History:
- Halifax has long been a centre of military power. The Halifax Citadel, now a National Historic Site, was built between 1828 and 1856 to counterbalance the threat posed by Fortress Lousibourg (also a National Historic Site) on the southeast shore of Cape Breton Island. The Citadel is one of the largest British fortresses on the continent.
- The Old Town Clock across the street from the Metro Centre was built in 1803. It is one of Halifax's most widely known icons.
- St. Paul's Anglican Church, built in 1750, is the oldest building in the city and the first Anglican Church in Canada.
- One of Canada's finest examples of Georgian architecture, Province House is the seat of the Provincial Government.
- Pier 21 is the last remaining immigration shed in Canada. At this location a million immigrants, refugees, war brides and children began their lives as Canadians.
- The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic includes 20,000 maritime artifacts, shipwreck treasures, and small crafts. There is a reconstructed 19th century ship chandlery and special exhibits on the Halifax Explosion and the sinking of the Titanic.
- The Bluenose, CSS Acadia, HMCS Sackville, and Theodore Tugboat may be in the harbour.
- The influence of Victorian taste on Halifax is shown by its lovely Public Gardens, in use since 1867. The Gardens are an easy walk from the Festival Site, and well worth your time on any nice day.
- The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia showcases historical and modern art.
- A nice virtual tour of Halifax is available on the HRM web site
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History and Shopping:
- Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery and Mall is a historic stone building with tours and markets.
- The restored waterfront encourages boardwalk strolls and a browse through the Historic Properties Shopping Area.
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Second-largest Natural Harbour in the World:
- The Ferry System to Dartmouth is a fun and inexpensive way to cross the harbour and return. A one-way trip takes about 10 minutes - as long as a visiting cruise ship or aircraft carrier isn't in the way.
- A high-speed ferry link to Bedford may be available by 2010.
- The Harbour Hopper is an amphibious boat for touring around Halifax and the harbour. Yes, it does both streets and water!
- If you're in Halifax during the second week of August, be sure to take in the annual International Busker Festival. Indeed, it'll be hard to miss if you're strolling near the waterfront. The performances are entertaining and skillfully executed.
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Other Sites of Interest:
- Nova Scotia Casino, located nearby on the Halifax waterfront.
- Point Pleasant Park, 10 minutes away via the Number 9 bus (catch it on Barrington Street beside Scotia Square). One of Halifax's great open spaces, the Park was devistated by Hurricane Juan in 2003. Since then it has been significantly restored, although the great trees will not reappear for decades. It's a great place to watch both nature and the harbour.
- The Burke-Gaffney Observatory at Saint Mary's University offers free public viewing sessions on clear Saturday nights during the summer. Check the Observatory's web site or call 496-8257 for information about the next tour.
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