Halifax

An Atlantic port city with a waterfront boardwalk, the graves of Titanic victims and the Peggy's Cove lighthouse — a base for feasting on lobster and exploring Lunenburg and the Bay of Fundy.

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest port city on Canada's Atlantic coast. It sits on the western shore of a natural deep-water harbour, facing Dartmouth across the water, and was founded by the British in 1749 as a naval stronghold. The city is compact, with its main sights concentrated downtown: the waterfront boardwalk links the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market and the brewery; on the hilltop stands the star-shaped Citadel Hill fortress, and below it are the Public Gardens, the Old Town Clock and St. Paul's Church. The recovery and burial of Titanic victims in 1912 and the Halifax Explosion of 1917 are the city's most distinctive historical memories. Day trips follow three routes: southwest along the Lighthouse Route to Peggy's Cove Lighthouse (about 45 km), the Three Churches of Mahone Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage old town of Lunenburg (about 100 km by road); north to the Bay of Fundy to see the world's highest tides (Burntcoat Head); and northwest to the Annapolis Valley for the Acadian site of Grand-Pré and its wineries. Climate: summers (Jul–Aug) are cool and pleasant, often with sea fog; Sep–Oct brings fall foliage and lobster season and is the best time to visit; winters are cold and snowy, and many attractions and boat trips only operate from May to October. Getting around: Halifax Stanfield International Airport is about 35 km from downtown and served by the Route 320 airport bus; downtown sights are walkable, and the Dartmouth ferry costs the same as a bus fare; public transport to outlying sights is scarce, so drive yourself or join a day tour. Allow 3–4 days: 1–2 days in the city, 1 day for the South Shore lighthouses and Lunenburg, and 1 day for the Bay of Fundy or the Annapolis Valley. Food highlights include lobster rolls, fish and chips, scallops and local beer, and lobster is cheaper here than in inland cities.

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