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Nova Scotia - Halifax

ports halifax aerial port ahoy 200The Port of Halifax – the capital of Nova Scotia province, is the second largest natural harbour in the world and it generates over 1.7 billion US dollars in annual economic benefit from cargo and cruise business. Annually, the port welcomes more than 130 ships from more than 9 cruise lines between the months of May and October.

On arrival you will be greeted by the skirl of bagpipes of the 78th Highlanders, who perform a traditional dockside greeting that won the port the awards “Best Port Welcome” and “Most Receptive Port” in 2002. More recently, in 2018 the port also won the “Top-Rated US & Canada Cruise Destination” by Cruise Critics, based entirely on passengers` reviews. The port has more than 2000 feet (611 metres) of continues berth space from Pier 20 to Pier 24 and can accommodate up to five vessels at any given time. Pavilion 22 is the name of the cruise passengers-handling facility, where you can find a large indoor market, selling the finest handcrafts of Nova Scotia. There are also public phones, tourist information desks, free WiFi. Along all the piers there are also cafes, galleries, offices, a farmer’s market and a microbrewery. Adjacent to Pavilion 22 is the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Pavilion 20 is the other passenger-handling facility with large open space, perfect for gathering of tour groups. Right outside of the terminals you can find public parking, tour buses and taxis. The port is 36km (22 miles) from Halifax Stanfield International Airport, about 34 min driving distance. It’s a pleasant and short walk along the boardwalk from the cruise piers to some of the city’s attractions – Alexander Keith’s Brewery is less than a mile away, about 10 minutes walking distance in the historic area of Halifax.

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Local Information

The local currency is Canadian dollar (CAD) and exchanging money is easy and straight-forward. There are banks and ATMs at every corner, but the best exchange rates seem to when you get cash from your debit card directly. Make sure you check for commission and other fees. All major credit cards are widely accepted, but make sure you have notified your bank you would be abroad and are aware of any fees that the bank may charge you.The opening hours in Halifax are quite standard, most shops and shopping malls would work all week from 9.30 am to 6 pm or 8pm. Some outlets have extended summer hours. Banks and post offices are open 9 am to 5 pm, some of them have extended hours on Friday, are open until midday Saturday as well and are mostly closed on Sundays. There are several national and international bank holidays as well, so make sure you are aware of those before travelling. The tipping culture in Canada is like the one in the USA. Tipping between 15 and 20% is considered normal and the service is excellent as most people working in the service industry receive low wages and rely heavily on tips. Tip between 15 and 20 % at a restaurant if you have received good service – if the service was not at par, talk to the manager, he would 99% resolve the matter for you. Tipping at counter service isn’t expected. Tip housekeepers and bellboys at hotels about 1-2 Canadian dollars per day/per bag. Tip bartenders from 0.50 to 2 CAD per drink, depending on the venue and tip taxi drivers, spa staff and tour guides 10-15% as well.The local time in Halifax Nova Scotia is GMT – 3 hours and the dialling code is 00 1 902.

Things To Do

ports halifax citadelt ahoy 200Many of the attractions of Halifax are based around the port, or at the port itself. One of them is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – the oldest and largest Maritime Museum in Canada, initially found in 1948 and operating in its current building since 1982. The visitors are introduced to over 30,000 artefacts, including 70 small craft and a steamship, representing the age of steamships, the Royal Canadian and Merchant Navies, World War II convoys and The Battle of the Atlantic, the Halifax Explosion of 1917 and the role of Nova Scotia in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster.

Get to know more of the French and British past of Halifax by visiting Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada. Originally built as a military fortification to protect the Empire from enemies and the occasional pirate, today the Citadel and its Clock Tower are a reminder of Halifax’s rich past. Visit a place and time where the sounds of a modern, bustling port city are exchanged for the crack of rifle-fire and the skirl of bagpipes.

Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Canada was profoundly shaped by immigration and this museum aims to inspire and enable Canadians and visitors alike to explore their own links to immigration. The museum occupies part of Pier 21, where Canada’s last remaining immigration shed was from 1928 to 1971. The building is to Halifax what Ellis Island is to New York and more than a million people have entered Canada here. ports halifax keiths brewery ahoy 200There is also a commemoration of the 500,000 and more Canadians that departed the port to take part in World War II.

For a more fun look into the history of the city, book a tasting at Alexander Keith’s brewery – the oldest brewery in North America. Don’t miss the trying the most popular brew – Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale. Go to the Art gallery of Nova Scotia – the largest art museum of Atlantic Canada. The gallery displays more then 17,000 works from classical portraits to Nova Scotian folk art to Inuit stone carvings. The Grand Parade of Halifax is the oldest square of Halifax, used for military activities. St Paul`s Anglican Church – the oldest Protestant church in Canada and the oldest building in Halifax is at the south end of the Parade and the City Hall of Halifax is at its north end.

ports halifax fishermans cove ahoy 200If you would rather spend time outside, breathing the fresh Atlantic breeze, head over to Halifax’s Public Gardens – the oldest Victorian Garden in North America, opened in 1867 – the year of the Canadian Confederation. This 16-acre oasis in the heart of downtown Halifax is now a National Historic Site of Canada and it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Take a ferry to the Fisherman’s Cove – a restored 200-year old fishing village that offers a glimpse of the past and a variety of activities to enjoy from deep-sea fishing to Maritime arts and crafts. Go to McNobs island and take a walk around the two historical forts – Fort McNab and Fort Ives. Take the oldest running salt-water ferry service in North America to Dartmouth – it began in 1752 and is now used by over 3000 commuters a day. Snap some pictures at Peggy’s Point Lighthouse – this classic red and white lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Atlantic Canada and one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world.

 

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