A Message... from Rainbow Halifax Halifax – A Welcoming Destination! Halifax, Nova Scotia is a safe, inviting destination for gay travel. There's so much to do in this historic city by the sea, whether you’re looking for a hike on the rugged coastline or an urban adventure. Many LGBT visitors enjoy exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of North End Halifax, with the charming European shopping experience of the Hydrostone Market, and the gay owned cafes, bars and specialty shops along Agricola and Gottingen Streets. From there, the many attractions of Downtown Halifax are minutes away; stroll through our scenic downtown, shop our boutiques, and sample our innovative cuisine in one of our many restaurants. The lively nightlife in Halifax features LGBT bars & clubs such as Reflections, Menz Bar and Company House. Just a short distance from the heart of the city outdoor activities abound – beautiful coastlines, charming fishing villages and breathtaking beaches set the scene for rugged hiking trails, sea kayaking and spectacular golf courses. Our calendar is filled year-round with exciting festivals and events, including the biggest Pride festival in Atlantic Canada hosted by our vibrant LGBT community. Escape to Halifax - a city so inviting it stays with you!
www.rainbowhalifax.com
Photo courtesy of Destination Halifax
Halifax
Greetings...
ituated on the second largest harbour in the world, Halifax has been welcoming visitors for over 260 years. Offering a unique combination of history, natural beauty and a vibrant city centre, this inviting destination for gay travel is a must see year-round. Halifax’s lively LGBT community throws the largest Pride festival in Atlantic Canada every July which boasts an array of events including theatre, music, art exhibits and the Pride Parade. Halifax’s downtown and the trendy North End neighbourhood are also home to several gay-owned cafés, bars and specialty shops where patrons are always welcomed by the friendly nature of Haligonians. There are numerous ways to get to Halifax. By air, the Halifax Stanfield International Airport offers direct flights from many Canadian, US, European, and Caribbean destinations, including year-round flights from New York City, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia. By sea, over 20 cruise lines include Halifax as a marquee port-of-call on their Canada-New England or Transatlantic itineraries.
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FunMaps ® would like to thank Destination Halifax (www.rainbowhalifax.com) for providing information and images of the Halifax area.
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from Halifax Pride Our beautiful city by the sea extends a warm welcome to all LGBTQ travellers. Halifax embraces diversity, allowing residents and visitors alike the full measure of freedom to be ourselves. The LGBTQ community has dozens of social groups and service organizations, many of them open to visitors. You'll find listings and details in our monthly paper, Wayves magazine (available online at www.wayves.ca). Our annual Pride Festival, held in July, has grown to be one of the largest in Canada. The Pride Parade draws more than 70,000 spectators to our city's historic downtown, but no matter how big we get, we still keep our Proud community spirit! Halifax boasts a thriving arts community and you'll discover exciting queer artists, singers, dancers and actors on our stages and in our galleries, no matter when you visit, as well as lots of gay owned and gay-friendly shops, bars and restaurants. Whatever brings you to Halifax, whether it's our beautiful seacoast and beaches, our city's great nightlife and arts scene, or the best Pride east of Montreal – it’s the people that will bring you back. You may arrive as a stranger, but you'll leave as a friend! Happy Pride, everyone!
Krista Snow Board Chair, Halifax Pride Board of Directors www.halifaxpride.com
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ACCOMMODATIONS 1 Atlantica Hotel Halifax
888-810-7288
ACCOMMODATIONS
1980 Robie Street (at Quinpool) www.atlanticahotelhalifax.com Urban and modern yet committed to the traditional welcoming spirit of East Coast hospitality, the Atlantica Hotel Halifax offers accommodation, dining and meeting experiences delivered with passion. Our central location allows you to take advantage of the dynamic business district, the fashionable shopping areas and the eclectic and artistic venues that are found throughout the city. Stay Downtown Different!
2 Courtyard By Marriott Halifax Downtown
902-428-1900
5120 Salter Street www.courtyardhalifax.com Winner of a 2011 Gold Service Award for outstanding guest satisfaction Courtyard by Marriott is Halifax’s newest Downtown hotel. This 4 star, 125 room hotel boasts a commanding view of Halifax Harbour and is superbly positioned in a vibrant area of Downtown Halifax, close to great shopping and a wide variety of dining and entertainment choices. The Courtyard offers complimentary wireless HSIA and local calls; has an on-site Spa, 2 outdoor patios and an on-site fine dining Steakhouse.
