Halifax Accommodations and Things To Do Thread [merged]

[RHFC_piper]

I've searched around, both here and on google, and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

The wife and I are heading to Mahone bay, NS on Tuesday, and will be there until Saturday.  Officially, we're going to be there for a close friends wedding (I'm the best man and the piper), but we want to do some sight seeing while there. 
Mahone Bay looks nice, but we want to spend Friday in Halifax.  We just need to find stuff to do, and most tourism websites only have information about very "Touristy" attractions; Bus/car tours, museum tours (I don't mind museums... but there's a limit), "wine and cheese" artsy-fartsy kinda stuff or stuff that cost a lot of money for cheesy, kitchy crap... we're not into that.  We only have a day and some of the evening to spend, and we don't want to waste it.  So I figured, there has to be a few folks here residing in Halifax who could give me the low down on things to do.

So here's the kind of stuff we're looking for;

Military museums / forts; I know there's a fort there somewhere, but as much as I've searched for it, with out a name it's a needle in a hay stack.

Pubs, Bars, Clubs, Restaurants; (good seafood places, or Scottish/Irish pubs)

General fun stuff to do and cool things to see... You know, the "hidden Gem" kinda stuff. 
We don't know what's there, so we don't know what else to ask about.

Any information would be greatly appreciated, and I'm sure this thread could be helpful to others who are planning a trip to Halifax.

BTW, for anyone who wants to get together for a pint while we're there, just let me know and I'm sure we could sort something out.

Cheers :cheers: 

 

[George Wallace]

Wow!  Your Googlefu must be broken.  Try one of the NS Tourism sites.

Big fort in Halifax.  Can't miss it.  The Citadel.

Big Tourist attraction just outside of Halifax is Peggies Cove.  A must see for many from 'away'.

Bars and pubs a plenty down by the waterfront.  Try Privateers Warehouse.  That whole area is meant for crawling.  Every type of bar and pub that you can think of. 

 

[midget-boyd91]

Well I live in Windsor which is about 40 minutes from Mahone Bay, and I've only been there a few times, but I thought that I would help how I could. Just outside of Mahone Bay is Oak Island. Thats where Captain Kidd supposedly hid his massive fortune, and for the last hundred years people have been digging for it (but only in one VERY deep hole). Oak Island is pretty small and now the only way you can get on the island is with a tour.
There is a nice aviation museum at CFG Greenwood that has an old Argus, Neptune, and Landcaster on display outside (I think those are the right aircraft).
Here in Windsor there is Fort Edward, but that is just an old shed on a hill now, but there is a nice military style pub downtown called the Spitfire Arms.
It's not much, but with a little bit of the knowledge I've got of these areas.. I thought I'd pitch in.

 

[RHFC_piper]

Wow!  Your Googlefu must be broken.  Try one of the NS Tourism sites.

Big fort in Halifax.  Can't miss it.  The Citadel.

Big Tourist attraction just outside of Halifax is Peggies Cove.  A must see for many from 'away'.

Bars and pubs a plenty down by the waterfront.  Try Privateers Warehouse.  That whole area is meant for crawling.  Every type of bar and pub that you can think of. 

Type in "Fort, Halifax" and see what comes up...  There's about 10 "forts" in Halifax, and yet "the Citadel" doesn't come up right away.  I have never been to Halifax (or anywhere else out east) and although I've heard of "the Citadel", I was unaware of where it was or anything about it...

As for the Tourist crap... Not interested in a lot of it.  I don't want to pay $60 per person for a bus tour of Halifax, or anything kitchy like that... not my thing.  I'm looking for the stuff tourist miss out on 'cause they don't live there and thus, don't know.

The bars and pubs down by the waterfront sound good... that's what I'm looking for. But what street are they on. Any favorites for different types of food and drink?  Where's the best seafood, or who has the best wings... stuff like that.  That's the kind of stuff google doesn't quite give you.

 

[George Wallace]

If you go down to Greenwood, then Port Royale isn't too far away either.  The first settlement in Canada.

 

[Michael OLeary]

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada

Army Museum

Point Pleasant Park

Halifax Public Gardens

You haven’t experienced Halifax till you visit the Historic Properties.


Can any of the Navy types arrange a CPF or submarine tour?

 

[George Wallace]

Bars in Halifax.....the Historic Properties is a good place to walk around.  Privateers warehouse in down there.  The HMCS Sackville is also moored down there, along with the Bluenose and then there is also the Maritime Museum.

Just a few of the watering holes   ;D

 

[George Wallace]

You'll find that most of what you probably want to see in the way of Bars and Eateries are within a four or six block radius of the Historic Properties.  If you cross over to Dartmouth, there is the museum at CFB Shearwater.

 

[aesop081]

If you go down to Greenwood, then Port Royale isn't too far away either.  The first settlement in Canada.

Of course, you should avoid Greenwood at all possible costs.........

 

[kratz]

Can any of the Navy types arrange a CPF or submarine tour?

The MCDVs are away until the end of the month.  I was lucky to get family on the last day sail. If we knew sooner, it would be easier to work out a tour or day sail.

