EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Delve into the history of Halifax through iconic attractions that reflect events that shaped the city since its founding in 1749. Camp Hill takes its name from the military troops that were camped there during the 1834 cholera epidemic. Military graves from both world wars are scattered throughout the Camp Hill Cemetery, as well as the graves of two of Canada’s founding fathers. The Halifax Public Gardens are noteworthy for being a rare example of a Victorian garden that has changed little since opening in 1867. Its setting is extraordinarily tranquil. Star-shaped Halifax Citadel – the fourth fort to perch on the hilltop – was built in 1856 to keep the peace. It still looks impenetrable, a reason why this National Historic Site was never attacked. You will also drop by the Halifax waterfront, where you can browse local shops, discover unique artisanal goods, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic harbor area.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a historical cemetery where prominent local citizens and soldiers are buried.
• Meander through Halifax Public Gardens, an urban oasis of Victorian design.
• See the façade of the imposing Halifax Citadel, a 19th-century star-shaped fortress.
• Enjoy some shopping time at the Halifax waterfront, where you can explore local boutiques, artisanal shops, and unique markets.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a short but scenic ferry ride to Georges Island for an enlightening tour of this National Historic Site in the middle of Halifax Harbour. The indigenous Mi’kmaq people were the first inhabitants of the area, which they called Kjipuktuk, meaning “the great harbour.” Guides onsite, dressed in a period military uniform, describe how French trappers arrived in the 17th century, followed by the British who built Fort Charlotte there. As you will discover, the fort played a strategic role in the War of 1812 and through the end of the 19th century, when its weapons became obsolete. As you walk through the brick-lined tunnels that were built beneath the fort, you will see how ammunition was stored in the underground bomb-proof shelters and hear tales of the soldiers that manned Fort Charlotte. The fort was upgraded with Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft guns in World War II, the last time it was used for military purposes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the ferry through Halifax Harbour to and from Georges Island.
• Enjoy an enlightening tour of Fort Charlotte, which protected Halifax for two centuries.
• Hear tales of the fort’s military history while walking through the tunnels beneath the fort.
• Gain an understanding of the strategic importance of this National Historic Site.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This fun and flexible tour is perfect if you wish to explore Halifax and two great museums at your leisure on the Hop on Hop off. For a truly fabulous day in Halifax enjoy your fully guided routes of panoramic touring. Hop off as you explore the Citadel National Historic Site, where your admission is included, before hopping on again at your leisure. Then head to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, admission here is also included, where you'll experience the impact, the RMS Titanic had on this historic city. Hop on Hop off stops provide easy access to landmarks and popular places to support you in getting the most from your day in port. Discover all the best attractions this modern city has to offer and marvel at magnificent sights. Along the way, see some of “Trip Advisors” top Halifax highlights. You’ll view landmarks such as the Public Gardens, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Grand Parade, the Old Town Clock and the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower at Fort Needham, and the Fairview Lawn Titanic Cemetery, just to name a few.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Freedom to hop off and explore at your own pace.
• Explore the Citadel National Historic Site and Maritime Museum.
• Ideal for visitors wanting a mix of history, culture, and sightseeing.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a walking tour through Halifax as an appetizer of sorts to your immersion into the city’s culinary scene with a focus on the local seafood. Enlightening commentary will describe the significance of Halifax’s landmarks, strolling along the Halifax waterfront, passing by historic piers, bustling shops, and lively restaurants. As you walk from restaurant to restaurant, know how the city’s culinary traditions have evolved over time. Halifax is especially known for seafood-based dishes, and depending on the restaurant, these may vary from succulent crustacean to savory mollusks, subject to availability. Each dish showcases the best of Nova Scotia’s coastal flavors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See highlights of Halifax on a walk through the city.
• Sample local specialties at different restaurants as their staff describes the dishes.
• Gain insight into how seafood reigns supreme in Halifax and influences the cuisine.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1753, Lunenburg is a designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of Nova Scotia’s most historic towns and a splendid example of a British Colonial settlement. While the drive is approximately 90 minutes under normal traffic and weather conditions, the wait is worth it when you arrive in this charming scenic waterfront town. Enjoying the historic and colorful working waterfront, your tour guide will regale you with intriguing tales of shipbuilding, fishing, rum running and the buried treasure of Oak Island, all part of the local lore. You’ll have some time to explore on your own, perhaps to visit the Fisheries Museum of Lunenburg (small fee), where a replica of Nova Scotia’s famous racing schooner of the 1920s was built in 1963. Known as the Ambassador of Nova Scotia, the 'Bluenose I' graces the Canadian dime, and when not offering tours from the Halifax waterfront, can be found docked here at her home wharf.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Recognized for its vibrant waterfront, colorful buildings, and seafaring heritage.
• Combines guided storytelling, free exploration, and coastal beauty.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch a maritime influenced céilidh performance that combines Celtic music and step dancing and then join the fun by learning a few dances moves yourself. After a short walk to the nearby downtown venue, you will settle in for an electrifying performance that will bring the Irish and Scottish cultures to life. A céilidh – pronounced kay-lee – is Gaelic for a party or any social gathering with music, dancing, and storytelling, and this one will live up to its promise. The music will be cheerful and stir the emotions as the musicians play traditional instruments such as fiddles, flutes and tin whistles. Other performers will step dance, a style in which the arms remain somewhat motionless compared to the feet. Watch carefully as you will have the opportunity to participate by learning a simple jig or a series of hop backs. To complement the festivities, relax with tea, coffee, and a light snack as you soak in the vibrant culture and warm maritime hospitality.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an emotionally stirring céilidh show that celebrates the Celtic culture.