3 Days Inn - Dartmouth (Halifax)
902-465-6555
20 Highfield Park Drive (Dartmouth) www.daysinn.ca Come and enjoy our friendly east-coast hospitality and exceptional value! Enjoy a free hot breakfast, free high-speed Internet, free parking, spacious SolTerre® showers, on-site restaurant and lounge. Our hotel features newly renovated rooms, an indoor pool, fitness centre and brand new banquet facility with 200 guest capacity. We’re located 15 minutes from downtown Halifax and within close proximity to major historic sites and attractions.
4 Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
902-421-1700
1919 Upper Water Street www.marriott.com/yhzmc Discover unparalleled service & downtown convenience from the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Nova Scotia overlooking the harbour. Steps from the business district, World Trade & Convention Centre and Casino, this Halifax, NS hotel positions itself as a downtown destination for business and leisure. From relaxing Interlude Spa treatments to our state-of-the-art fitness centre, our Halifax, NS hotel’s amenities suit your travel needs. Experience creative international cuisine with panoramic views at our premier restaurant, 44 North, or mingle over cocktails while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Fife & Drum, a traditional Scottish Pub. No matter the occasion, Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel is sure to please.
5 Halifax Waverley Inn
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902-423-9346
1266 Barrington Street www.waverleyinn.com Our Bed & Breakfast style Inn includes thirty-four uniquely decorated guest rooms, featuring such gracious amenities as canopy beds, European style feather-beds, private baths, oversized jacuzzi baths, fluffy terry-robes, and beautiful Victorian period antiques, which add charm and character. We are located in the downtown area of Halifax, Nova Scotia, within easy walking distance of most major attractions and points of interest and free on site parking.
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6 Residence Inn by Marriott Halifax Downtown 902-422-0493 1599 Grafton Street www.marriott.com/yhzri When staying in Halifax, spread out in the comfort of a spacious suite at the Residence Inn by Marriott Halifax Downtown. This all-suite property has been newly renovated, beautifully decorated and features full kitchens. The hotel is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, entertainment and historical attractions. Guests can save on costs with complimentary hot buffet breakfast and high speed/wireless internet.
7 Super 8 Hotel Downtown Hotels & Suites
902-463-9520
65 King Street (Dartmouth) www.super8dartmouth.com Super 8 Hotel Dartmouth is the perfect place to stay while visiting our city. An ideal location for seeing all the sites in greater Halifax, the Super 8 Dartmouth is a short walk to the waterfront & Halifax ferry. Just a 12 minute ride to downtown Halifax avoiding the hassles of parking & traffic congestion, We offer spacious accommodations & friendly service. Our guest rooms feature complimentary wireless Internet.
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TAG APPROVED ACCOMMODATIONS Halifax Atlantica Hotel Halifax 1980 Robie Street 902-423-1161 Best Western Chocolate Lake 20 St. Margaret's Bay Road 902-477-5611 Casino Nova Scotia “Stay & Play” Pckgs 1983 Upper Water St 888-6GAMES (option 3) Courtyard By Marriott Halifax Downtown 5120 Salter Street 800-321-2211 Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel 1919 Upper Water Street 902-421-1700 Inn on the Lake 3009 Hwy 2, Fall River, NS 800-463-6465 Lord Nelson, The 1515 South Park Street 800-565-2020 Prince George Hotel, The 1725 Market Street 902-425-1986 Radisson Suite Hotel Halifax 1649 Hollis Street 902-429-7233 The Westin Nova Scotian 1181 Hollis Street 877-993-7846
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Info Finder ACCOMMODATIONS 3 Days Inn - Dartmouth (Halifax) 7 Super 8 Hotel Downtown Hotels & Suites
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©2012 Columbia FunMap® Inc. • 221 Rutgers St., Maplewood, NJ 07040 • 973-275-1700 • www.funmaps.com
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Attractions Acadian Maple Products Ltd.
