Halifax, Nova Scotia

A tranquil setting amidst the bustle of commercial Halifax, the Public Gardens encompass 17 acres of lush flowers, duck ponds, sparkling fountains and Victorian footpaths.

The Halifax Citadel is one of Canada’s most visited national historic sites and lies on a natural drumlin overlooking the entire city with super views of the harbour. Explore the restored barracks, magazines and corridors, or take in an audio-visual show on the Fort’s history.

The Historic Properties area on Halifax waterfront is a collection of restored buildings, including stone warehouses built to hold privateers’ booty at the turn of the 18th century. Many of the buildings now house quaint pubs, cafés and lovely shops that feature local handicrafts.

En route through downtown Halifax, you’ll pass Province House, the Halifax Metro Centre, the Halifax Clock Tower along with the financial and residential areas.

Embark on a scenic drive along the winding coastal highway of the lighthouse route, passing picturesque fishing villages to Peggy’s Cove.

Upon arrival, you may choose to accompany your kilted guide on an optional walking tour of the Lower Cove, have your camera ready as you pass by the famous lighthouse, perched among a mass of boulders and admire a huge granite carving which depicts the life and the people of the area, by local artist William de Garthe.

Enjoy some free time to stroll around the harbour, passing colourful clapboard cottages and fishing shacks, and browse the small shops for souvenirs, local handicrafts and artwork.

Returning to Halifax, enjoy a short drive around the city to familiarise yourself with its many highlights.

Now a bustling fishing port, Lunenburg was once considered to be one of the busiest shipbuilding towns in the world, and was the birthplace of the world-famous racing schooner, Bluenose. The town’s distinctive architecture and extraordinary scenic beauty is a colourful reminder of its maritime heritage.

Embark on a walking tour with your local guide along the working waterfront, as you learn the history of this quaint, picturesque town.

Lunch will be served at a waterfront restaurant and afterwards there’s some free time to wander the quaint streets and browse the many handicraft stores for souvenirs. On your return drive to Halifax, a brief stop will also be made in Mahone Bay, famous for its picturesque scene of 3 waterfront churches, and many cottage industries and craft shops.

Begin your fun tour of the town by land aboard a double-decker bus to see the highlights of Halifax and its historical sites. Let your guide provide you with interesting information as you enjoy the scenery.

After touring the city by land, it’s time to see Halifax from its best vantage point -the water! Board an amphibious vehicle and let your captain plunge the vessel into the world’s second largest natural harbour for an exciting cruise along the Halifax waterfront. Sail past the dockyards and continue along the beautiful Halifax waterfront, taking in the incredible perspective of the city’s modern skyline.

At the end of your tour, you may remain in the downtown area to visit the sights at your own pace. Hop aboard any double-decker bus throughout the day to return to the ship at your leisure.

Set off from the quayside by bus with your kilted guide for a short drive to the heart of Halifax. Discover the downtown area the way it’s seen best - on foot.

Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful Public Gardens, encompassing 17 acres of Victorian paths, lush flowerbeds and sparkling fountains. Founded in 1866, these are the oldest Victorian gardens in North America.

Enjoy the bustle of Spring Garden Road, lined with boutiques and cafés and walk past elegant Georgian and Victorian arches, which help the city retain its historic charm. Stroll through the lovely Grand Parade Square and see the oldest Anglican church in Canada. Learn the history of Province House and City Hall, overlooked by the picture-perfect Town Clock, perched on Citadel Hill.

At the end of your walking tour, you’ll have time to browse the quaint shops and heritage buildings of the Historic Properties, located on the Halifax waterfront.

After your guided tour, you may wish to remain in the city and return to the ship at your leisure or walk with your guide back to the ship.

Climb aboard an authentic London double decker - dressed in pink to support breast cancer awareness and journey through the historic streets of Halifax, stopping at over 12 different downtown locations on 3 separate tour loops.

You’ll have the opportunity to hop-off at a variety of locations such as the Halifax Citadel, Public Gardens and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Stop off at great shopping destinations such as Historic Properties and Spring Garden Road. With your full day pass, you will have the choice of staying on board the double-decker for a full tour to complete all tour loops (3 loops at 30 minutes each) or hopping off at your leisure to explore at each stop. This tour will even allow you to go back to the ship for lunch, while using your full day pass to return again to the city whenever you like.

Either way, this tour offers you a number of choices that allow you to enjoy the city of Halifax the way you want to see it.

Be taken on a captivating journey of one of the greatest maritime tragedies, the sinking of the Titanic. It is a story as fascinating today as it was over 100 years ago.

Although she lies approximately 2 miles below the surface of the North Atlantic it is possible to reach out and touch the Titanic story while in Halifax. It was never intended that the Titanic and Halifax should meet; however, the 2 are now inseparable. What the ship gave up on 15th April 1912, the City of Halifax now embraces.

Visit the 121 gravestones of her victims in the city’s Fairview Lawn Cemetery, then pass by sites connected to the aftermath of the sinking such as the morgue that accepted the body of John Jacob Astor, the church from which the unknown child was buried, and the pier from which the MacKay-Bennett, the death ship, sailed to the sinking site of the Titanic 700 nautical miles east of Halifax.

Finally, you will visit the Maritime Museum where you will see the largest collection of wooden Titanic artifacts in the world and hear the tale of the visit to Halifax by the ship’s most famous survivor, the unsinkable Molly Brown.

The legend of Titanic lives on and this tour will give you some of that enduring mystique in this captivating experience.

Whether you’re an experienced cycling enthusiast or a beginner, this relaxing tour is the perfect way to connect with Halifax’s natural and architectural beauty.

The stylish 21 speed bikes, are fully adjustable offering you a very comfortable ride. Once you’ve received an orientation, your guide will lead you away from the bustling port to the welcoming tranquillity of Point Pleasant Park, with its relaxed pace. Winding your way through the park, you’ll head to the cities South End, which was home to some of Halifax’s most prominent historical figures. Ride past the home of the famous Titanic millionaire, George Wright.

Tall ship, ‘Silva’ is located in the heart of Halifax’s waterfront. After a short walk you’ll board the classic tall ship and set sail, enjoy the fabulous views of Halifax from the deck.

Discover this historic seaside city with miles of shoreline guarded by George’s Island and its graceful lighthouse. Keep a lookout for marine life whilst the crew and captain haul the lines and raise the sails. Whilst onboard, sample some local fare as you tuck into Canadian maple tarts and Nova Scotian fresh blueberry tarts, soft drinks and coffee or tea.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a toe tapping performance by a local fiddler and when the music breaks there will be a commentary highlighting the points of interest along the way.

Most of all, on your voyage you’ll savour the legendary hospitality that Atlantic Canada is famous for.