Halifax: Historic and Diverse
The capital city of Nova Scotia is Halifax. It is Canada’s first colonized British city. The city was founded in 1749. Governor Edward Cornwallis and 2500 settlers arrived from Scotland with the intent of establishing a colony that would also be a naval and army base.
Halifax Tourist Attractions
The Waverly Heritage Museum is a popular tourist attraction and has many historical artifacts photos and is dedicated to preserving the history of heritage in Halifax. Halifax has an immense naval history. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a popular tourist attraction for those interested in naval history. Halifax also has a interesting connection to the Titanic; many bodies were recovered by ships from Halifax and buried in Halifax cemeteries. There are artifacts from the Titanic in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
For more information on Halifax, weather, hotels and attractions go to: http://www.halifax.ca
Historic Properties, Halifax
Historic Properties is the original settlement of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and contains Canada’s oldest waterfront properties dating back to the 18th century! Originally, the Historic Properties consisted of warehouses, pubs, and counting houses as it was a commercial and naval hub. The historic area stretches from the waterfront to Hollis and Granville streets.
This area has now been transformed into a popular shopping a dining district. You’ll find a charming atmosphere of brick and stone buildings with bright awnings and cobblestone walkways. Check out the eclectic restaurants, children’s shops, gift shops, boutiques, and cafes in the area. One of the main tourist attractions in the Historic Properties is the dock site for Bluenose II, a replica made of the fishing schooner that once dominated international racing! The Bluenose may be seen on the Canadian dime, and is the subject of many Canadian poems and legendary songs. Take a harbour cruise or dockside tour, participate in a lobster race or sailing regatta, enjoy musical and theatrical performances, check out the children’s puppet theatre, and amuse yourself at the International Town Criers’ Championships with contestants from Great Britain, Australia, Bermuda, and North America!
Hotels and Accomodations
In terms of hotels and accommodations in the area, check out the Casino Nova Scotia Hotel located directly on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Halifax. (Address: 1919 Upper Water St Halifax, NS B3J3J5
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This is definitely a Canada tourist attraction not to miss! It’s a perfect stop for families, couples, or even locals - it’s one of the city’s top tourism spots! Visit the nearby restaurants, hotels and accomodations suitable for all tastes and group sizes. For evening entertainment visit one of the city’s nightclubs, pubs or lounge destinations. For more listings and tourist information check out the Yellow Pages
Halifax History and Facts
Before the arrival of the British, the town had been a French fishing village. It was mainly populated by Acadians who were a mixture of French, Portuguese and Scottish ancestry. Gradually the area became more populated as loyal New Englanders moved north from the United States after the American Revolution. Then in 1750, there began to be a regular influx of more Europeans, mainly German and Scottish and Irish people.
Halifax also has a large African American population. During the 1850’s African loyalists who had fought for the British in The War of 1812 settled in Halifax. Many were slaves who had escaped and sought protection under British rule. By 1851, Halifax’s population had grown to 20,700.
The 19th century was a very prosperous time for Halifax: the fishing and trade industry grew with the technological advances in travel and world trade possibilities. A trade agreement was signed between Canada and The United Sates but it was not renewed in 1866 because the Americans were suspicious that Canada had supported the Confederate Army. In 1866 Halifax built its first railway. Determined to become a major city, Halifax built an internal streetcar system in 1896. It was incorporated as a city in 1841. In 1996, The City of Halifax was dissolved by the provincial government and divided into four Regional municipalities: City of Halifax, City of Dartmouth, Town of Bedford, and Municipality of the County of Halifax. It is called Halifax as a place name. Its inhabitants are called Haligonians.
Halifax served as an important naval base during the first and second world wars. Ships were held in the Halifax Harbour before they were escorted across the Atlantic. In 1917, Halifax suffered a terrible tragedy when two ammunition ships collided and blew up in the Halifax Harbour. Two thousand people were killed.
Today Halifax is one if the oldest cities in Canada. Haligonians take pride in a city that is both historic and culturally diverse. It is a major tourist centre in the Maritimes. Halifax has many parks and gardens, and bike paths along the harbour. Halifax is also home to the Neptune Theatre and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. The Tattoo Festival is held annually in Halifax and is host to music, vendors, international entertainment and more!