Halifax

Halifax surrounds one of the world’s finest natural harbors, which accounts for its quick rise from a tiny settlement in 1749 to a thriving and sophisticated city with an imposing citadel. It is still Atlantic Canada’s most citified capital, but has not lost the warmth and grace of a provincial port. The combination of fine dining, some excellent museums and a night-life scene offering the best of maritime music with the availability of outdoor sports, including kayaking, cycling and sailing, makes it particularly appealing to travelers. The maritime flavor that guides its music, cuisine and sports shapes its museums as well, resulting in ...

Halifax surrounds one of the world’s finest natural harbors, which accounts for its quick rise from a tiny settlement in 1749 to a thriving and sophisticated city with an imposing citadel. It is still Atlantic Canada’s most citified capital, but has not lost the warmth and grace of a provincial port. The combination of fine dining, some excellent museums and a night-life scene offering the best of maritime music with the availability of outdoor sports, including kayaking, cycling and sailing, makes it particularly appealing to travelers. The maritime flavor that guides its music, cuisine and sports shapes its museums as well, resulting in the world-class Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Its displays bring the age of sail and the age of steam to life, and include relics of the Titanic disaster. Actual boats, from Queen Victoria's Royal Barge to the Corvette-class HMCS Sackville are part of the museum. The Citadel tops a hill above the city, its 1856 battlements in excellent condition and inviting children of all ages to explore. The daily firing of the noon gun is accompanied by pomp and ceremony, a favorite for tourists. St. Paul's Cathedral was the first Anglican Cathedral outside of Britain.

About the Expert

Stillman Rogers has written more than two dozen guidebooks, including Adventure Guide to Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Guide to Eastern Canada, and Adventure Guide to the Chesapeake.