Traveling to the Atlantic region of Canada was always in the back of my mind, and what better place to start than Halifax, Nova Scotia. I had heard about the area’s beauty, and it didn’t disappoint. The views were serene and beautiful, and breathing in the fresh Atlantic air felt rejuvenating. We happily roamed the boardwalk, lounged on the beach, tasted the local fare, and visited the surrounding areas. We enjoyed every minute of our stay.
Dartmouth Crossing
We began our stay by driving into Dartmouth to stay at the Marriott Residence Inn. The location was great for us as we had all the amenities we needed. We had access to plenty of stores and even an outlet shopping center. We rented a car, but many stores and restaurants were within walking distance.
Bustling Downtown
The downtown area has plenty of sites to see and shops to visit. We were drawn to the downtown core and waterfront almost every day. The boardwalk was constantly buzzing with energy from locals and visitors. Performers and buskers added to that vibe and would often attract an interactive and energetic crowd.
The Harbour Hopper
The Harbour Hopper is a fun, fast-paced adventure that introduces riders to the best of Halifax by land and sea! That’s right, this same vessel first gives a tour by land, then transforms into a boat and tours by sea. Sitting 10 feet high, the Hopper offers an exclusive view of the vibrant city’s historical sights, such as the Grand Parade and Citadel Hill National Historic Site.
The Citadel and Old Town Clock
Visitors can explore the fortress’s site and the soldiers stationed there and walk within the walls inside and outside the building to learn about Halifax’s military history.
The Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is a fun, hands-on learning environment that kids will thoroughly enjoy. Explore different themed floors and stations that are science-based and engage children in immersive play.
Halifax Public Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens is a gorgeous park with vibrant plants of hundreds of different species. The Gardens are free for visitors to walk through and open daily at 8am and close a half hour before sunset. Grab a warm tea or a snack while visiting the quaint tea shop on site called the Rabbit Hole Cafe.
Shubie Park Beach
Shubie Beach is found in Shubie Park, located next to Lake Charles. There are 11 kilometers of trails found within Shubie Park, as well as a dog park. The beach isn’t large, but we had no issues finding a nice spot on the sand in mid-July.
The Food
There was no way I was leaving Halifax without trying the infamous lobster roll. They were available in several locations, and even Subway had its own take. We enjoyed the lobster rolls at an establishment right on the boardwalk called Waterfront Warehouse Restaurant.
Donairs are also popular fare in Halifax. They are delicious and available in many establishments.
Sweet Treats
Peace By Chocolate, perfectly situated at the Halifax Waterfront, is a delightful chocolate shop with a beautiful story. Peace By Chocolate was founded by a Syrian-Canadian chocolatier named Tareq Hadhad after moving to Canada as a refugee. His successful establishment helped him garner the National Entrepreneurship Award for his positive impact as a new Canadian.
It can be a little overwhelming with all the flavors to choose from. Believe me when I say the cost will add up for chocolate lovers who want to try everything, but it’s well worth it.
We also explored the surrounding areas of Halifax that were a short drive away from the city.
Peggy’s Cove
Just a short drive from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is a scenic spot that is a must to visit when in the area. The commanding lighthouse, built in 1868, marks the eastern entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay. Careful not to go to the edge of the rocks that can be slippery and dangerous, climbing the rocks and staring out at the waves of the Atlantic ocean is a beautiful and calming sight. Explore the village where you’ll find art shops, souvenir shops and boutiques. You can also take a boat tour around Peggy’s Cove and see some of the wildlife in the area like seals and puffins.
Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a beautiful town, a further drive from Halifax but well worth it. It’s a picturesque fishing village with brightly painted British Colonial-style buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s also the home of the famous Bluenose sailboat, built in 1921 and can be found on the Canadian dime. Lunenburg is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic District.
The Bluenose was also available for tourists to walk in and explore the sailboat.
Whale Watching in Lunenburg
We committed to a three-hour boat tour to spot whales. I discovered that the Atlantic seas don’t agree with me and spent most of the time feeling nauseous! Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any whales but saw seals and puffins.
We had a wonderful and memorable trip. My children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and often remember our adventures in Nova Scotia. We did embark on this journey unknowingly during a heat wave that even the locals said was rare and almost unbearable! I admit walking up the hill downtown wasn’t easy, especially in the heat. But it certainly didn’t damper our spirit or the experience.
Feature Image: Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Patrick Rojo
Save on Your Next Disney Trip Thanks to These Expert Tips
Many kids dream of going to Disney World, and many parents hope to fulfill them. But getting to Disney can feel unattainable for some families, depending on the distance and the number of people going. It’s no secret that going to Disney World is a considerable expense and requires a lot of planning. With four parks to visit (EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios), the cost of transportation, accommodation, park entry, food, and additional entertainment can add up fast.
The following are some tips to save on the cost of a Disney vacation by experts who know Disney inside and out. These money-saving tips will make a dream Disney vacation more affordable, especially for bigger families.
Save on Your Next Disney Trip Thanks to These Expert Tips
The Most Dangerous Cities in the United States
There are plenty of beautiful and safe sights to see in America. However, there’s also some bad parts, and that includes areas where violent crimes have skyrocketed over the past years.
The Most Dangerous Cities in the United States
20 Best Zoos In the US for a Fun Family Day
One of the best outings with the whole family, whether it’s a road trip or part of a city tour, is visiting a zoo. Bucket-listing some of the best zoos in the US is a must. It is the perfect way to spend the day together, learning about different animals and watching how they interact with each other and the people visiting them.
Zoos have certainly evolved over the years as the perception that animals are caged and isolated is no longer the reality. Many zoos have created an environment for animals that attempts to mimic their own natural habitats.
Here is a list of the best zoos in the US. Next time you need a day trip activity or are visiting a new city, consider going to the zoo! After all, where else can you see polar bears, pandas and lions all in one place?
20 Best Zoos In the US for a Fun Family Day
18 Indoor Water Parks in the U.S. for All-Season Fun
Indoor water parks are the perfect getaway, especially for people who live in areas where they can swim outdoors only three or four months a year. Going to indoor water parks can also be a fun family activity. Many have giant water slides and other fun water activities that can help people of all ages happily pass the day away in the pool.
The following are indoor water parks in the United States that families can visit for some water fun any time of the year.
18 Indoor Water Parks in the U.S. for All-Season Fun
The Biggest Tourist Traps in the World That Will Empty Your Wallets
Tourist traps are locations or activities designed to attract tourists and extract as much money from them as possible with overpriced merchandise and entrance fees. Some of the biggest tourist traps are considered world-famous attractions but also include restaurants and souvenir shops. Although these locations may be on your bucket list, many people who have visited these sites often feel underwhelmed, according to TripAdvisor. The following are the biggest tourist traps from around the world.
The Biggest Tourist Traps in the World That Will Empty Your Wallets