I’d never visited Halifax before this past summer and was not quite sure what I’d find when I visited. As it is a provincial capital, I expected a lot of government and corporate offices and was not to be disappointed in that regard. I didn’t expect the city’s natural harbor to be as lovely as it was, nor did I expect the downtown construction boom we encountered as the area is one of the poorest in Canada. It is also one of the dirtiest cities I’ve seen in a country known for its cleanliness, so this revitalization offers promises of a better tomorrow.
Halifax has a number of interesting attractions, none overwhelming, but with an engaging Maritime Museum and a unique historic tie to the survivors and deceased of the famous Titanic shipwreck. It has a great harbor-side boardwalk, wonderful seafood, and lots of breweries (including iconic Alexander Keith 1820 Brewery), pubs and friendly folks.
As I study and document signs in my travels, I find these help me determine, to some degree, the personality of a city. Here then are my signs of Halifax.
So is Halifax cleaning its act up ?
Wonderful collection of signs on show here.
Is the area on the way to becoming a tourist Hot-Spot ?
Would it get a Travel Gumbo “Must go to ……..!” Badge ?
I’m stuck for choice now between the Charm of the Maritime and my constant search for Small Town America (that includes Canada if you’re a Brit) I shall ask Google.
Thanks for the comment, Garry. I do think Halifax is trying to rejuvenate itself, best seen along the waterfront. It really does have a lovely harbor and a number of fine restaurants and pubs. And the people are very friendly and helpful.
As for “must see”, I’d say ‘no’. Much more important for a great travel experience is to visit the small coastal towns of the Maritime which will charm you to no end. But to get there most people would fly through Halifax, so definitely take a day or two to explore the city before heading out of town.
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