotia Coastline - its preserved colonial architecture even earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Wander through the streets filled with brightly coloured buildings and original shopfronts and take a stroll along the waterfront where the town’s fishing heritage is still very much alive. As well as its interesting history and pretty harbour, Lunenburg is home to a micro-distillery, hip cafes and some world-class restaurants, all in all making for an excellent seaside trip.