 

[mudrecceman]

Seafood.

5 Fishermen is good but probably the most expensive. (like...$40 a plate type expensive).   http://www.fivefishermen.com  Five Fishermen is a 10 minute walk, if you walk slow, to the waterfront and Historic Properties area, which is along the waterfront and also close to the Casino...which is right next to the dockyard...its all really quite close together.  5 Fishermen is close to the WTCC, so its easy to find.

If not that place, then Murphy's on The Water http://www.murphysonthewater.com/ , Saltys... http://www.saltys.ca/.  These are almost side by side.  Also close to the Lower Deck, a popular watering hole as well...outside deck is usually a good spot in the summer...and a Friday? 

The first pub that came to my mind was The Old Triangle, lower part of Prince Street.  Call it a 10 minute walk from Citadel Hill, almost next to 5 Fishermen.  http://www.oldtriangle.com/halifax/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

But "the waterfront" sounds like the area you are interested in to me, in the Halifax area atleast.  Most of the museums, pubs, bars, restaurants, are all within walking distance of Citadel Hill, which, IMHO, the time on a tour of the Hill is well worth it as a "start point".

If you have time, they also have some "harbour tours" via boats/ships/amphibious too.  2 mast, 3 mast "sailing ships", then there is also the "Harbour Hopper". 

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=halifax+harbour+tours&meta=

HLs and I have done the harbour cruise this summer, and ate at Murphy's on The Water a week ago tonight.  If you go there, ask for a table on the patio...overlooks the harbour, as does Salty's...as in...right on the waterfront.  Literally.

 

[Michael OLeary]

The Five Fisherman is almost impossible to get into these days without a reservation wel in advance.  There is another restaurant in the same building (same owners I believe) which is equally good.  Unfortunately, the name escapes me at the moment.

 

[mudrecceman]

The Five Fisherman is almost impossible to get into these days without a reservation wel in advance.  There is another restaurant in the same building (same owners I believe) which is equally good.  Unfortunately, the name escapes me at the moment.

Yes, the one on the ground level..."what's it name".  :-\

 

[megany]

There's a little restaurant at the bottom of the Five Fishermen called "Little Fish."

The Old Triangle is a fantastic pub in Halifax, I would bring my family there whenever they were in town.  It's located on Prince Street, I believe - a block or two above the waterfront.  There's a patio and they have live music every night at 9pm.  They also don't charge cover (which is rare).  It's very well maintained, excellent pub food (if interested) and friendly staff.  Definitely the cleanest pub.

Other fun pubs: The Split Crow, which is Halifax's oldest (and in its first location was the site of the first murder in Halifax, way back in the 1700's); The Lower Deck which is nestled in the Historic Properties or Pogue Fado.  The Split on a Thursday evening or Saturday afternoon is mayhem, you have been warned.  It's due to the university students and the common knowledge of heavily discounted beer.

For nicer dining, I second the Salty's recommendation.  It's directly on the waterfront and they have a massive patio.  You could also try the Five Fishermen (it's haunted since the building used to be a morgue), or McKelvie's has good seafood as well.  McKelvie's is also cheaper and easier to get into without a reservation.  It's located directly across from the Maritime Museum.  Murphy's on the Water (you can't miss it on the waterfront) is also good, but it's definitely a tourist restaurant!  You would want a spot on the patio so you can sit out on the water.

The Press Gang is another more up-market restaurant - it's across from the white Church on Prince St, between Argyle and Barrington.  I'm not sure what you're looking for.  If you just want casual food, I would also recommend the Economy Shoe Shop.  It's another favourite haunt for out-of-towners - it consists of quite a few rooms, all connected with interesting and fun decor.  Decently priced food, great service.  They also have a patio.  It's located on Argyle St.

In terms of attractions - the Citadel is great.  The views of the harbour are also wonderful.  I didn't find a ton of stuff there, but I had a fun time exploring the fort.  
Pier 21 is a museum all about Canadian immigration.  It was a major entry port for new Canadians who arrived via ship throughout the 20th century.  It's really well done, but with only a day in Halifax you may want to spend more time exploring the city instead of seeing museums.  If you have a personal connection, however, it's worth a visit.  It's probably at least two hours of your time...
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is one of my favourites, it details the seafaring heritage of the Maritimes.  I think it's the best attraction in Halifax.  They also have a Titanic Exhibit and information on the Halifax Explosion.

You could do a boat tour of the Harbour, they take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hrs.  Another option is the "discount boat tour" - take the Dartmouth-Halifax ferry over and back.  It's $2 or $2.25 each way and you get to see Halifax from the water.    It's good if all you want to do is take pictures and it takes about half an hour total.  There are also some neat restaurants in Alderney Landing.

Finally (this is my last point, I swear), there are walking "ghost tours" of Halifax every evening.  I've done a couple of them and always had a blast.  The guides are very knowledgeable about Halifax history and it gives you an entirely new view of downtown!  My favourite brings you to a couple of graveyards before ending on the waterfront with a story about McNab's island.

