Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

#Halifax_NS_Canada

Halifax is the largest city (500,000 citizens) east of Montreal and it is the economic engine that drives this part of Canada with its transportation hub, many IT companies, head offices of large corporations, banking sector, shipyards, east coast Canadian Navy based here, tourism, etc
With six universities within the city center plus being one of the oldest areas in North America you have a great mix of youthful energy / history 

KeyTip;
Many things to see in this beautiful and very walkable city are for free;
 The Boardwalk on the Waterfront, Central Library, Point Pleasant Park, Public Gardens, Art Gallery, Historic Properties, Old Town Clock and so on

Halifax Historic Properties (also known as Privateers Wharf) were constructed during the late 1700s during the Napoleonic Wars and were used by local merchants / privateers

 The most famous shipowner was Enos Collins (for one business venture, he started the Halifax Banking Company with Samuel Cunard which in time became Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce or CIBC) but also had dealings in many grey areas jajajaja

For one, he defied the blockade to bring American supplies to the British, bought captured vessels from the courts to sell their cargoes plus he purchased many buildings on the Halifax waterfront through foreclosures

This area helped made Halifax very prosperous.... but not all the trading with these ships were legal, but also for smuggling and privateering
But this just adds to the rich history (for its stories) as a seaport 😄

 

You need to remember the government was new and so basically did not have much in the way of tax dollars to build a naval fleet. 

So they gave permission to these pirates ( thus called Privateers) to legally attack enemy ships during wartime under the letter of marque.
 Then they were allowed to seize anything of value for themselves plus the shareholders like Enos Collins who owned many of the ships

In Halifax today there has been many a construction site stopped after finding parts of these scuttled ships from those times
That brings in the maritime archaeologists and eventually anything found is usually displayed at the new building

Our Historic Properties was rescued from demolition by the Nova Scotia Heritage Trust in the 1970s and today is the "jewel section" of the award winning Halifax Boardwalk

Some of the beautiful Victorian Homes located on Halifax peninsula

Yes beautiful, but the structures being 100+ years old do have some issues

Many reports of finding old seaweed or newspapers in the walls for insulation purposes which was standard back in those times
Plus your wiring will need to be upgraded, kitchens and bathrooms as the list grows 

So add those upgrades into the average asking price of over 1.5 million  

You got to love what i call the "Bermuda" colors that highlights the architecture of Halifax

Located in the heart of the city is The Public Gardens that opened in 1867 with 15 acres of beauty
 ( read my blog on this amazing place)
Opens daily 8.00am / closes 30 minutes before sunset and is free to enjoy 

Free one hour horticultural and historical tours during the summer season at The Public Gardens

The area does get busy with Weddings, High School Proms or University Graduations who are all looking for their perfect photo background which is here in abundance

Look for the Titanic replica in the Public Gardens
It is a summer tradition and displayed on Griffins Pond

Located at the south end of Halifax is Point Pleasant Park (190 acres) 

When the British left our area they sold the land to the Government of Canada who now leases it to our city for a ceremonial 1 Shilling ( less than one cent )

Today us locals use it for long nature walks, watching live theatre (Shakespeare by the Sea)
 our Bluenose Marathon runs some of its course through here, watching the mighty ships we receive enter our port (one of the largest natural harbors in the World) 

Military History is vast in the park as it was once part of the Halifax Defense Complex
which included Georges Island, Citadel Fort and York Redoubt 
Some of the key structures located here are the Prince of Wales Tower, Point Pleasant Battery, Fort Ogilvie, Chain Battery and Northwest Arm Battery

Finally the British military would use the area as i training ground to simulate an attack by America 

You cannot miss on top of our city the Halifax Citadel Fort (4th version was completed in 1856) 
It was occupied by British forces until 1906 (who built all their forts same way) in a star shape so the soldiers would have angles for shooting their muskets plus cannons.
So because of its defense setup the Citadel was never attacked but in present times it is now worth visiting the inside grounds and the Army Museum 

Also every summer the 78th Highland Regiment and Royal Artillery do reenactments of their drills, marching, plus also the noon day gun which is a tradition for over 200 years (it is loud)
 The are all dressed in the period correct uniforms, so you are reliving history  

Opened in 1899 the Saint Marys Cathedral Basilica is a Gothic Revival design located on Spring Garden Road

KeyTip; 

Free Guided Tours (Monday to Friday either 10.00am, 1.00pm or 2.30pm)

 after you fill out a form off their website

Three city blocks of Barrington Street has now been designated a Historic Area preserving buildings like these.
With the demolition of the Cogswell Interchange it will allow the rejoining of the area and bring it back to its architectural significance 

A great mixture of old and new in Halifax
What is allowed is any new development has to keep the facade of the historical building, but can add new sections to the top

Alexander Keiths Brewery is one of the oldest in North America (200+ years) 

This is a MUST tour, besides going through tunnels and having samples in a underground pub 😀
You will learn the history of Mr Keith as a Mayor of Halifax, Businessman plus Freemason

We do get Tall Ship Festivals occasionally, so what better way for me to take a picture but in their elements.....Fog and Mist

The Halifax Boardwalk (4km /2.5 miles) has everything you could ask for
 Museums;
  Pier 21 Immigration, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Discovery Centre and Museum of Natural History 
 Then pubs, restaurants, historic buildings, local artisans, buskers or just strolling the harbor plus smelling the salty Atlantic Ocean air

Part old Old Dalhousie ( one of six universities in Halifax) 
The city is certainly known as a University Town with students coming from around the world which just adds to areas culture

One of our newer buildings (2014 ) Halifax Central Library which won a Lieutenant Governors Design Award

KeyTip;
 Head to the rooftop outdoor patio for great views of the city

Government House 

It is the oldest official residence in Canada and is the home of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia which is the representative of the Crown (England)

Another day gone overlooking Historic Properties
Thanks Halifax!