One Day in HalifaxAAA editors suggest these activities for a great short vacation experience.
MorningRob Mattingley/iStockphoto.com
Start your day at Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market (1209 Marginal Rd.), created by a royal proclamation in 1750. Although it has changed locations and is now on the waterfront, the bustling market is a great place to eat, as it houses more vendors than you can count hawking locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goodies, local wine and beer, and fresh meats and fish. If you’re looking for out-of-the-ordinary souvenirs, pick up some pewter jewelry, sea-glass art or Mi’kmaq dream catchers. Grab some tea or coffee and a delectable fresh pastry to go, and head out to the boardwalk.
You’ll find plenty of selfie opportunities as you stroll along the wooden boardwalk, one of the longest in North America. Pop into some of the galleries and shops along the way, or just window shop. Take a selfie in one of the orange hammocks placed by the city on the boardwalk, and when you see three oddly bent lamp posts (aka the drunken lamp posts) on South Battery Pier near Bishop’s Landing, don’t resist the urge to snap a pic for your Instagram.
Wilimedia Commons / CC BY SA/Skeezix1000
Explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (1055 Marginal Rd.), where, from 1928 to 1971, 1.5 million immigrants entered to begin new lives as Canadians. Listen to compelling firsthand accounts of what it was like to travel across the Atlantic Ocean, check out the personal belongings and luggage of these newcomers, and wander through the train cars that they rode to their new homes in other parts of Canada.
Afternoon Break for lunch at The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse (5136 Prince St.), a nearby restaurant that’s close to the waterfront. The dark woods and heavy tables suit the Irish pub, and you’ll feel at home as you dig into fish and chips, a corned beef sandwich, or a burger with bacon, lettuce, tomato and Dubliner cheese.
vGMVozd/iStockphoto.com
Indulge your sweet tooth with some hand-paddled ice cream at Sugah! (1479 Lower Water St.). Watch as locally grown fruits are mixed into your favorite flavor on a marble slab to create inventive combinations; try blueberries mixed into Belgian chocolate. Snap up some candy in flavors that are definitely not run-of-the-mill, like beer-and-pretzel brittle or dark chocolate bars with Nova Scotia sea salt.
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Immerse yourself in the province’s fascinating marine history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (1675 Lower Water St.). The RMS Titanic sank off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1912, and the museum houses a treasure trove of unusual pieces salvaged from the ill-fated ship, including first-class dinnerware, a mahogany cabinet from a first-class bathroom and a pair of leather shoes that belonged to a 19-month-old boy. Visitors can also see models of a lifeboat and a deck chair that had been used on the vessel.
EveningiStockphoto.com/Larry Zhou
Time for dinner! If you're wondering where to eat, grab a table at the Waterfront Warehouse Restaurant & Oyster House (1549 Lower Water St.) and dive into heaping plates of local seafood like Digby scallops, clams or lobster. Oyster lovers will be thrilled with the dozen or so varieties they can choose from, all plucked from local waters. Upside-down canoes, oars and ropy nets dangle from the ceiling, so if you like kitschy nautical décor, you’ve come to the right place.
If the night is still young and you want to sample nightlife Halifax-style, there are plenty of pubs and bars along and near the waterfront. If the weather's warm enough, many of them have patios so you can also enjoy the lovely weather, and some serve food into the wee hours if you're looking for a place to eat. The live music scene is hopping, and fans will easily find a spot to suit their tastes. Take a seat inside The Lower Deck Pub (1887 Upper Water St.) to catch live rock and folk bands, or head to The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse (5136 Prince St.) to see Celtic step dancing.
Halifax, NS
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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The Westin Nova Scotian1181 Hollis St. Halifax, NS B3H 2P6
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Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel1919 Upper Water St. Halifax, NS B3J 3J5
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Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites15 Spectacle Lake Dr. Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X7
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax-Downtown1960 Brunswick St. Halifax, NS B3J 2G7
Book NowCity Population
921,727.
Elevation
42 ft.
Sales Tax
Nova Scotia’s Harmonized Sales Tax is 15 percent. In addition, a 2 percent accommodations tax is charged for rooms in properties offering 20 or more rentable rooms.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(902) 490-5020
Fire (non-emergency)
(902) 490-5530 or 311
Hospitals
Halifax Infirmary (QE II Health Sciences Centre), (902) 473-2700; Dartmouth General Hospital (in Dartmouth), 902-465-8300.
Visitor Information
1655 Lower Water St. Halifax, NS B3J 1S2. Phone:(902)424-4248
Air Travel
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is 21 miles north at 1 Bell Blvd., Enfield, NS; phone (902) 873-4422.
Rental Cars
Six rental car companies service Halifax Stanfield International Airport and can be found in the arrivals area.
Rail Service
Rail service is offered with VIA Rail Canada at 1161 Hollis St.; phone (888) 842-7245.
Buses
Maritime Bus has two locations. The Halifax airport location is open daily 10-10; phone (800) 575-1807. The VIA Rail Canada station, 1161 Hollis St., is open daily 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; phone (902) 429-2029.
Taxis
A taxi or limousine ride from the airport to Halifax’s city center costs about $63. Numerous companies serve the area.
Public Transportation
Halifax Transit offers bus service with nearly six dozen routes in Halifax and nearby rural areas. Fare $2.75-$4.25; $2-$3 (ages 13-17 and 65+); free (ages 0-12; ages 65+ Tues. 10-3:30 and after 6 p.m.). Exact cash fare is required. You must request a transfer at time of boarding. Phone (902) 480-8000 for bus departure details or 311 for general information.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.