Jost Vineyards
Upper Tantallon, NS 902-826-2312 acadianmaple.com
Malagash, NS www.jostwine.com
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery Brewery Market 1496 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-455-1474 www.keiths.ca For a true Nova Scotia good time, take an informative and interactive tour back to 1863 at the Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery. Visit the Stag’s Head Tavern where you will listen to toe tapping music, play games and of course sample Keith’s fine ale.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia 1723 Hollis Street Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-424-8935 www.agns.gov.ns.ca The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the gateway to the arts for Atlantic Canada. Located in downtown Halifax, the gallery offers various exhibitions and a variety of programming opportunities. Enjoy the on-site Gallery Shop and Untitled Eats.
Amos Pewter Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia 902-624-9547 www.amospewter.com
1675 Lower Water Street Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-424-7490 http://maritime.museum.gov.ns.ca In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the museum hosts three exhibits. Our permanent exhibit "Titanic:The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax has what is generally recognized as the world's finest collection of wooden artifacts from Titanic. Halifax was the closest major port to the 1912 sinking and all of the recovered bodies were brought to Halifax, along with many pieces of wreckage. These fragments, including a near perfectly preserved deckchair and large pieces of oak carving, are featured as part of the museum's permanent exhibit. From mid-April to October, the special temporary exhibit "Cable Ships: Connecting Titanic to Halifax and the World" examines the Halifax story further and the technology of wireless communications.
Memory Lane Heritage Village
Casino Nova Scotia 1983 Upper Water Street Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-496-6635 casinonovascotia.com With over 600 slots and table games, from Blackjack to Baccarat, Casino Nova Scotia has got your game!
Discovery Centre 1593 Barrington Street Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-492-4422 discoverycentre.ns.ca The Discovery Centre allows visitors of all ages to experience science by doing and experimenting. The in-house public, educational programs and exhibits are designed to be interactive, fun & hands-on.
Domaine de Grand Pre Winery Grand Pre, Nova Scotia 902-542-1753 www.grandprewines.com
Halifax Citadel Nat’l Historic Site Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-426-7665 www.pc.gc.ca www.regimental.com The present Citadel, completed in 1856, is the fourth in a series of forts since 1749 to occupy the hill overlooking the harbour. It is an excellent example of a 19th-century bastion fortification complete with defensive ditch, ramparts, musketry gallery, powder magazine & signal masts.
Halifax Public Gardens Spring Garden Road, Halifax 902-423-9865 A formal Victorian garden in the heart of the city. The 17-acre park, with a wide array of flowers, mature trees, statues and fountains, is enclosed by a wrought-iron fence with a magnificent set of ornamental gates.
5435 Clam Harbour Road Lake Charlotte, Nova Scotia 902-845-1937, www.heritagevillage.ca You’ll hear tales of survival and triumph, of land and sea, of real lives and real people as told by their descendants. Discover this era of change, when modern conveniences changed lives.
Peggy’s Cove Halifax, NS This picturesque original lighthouse was built in 1868 and is the center piece of the historical, artisan village. The hypnotizing rhythm of the ocean and salty air make this a necessary stop on any excursion.
Pier 21: Canada’s Immigration Museum 1055 Marginal Road Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-425-7770, www.pier21.ca Learn about Canada’s rich culture and diversity through the Canadian immigration experience and the unique stories of immigration throughout the country’s history. The museum pays tribute to 1.5 million immigrants, war brides, displaced people, evacuee children and Canadian military personnel who passed through Pier 21 between 1928 and 1971.
St. Cecilia Concert Series/ Musique Royale Halifax, Nova Scotia 902-420-4462, www.stcecilia.ca
Valley Wine Tours Halifax, Nova Scotia 800-565-7173, valleywinetours.ca Spend a leisurely day experiencing the wineries of Nova Scotia and scenic beauty of the Annapolis Valley. The day includes winery tours, wine and artisanal cheese tastings, as well as a gourmet lunch. Begin the day a Nova Scotia wine enthusiast, end the day a Nova Scotia wine lover.
