| In Halifax you are always made aware of its past | | | | fortune in the new world.After leaving the Citadel, |
| by the elegant 18th and 19th architecture and | | | | crossing the harbour on the ferry is a wonderful |
| simultaneously reminded of the present by the | | | | way to view the beautiful waterfronts of both |
| ultramodern towers of glass and steel. The center | | | | cities. Visit the restored Historic Quaker House, |
| of Halifax is perfect for exploring on foot, with its | | | | the oldest house in Dartmouth. The Shubenacadie |
| tree-lined streets, international restaurants, | | | | Canal Park invites nature lovers to stroll quiet |
| galleries, libraries and museums. In warm weather | | | | paths along the Shubenacadie Canal, the ambitious |
| there are sidewalk cafes, sometimes with a | | | | canal system that once linked Halifax with the |
| backdrop of the bustling harbor, which handles | | | | Bay of Fundy.Back in Halifax again, you'll find the |
| ship traffic from every corner of the globe.A | | | | city has many parks, perhaps the best, certainly |
| good place to start your exploration of the city is | | | | the best known is the Halifax Public Gardens, a |
| the Halifax Citadel, designated as an award-winning | | | | 17-acre tribute to Victorian elegance and beauty. |
| National Historic Site of Canada. Founded in 1749 | | | | Since it was established as a civic garden in 1867, |
| by Governor Edward Cornwallis and his company | | | | this has been a haven of meandering paths, |
| of 2,500 settlers, Halifax has a long history as a | | | | fountains, lively duck ponds and formal Victorian |
| British stronghold in the New World. Built to | | | | flower beds.A short stroll from the Gardens is the |
| counteract the growing strength of the French in | | | | Museum of Natural History on Summer Street. |
| North America, Halifax was recognized the world | | | | This highly popular facility features displays on the |
| over for its strategic importance and excellent | | | | province's flora, fauna and geological history, from |
| ice-free harbour. Consequently, the British were | | | | dinosaurs to eagles and life on the ocean floor. |
| careful to protect it with the most advanced | | | | The museum also presents traveling exhibits and |
| defenses available.The massive star-shaped | | | | displays on the history of indigenous peoplesOne |
| Citadel was built between 1828 and 1856, it was | | | | of the city's favourite parks, the Sir Sandford |
| one of the largest British fortresses on the | | | | Fleming Park, overlooks the sailboat-dotted |
| continent and its hilltop setting provided a | | | | Northwest Arm. The land for the park was |
| commanding view of the city and harbour. This | | | | donated to Halifax in 1908 by Sir Sandford |
| was the crown jewel in the Halifax defense | | | | Fleming (1827-1915), who was the creator of |
| system, with other fortifications located on | | | | Standard Time, designer of Canada's first postage |
| McNab's and George's islands in the harbour, at | | | | stamp and lead civil engineer of the Canadian |
| York Redoubt overlooking the harbour entrance | | | | Pacific Railroad. The park's distinctive tower, locally |
| and in what is now Point Pleasant Park. With | | | | known as "The Dingle", was built in 1912 to |
| cannons covering every angle of the harbor | | | | commemorate the first elected assembly in the |
| entrance, it was the major reason that Halifax | | | | British Empire, which was first convened at Halifax |
| was never attacked.The Citadel quickens with the | | | | on 2 October 1758. The park features walking |
| sights and sounds of 19th century British military | | | | trails, canteen facilities and beaches.But Halifax is |
| life in the summer months. Period-uniformed | | | | not all about museums, parks, fortresses and the |
| soldiers drill and bagpipers play on the historic | | | | past. There are excellent theatres and sensational |
| parade and guards in sharply-pleated MacKenzie | | | | music, from blistering Celtic beats to superb |
| tartan kilts stand sentry at the gates. A guided | | | | symphony, which typify an entertainment scene |
| tour includes living quarters, powder magazines | | | | that is more vibrant and varied than that of a city |
| and musketry galleries in the ditch from which | | | | twice the size. The city also offers top-notch |
| defenders could pepper the enemy with deadly | | | | shopping, from the specialty stores and exclusive |
| crossfire. At midday, cover your ears-the firing of | | | | boutiques of Spring Garden Road to some of the |
| the noonday gun is a Halifax tradition dating from | | | | largest malls in Atlantic Canada.All in all, Halifax is a |
| the late 1800s.From atop Citadel Hill, there is an | | | | city with an interesting history and with an even |
| excellent view of one of the city's most famous | | | | more interesting future. But with container |
| landmarks, the Town Clock, which was | | | | shipping increasing every year, oil and gas |
| constructed in 1803 upon the request of Prince | | | | exploration off Nova Scotia's coast and the |
| Edward, a man renowned for his love of | | | | increasing numbers of tourists who are arriving by |
| punctuality. Beyond the clock the view | | | | every means, including the largest cruise ships, it |
| encompasses the most historic part of Halifax, | | | | is a vital city that has a strong hold on the |
| which for much of the 18th and 19th centuries | | | | present. It welcomes visitors any time of the |
| was a lusty, brawling military town full of soldiers, | | | | year and very few ever leave disappointed. |
| sailors, privateers and adventurers seeking their | | | | |