• Be awed by the soulful musicians playing traditional instruments.
• Marvel at the dynamic step dancing that stresses footwork over arm movements.
• Learn a few simple dance steps from the performers who will happily instruct you.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Looking to Taste the best of Halifax’s food, cider & wine scene? This is not your average city tour. Join this tasty tour driving around the city of Halifax to visit local culinary hot spots for scrumptious food, cider and wine. Try foods like traditional local seafood to Halifax’s famous “don air” and everything in between. Not only will you learn about our rich culinary culture but also the city’s history since the founding in 1749. This tour also includes stops to Citadel Hill- the hill that watches over the city and see why no enemy dared to attack Halifax and the Historic Hydro stone Neighborhood- that rose after the city was shattered during the Halifax Explosion and was recently 2nd best in the top ten “best neighborhoods” in Canada. After the conclusion of the tour, let your guide know where you would like to be dropped off… back at the Pier, Spring Garden for Shopping or Halifax’s iconic boardwalk.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor Halifax’s culinary delights, including local seafood, the famous donair, and a variety of ciders and wines at popular culinary hot spots.
• Discover Halifax’s rich history, visiting significant sights like Citadel Hill and the Hydrostone Neighborhood
• Customize your drop-off location after the tour—choose from the Pier, Spring Garden for shopping, or Halifax’s iconic boardwalk.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Want to share your memories with family and friends? You’ll be taken to the most photographed places in Halifax and its surroundings. This guided tour will give you insight into the Halifax and Peggy’s Cove areas. Make the most of your time in the city by seeing the most visited sites in this region, all included in one tour. Picture stops include Halifax Public Gardens, Citadel Hill, Peggy’s Cove, Titanic Gravesites, Halifax Seaport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Halifax’s most photographed and iconic sites.
• Perfect for capturing memories to share with family and friends.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See Halifax’s highlights at your own pace by riding a double-decker bus around town, hopping on and off whenever you please at the attractions you find most intriguing. The buses operate throughout the day and make a continuous loop that will take about 1½ hours to complete. As you approach each destination, you will hear enlightening commentary about it. You might hop off at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which holds the world’s largest collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic. Halifax sent three ships to recover victims from the doomed ocean liner, many of whom are buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, another stop on the loop. Other choices include Halifax Citadel, Canada’s most visited National Historic Site, and the Halifax Public Gardens, a rare example of a formal Victorian garden that has hardly changed since opening in 1867. Stay for as long as you like and then hop on another bus whenever you’re ready.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a bus around Halifax, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing.
• Stay as long as you like in each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another intriguing destination.
• Use the provided route map to easily plan your exploration of the city.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This tour is intended for guests who have limited mobility, rely on a cane or walker, or for guests’ companions.

Settle in for a picturesque drive to the quaint fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, an experience that a historical look at Halifax will beautifully complement. Although known for its natural beauty, Peggy’s Cove also features a few noteworthy landmarks, including its lighthouse. While stopping at this 1915-built beacon, be sure to take pictures as it is one of the most photogenic spots in Nova Scotia. Back in Halifax, history will take center stage as you pass the Citadel – a fortress revered as Canada’s most visited National Historic Site – and pause to reflect at a cemetery where victims of the sinking of the Titanic are buried. A look at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will add another glimpse into the past, while Halifax Public Gardens will offer a serene respite. Created in 1750, Halifax Farmers Market has the distinction of being the longest continuously running such market in North America.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the area’s natural beauty on a leisurely drive to and from Peggy’s Cove.
• Pause to snap pictures at the photogenic lighthouse at Peggy Cove.
• See Halifax landmarks such as the Citadel and a cemetery for victims of the Titanic’s sinking.
• Browse an immigration museum and a farmers market that has been operating since 1750.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

You'll be transported to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada and met by a soldier of the 78th Highland Regiment. Step back in time to 1870, as you 'take the Queen's shilling' by enlisting in Queen Victoria's army and experiencing the past as one of Her Majesty's Redcoats. Relive aspects of garrison life through a series of hands-on activities. This 2 1/2-hour program will immerse you in the duties and traditions of the Victorian Army and the Scottish Highlanders. Witness the Changing of the Fortress Guard, gun firings or bagpipe displays. Light refreshments are included, and you'll have time to explore other on-site exhibits and the gift shop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience aspects of military drills, customs, and daily routines.
• Witness the Changing of the Fortress Guard, gun firings or bagpipe displays.
• Free time to explore other exhibits at the Citadel and browse the gift shop.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Halifax and Dartmouth, many of them iconic attractions that define the cities. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting, and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways. As you walk through Halifax and Dartmouth, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Halifax and Dartmouth.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Pose with the waterfront district in the background on the ferry ride to Dartmouth.
• Stand before the whimsical Wave statue and the freeform sculpture The Way Things Are.
• Visit the Last Steps Memorial Arch that honors Nova Scotia’s World War I soldiers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.