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Events JAN
Halifax Pride Week July 22nd - 29th, 2012 Various venues in Halifax www.halifaxpride.com Atlantic Canada’s largest Pride Festival with a number of events leading up to the big parade.
Everything to do with Sex Show January 27th - 29th, 2012 Cunard Centre, Halifax www.everythingtodowithsex.com
FEB Savour Food & Wine Festival Halifax, Nova Scotia Entire month of February www.edining.ca/savourindex.asp February is foodie heaven – take part in the Ice Wine Festival, Chef-for-a-Day Experiences, Cooking Classing, Wine Tastings and Seminars, Art-Wine-Food events, and Weekend Getaways during the Savour Festival.
APR Viewfinders Film Festival for Youth April 15th - 21st, 2012 Various venues in Halifax 902-422-FILM www.atlanticfilm.com
AUG Halifax Int’l Buskers Festival August 2nd - 12th, 2012 Halifax Waterfront 902-429-3910 www.buskers.ca This world renowned "street theatre" festival entertains up to 450,000 local and tourists on an annual basis. You will see world-class performers from arcobats, jugglers, fire artists, contortionists, musicians and much, much more.
SEP Atlantic Fringe Festival (Halifax) August 30th - September 9th, 2012 902-471-7081 www.atlanticfringe.ca
Halifax Comedy Fest April 25th - 28th, 2012 Various venues in Halifax 902-440-9200 halifaxcomedyfest.ca
Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival September 16th - October 15th, 2012 902-492-9291 www.winens.ca
MAY
Atlantic Film Festival (Halifax)
Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon
September 13th - 22nd, 2012 902-420-405 www.atlanticfilm.com Large enough to attract the world’s most notable actors, directors and producers, but intimate enough to be Canada’s kitchen party Festival, the AFF provides an unpretentious atmosphere for watching some of the best international, Canadian and Atlantic Canadian films.
May 18th - 20th, 2012 Halifax-Dartmouth 902-496-1889 bluenosemarathon.com
JUN Halifax Greek Fest June 7th - 10th, 2012 902-448-2377 www.greekfest.org
OCT
RBC Multicultural Festival
Nocturne: Art at Night
June 22nd - 24th, 2012 Dartmouth Waterfront 902-423-6534 www.mans.ns.ca
October 13th, 2012 902-209-9301 artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/en/nocturne
JUL
Halifax Pop Explosion
Royal Nova Scotia Int’l Tattoo July 1st - 8th, 2012 Halifax Metro Centre, 5284 Duke Street 902-420-1114 www.nstattoo.ca The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is one of the world's premiere cultural and entertainment spectaculars with over 2000 first-class Canadian & international, military and civilian performers.
TD Halifax Jazz Festival July 6th - 12th, 2012 Various locations in Halifax 902-492-2225 halifaxjazzfestival.ca
October 16th - 20th, 2012 902-482-8176 www.halifaxpopexplosion.com Halifax Pop Explosion is a five-day music, culture, and media festival & conference.
DEC /A\ New Year's Eve December 31st, 2012 Grand Parade, Downtown Halifax 902-490-4729 www.halifax.ca/newyearseve2011 Live concert free of charge featuring live entertainment and spectacular midnight fireworks from the roof of City Hall.
Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival July 19th - 30th, 2012 Ports across Nova Scotia 401-846-1775 www.sailtraining.org
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Info Finder
Downtown Halifax
ACCOMMODATIONS 1 Atlantica Hotel Halifax 2 Courtyard By Marriott Halifax Downtown 4 Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel 5 Halifax Waverley Inn 6 Residence Inn by Marriott Halifax Downtown
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©2012 Columbia FunMap® Inc. • 221 Rutgers St., Maplewood, NJ 07040 • 973-275-1700 • www.funmaps.com
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Photo of Halifax, courtesy of HPA / Nova Scotia Tourism
DINING
SHOPPING & SERVICES CONTINUED...