 

[mudrecceman]

Piper, this stuff helping any?

 

[CdnArtyWife]

Wow, MRM and megsy covered it pretty well according to what you are looking for.

I have to add though, that if you are going to be in the Mahone Bay area, driving up the Lighthouse Route (along the south shore Rt. 3) is the most beautiful and scenic way to get to Halifax. You can pass by Queensland Beach (a great place to get 2nd degree sunburns and body surf) and take in Peggy's Cove on the way. At Peggy's Cove you can climb some awe striking rock formations and also see the monument to those lost in the SwissAir 111 disaster.

Peggy's Cove is free to go to, and when the hubster was in Halifax for his Escort O duties...we took the kiddos there during one of his days off. We had great fun and it only took a couple hours, but you could make it the better part of the day if you wanted.

However, having grown up in the Annapolis Valley and litterally a hop, skip and jump away from Fort Anne and L'Habitation Port Royal in Annapolis....I would highly reccommend a trip there....but not this go. It is a good 2 hours drive from Halifax, through some beautiful farm countryside...but it is not for your trip this time...you just won't have the time or desire to travel that far.

When in Halifax, the Historic Properties are always a good bet, if you need to stay the night there, you can get a 4 star hotel quality room at Juno Tower at Stadacona for $45/night...not bad for being right down town either...similar rooms will run you $100-150/night in the down town hotels.

The Brewery Market is a great place to check out on Saturday morning at the Old Keith's Brewery in the historic properties...there are peddlers of all kinds with their wares...ranging from hand made soaps to fine art...And don't forget to get a famous Cinamon bun from Mary's Bread Basket if you go...you will wait in a long line....but it is SOOOO worth it!!

I hope you enjoy your time in NS...and the scenery is beautiful. Don't forget to get a picture of the "three churches" while in Mahone Bay....but something tells me you'd be hard pressed not to, as the wedding you are attending will likely be in one of them. LOL

Have fun, Piper.

 

[RHFC_piper]

Piper, this stuff helping any?

Yes.  It's quite helpful.  Unfortunately, wont have a whole lot of time in Halifax as my itinerary seems to be getting more and more full.

We land late Tuesday and probably wont be at our B&B (Three Thistles) until 2130h-ish. I might be able to talk the wife into a quick stop at a pub, but she'll probably want to check in to our room first, which means we'll be hitting a pub in Mahone bay... I found one online but I can't recall the name. Wednesday is the "meet and greet" with the couple and their family to go over tunes and such, followed by the rehearsal/dinner.  The wedding is on Thursday, which will eat up the day and we'll be drinking into the night... which leave us Friday.  I don't know how early we'll be getting into Halifax from Mahone Bay, due to hang overs, but so far I think I'll be getting to the Citadel for sure, then we'll be doing some pub crawling down to the waterfront.  Salty's looks like a good place for dinner, then I think we're going to hunt for a pub for a few pints before we have to head back to get what little sleep we can before departing for the Air Port at 0300h (or so)... our flight back is at 0630h (which means we have to be at the airport for 0500h)... So, it won't be a long night, just a day. 
But, we may end up coming back in the future sometime.


Thanks to everyone who have contributed here. 

 

[TN2IC]

Wow...I missed this post.

Now Citadel is good. Local Armouries is just down the hill from there. McNabs Island is nice. Nothing but old forts and trails there. Also another fort with great trails is York Redoubt.

As for grub... hmm... Fishmen Cove in Eastern Passages.... right nearby moi! But I work on the other side of the harbour. As for a watering hole... if your a fan of Trailer Park Boys... there is always Bubbles Masion (downtown Halifax). They also have grub there too. Make sure you visit Olands brewery. (North End near my work)  ;D

And if you want entrainment, visit the dockyard. I am always there.
 


http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/index_e.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York_Redoubt
http://www.fishermanscove.ns.ca/
http://www.bubblesmansion.com/v2/

Regards,
TN2IC..


If you need some directions quick, I"ll pm you my Cell number.

 

[Scott]

If you're a brunch buffet guy and can spare the coin hit Mother Tuckers at 1668 Lower Water St. in Halifax, no website available. Sunday's are best but I am not sure that will help your plans. Seriously, this place is awesome grub. Roast beef shaved right in front of you, sides of pork, made to order HUGE ARSED omlettes, salad bar, you name it.

If you decide to see the harbour from the ferry, which I recommend, you can hit the Celtic Corner Pub: http://www.celticcorner.ca/ it's a jewel in downtown Dartmouth.

I rather like Bubbles for the atmosphere and their food is pretty decent.

I was at the Pogue last weekend for lunch, my second visit, and was not impressed.

Argyle Street has great pubs all along.

And if one makes it to Eastern Passage the John's Lunch is a must see/eat/feel full/sleep happy.

Nearer to you would be the Turkey Burger in Bridgewater.

Basically, it's hard to do it justice in one day...

 

[TN2IC]

I love it at John's Lunch. You can see the line up outside every lunch time.  ;D

But wow... still great fish!