For the best visitor experience, ask the local experts, and no one knows a community better than the concierges who live and work there. That’s why we invited several local concierges, all members of the international Les Clefs d’Or association, to share their wisdom. Read on for their must-do Halifax experiences and meet the experts on page on page 15.
CITY ESSENTIALS TREVOR PROUDE If you only had one day in Halifax, how would you spend it? Start with a cup of coffee at the coffee shop located on the top floor of the Halifax Public Library (page 16). It’s known as one of the most beautiful libraries in Eastern Canada. If it’s a Saturday, make your way to the Seaport Farmers’ Market (page 17), which opens at 7am. Vendors from all over Nova Scotia offer wine, cider, craft beer, cheese, produce, art, and crafts. The other option would be to make your way to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (page 16) for the noon gun and changing of the guard. Visit the Army Museum (page 19) while you’re there. Then make your way to Argyle Street for some seafood at the highly recommended Five Fisherman (page 29) restaurant. What’s one thing every visitor should know? Everything in the downtown can be done on foot. You don’t need a car unless you want to venture further afield. The
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city is full of shops, pubs, restaurants, museums, and some of the friendliest people in the world. What are Halifax’s can’t-miss destinations? Explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (page 20). Here you will learn about the history Halifax has with the Titanic and the tragic Halifax Explosion, which happened in 1917. This visit will prepare you for a journey to the North and West ends of the city where you will find the Titanic burial site at Fairview Cemetery and the Hydrostone Market, a stylish neighbourhood that rose from the ashes of the Halifax Explosion. What’s your favourite day-trip itinerary? Venture towards the Annapolis Valley/Bay of Fundy area. Stop in along the way for a local brew and some great food for lunch at Schoolhouse Brewery (page 33) near Windsor—the birthplace of hockey, some say. Look online for the tide times for the famous “highest tides in the world.” In Halls Harbour, you can see the mighty tides’ effects and find lobster rolls and local art. It’s a wonderful scenic drive.
Where can visitors find local jewelry? I recommend a place near the Hydrostone Market named Lady Luck Boutique. It’s a unique, beautiful store with friendly staff. What’s your recommendation for a relaxed dinner with friends? If you want live music, try the local-favourite Economy Shoe Shop on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Durty Nelly’s on Friday or Saturday nights. It also has my favourite fish and chips.
SPRING INTO ACTION TREVOR MacRAE What’s one experience every visitor to Halifax should have? The hill at Halifax Citadel (page 16) was chosen as the spot for a fort to protect Halifax in 1749, and it’s still a focal point for the city. Learn about the lives of Victorian-era soldiers, or even become a member of the 78th Highlanders for a day where you will be fitted for your uniform, practise drills, and learn how to fire an authentic Snider-Enfield rifle. They fire off a gun at noon every day, and also do spooky ghost tours. Greater Halifax Visitor Guide 2020 | 9