Boneheads 1014 Barrington Street Brooklyn Warehouse 2795 Windsor Street Chives Canadian Bistro 1537 Barrington Street Cut Steakhouse & Urban Grill 5120 Salter Street Durty Nelly's Authentic Irish Pub Corner of Aargyle & Sackville Sts Economy Shoe Shop Cafe & Bar 1661-1663 Argyle Street Fid Resto 1569 Dresden Row Five Fisherman Restaurant 1740 Argyle Street FRED/Whet Salon and Cafe 2606 Agricola Street GIO 1725 Market Street Grafton Street Dinner Theatre 1741 Grafton Street Jane's on the Common 2394 Robie Street Murphy's On The Water 1751 Lower Water Street Onyx Dining Room & Cocktail Lounge 5680 Spring Garden Rd Ela! Greek Taverna 1565 Argyle Street Press Gang Restaurant 5218 Prince George Q Smokehouse & Southern Barbeque 1580 Argyle Street Ryan Duffy's Steakhouse 1650 Bedford Row Saege Bistro 5883 Spring Garden Road Sou'Wester Restaurant & Gift Shop, The 178 Peggy's Point Rd Stories Restaurant at the Halliburton 5184 Morris Street Waterfront Warehouse 1549 Lower Water Street Your Father's Moustache 5686 Spring Garden Road
902-407-4100 902-446-8181 902-420-9626 902-429-5120 902-406-7640 902-423-7463 902-422-9162 902-422-4421 902-455-9438 902-425-1987 902-425-1961 902-431-5683 902-420-1015 902-428-5680 902-492-7999 902-423-8816 902-407-4006 902-421-1116 902-429-1882 902-823-2561 888-512-3344 902-425-7610 902-423-6766
NIGHTLIFE Company House Guerilla Gayfare Halifax Menz Bar Reflections Cabaret Stayner's Wharf Pub & Grill
2202 Gottingen Street 902-404-3050 guerillagayfarehalifax.blogspot.com 2182 Gottingen Street 902-446-6969 5184 Sackville Street 902-422-2957 5075 George Street 902-492-1800
RESOURCES Destination Halifax Halifax Pride Committee PFLAG
2281 Brunswick Street 5550 Black Street
877-422-9334 902-431-1194 888-530-6777
SHOPPING & SERVICES
1663 Barrington Street
902-423-1313
5080 George Street
902-492-0416
Cards & Gifts NovaScotian Crystal
Coffee Shops Uncommon Grounds Coffee House 1030 South Park Street
1598 Barrington Street
902-404-3124
Confections Sugah! / Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory Bishop's Landing Sweet Jane's Gifts & Confectionary 5431 Doyle Street
902-421-6079 877-333-9055
Events For a full list of area events see page 67
Food Stores / Markets Clearwater Lobster & Seafood Shop
757 Bedford Highway
902-443-0550
In A Box 1468 Dresden Row Island Beach Company of Nova Scotia 1781 Lower Water St Murphy's Cable Wharf Gift Store 1751 Lower Water St Sou'Wester Restaurant & Gift Shop, The 178 Peggy's Point Rd Sweet Jane's Gifts & Confectionary 5431 Doyle Street
902-423-8031 902-422-4060 902-420-1015 902-823-2561 877-333-9055
Gifts & Cards
Home Decor In A Box M Home Statement
1468 Dresden Row 1471 Birmingham Street 2534 Agricola Street
902-423-8031 902-429-4333 902-455-0442
Shopping Barrington Place Shops 1903 Barrington Street Historic Properties 1869 Upper Water Street Hydrostone Market 5531 Young St. (btwn Robie & Gottingen) Island Beach Company of Nova Scotia 1781 Lower Water St NovaScotian Crystal 5080 George Street Scotia Square Mall 1210-2000 Barrington Street
902-429-3660 902-429-0530 902-454-2000 902-422-4060 902-492-0416 902-429-3660
Theater / Performing Arts Grafton Street Dinner Theatre 1741 Grafton Street
Adult Entertainment / Products Venus Envy
Bookstores Little Mysteries Books
902-425-1961
Transportation Services (Transport) 902-422-0004
Attractions
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
www.viarail.ca
888-VIA-RAIL
Travel Services / Tours / Sightseeing
For an extended list of area attractions with more information see page 66
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Tall Ship Silva Harbour Tours
Queen's Wharf (Prince Street)
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902-429-9463
Montréal et
Ottawa / Québec City / Halifax