Nova Scotia - Halifax

Another place on my must see list was Halifax.  I've heard a lot about Halifax over the years, comparisons drawn between Halifax and Victoria, port cities on the opposite sides of the continent, and I generally like cities so, this being the largest city in Nova Scotia and the capital, we made a plan to go there.  Halifax is a major port city and has a long maritime history.  Waterfront warehouses known as the Historic Properties recall Halifax’s days as a trading hub for privateers, notably during the War of 1812.  It was also the major port of entry for immigrants during the mid-twentieth century commemorated by a museum on the waterfront. 

It's a two hour drive from Antigonish so we were prepared to spend the night if we wanted to.  The weather wasn't great but we brought a picnic lunch and bikes to cycle in Point Pleasant Park on the waterfront in downtown Halifax.  It was a bit cool and windy and the cycling was not what we'd hoped but it was pleasant sitting on a bench overlooking the busy harbour, eating our lunch.  While cycling around the park, we visited the Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site.  The Prince of Wales Tower is the oldest martello tower in North America.  

The British built these round defensive towers throughout their empire.  

I'd heard somewhere that the Tall Ships festival was coming to Halifax but didn't realize it was the weekend we were there and so we were unprepared for the big crowds and also for the fact that there was not a hotel or motel or any other kind of room available that weekend.  Meaning that we'd have to drive home that night.  Nonetheless we enjoyed looking at the ships.  

 US Coast Guard ship

 Galleon reproduction - Nancy loved the balcony on the stern.

The Bluenose

After admiring the ships on the waterfront, we strolled around town seeing the sights.  Opened in 2014, the new Halifax Central Library is a landmark known for it's unusual architecture and amenities, cafes and meeting places.  

At the top of a hill dominating the city are the four forts situated on Citadel Hill constructed in 1749 as a defense against various enemies.  The Fort has a commanding view of the city and harbour and there are people there in period clothing doing period things. 

And we wandered the streets taking in the sights in the old downtown.  

Like so many cities, Halifax is in a building frenzy and much of downtown seems to be under construction, detours and gridlock and many signs of gentrification in progress. But I enjoyed Halifax and look forward to coming back and seeing the changes that are now underway.