The capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax attracts visitors of all ages who want to experience its history and use it as a base to explore the Bay of Fundy, Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove, the Annapolis Valley and the Cabot Trail. Every couple of years, we head up to visit my husband’s family so most of our time is spent in Halifax.

Halifax is a place that is changing without losing its remarkable history. It was a refuge for loyalists fleeing the revolutionary victors in the U.S. (those that wanted Britain to win the Revolutionary War), the site of the largest man made explosion before the atomic bomb and a key supply base for the allies in WWII. Today it is a family friendly and walkable city well worth a few days visit, especially during the summer.

1.  Take a tour of Halifax Harbour aboard Theodore Tugboat

Kids love boats, and this life size version of Theodore Tugboat, a character from a CBC/PBS television series, is even more exciting. The one-hour tour is designed with children in mind.  While waiting for your tour, be sure to visit Historic Properties. In addition to the shops and museums in the old dockside buildings, there is a food court with a nice selection that makes for kid friendly eating.

2.   Visit the Farmers Market

North America’s oldest farmer’s market is Halifax Farmer’s Market, held in the historic Keith’s Brewery Building.  Wander around the maze of vendors tucked into every nook and cranny during the summer. Don’t miss the blueberries, fresh oatcakes, local cheeses and homemade ice cream.

3.  Explore Spring Garden Road

Start with some fries (chips) made from local potatoes at the Bud the Spud truck in front of the Spring Garden Road library.  Sit on the wall and see if you can stop at one order. Walk off your snack and explore the heart of Halifax’s retail district along Spring Garden.

Be sure to take a side trip down to 1533 Birmingham Street where you will find Woozles, Canada’s oldest children’s bookstore.  We picked up Caillou in its original French and discovered Marc Tetro’s uniquely Canadian picture books.

At the top of Spring Garden Road, you will arrive at the Public Gardens, Halifax’s Victorian era park. In addition to beautiful gardens, there is a duck pond and a bandstand with live music in summertime.

4.   Drop into the Discovery Centre for hands on fun

Halifax’s hands-on science centre includes activities for kids of all ages including an area for toddlers. I don’t know a kid or a parent who doesn’t like a hands on museum and it is a great place to spend a few hours during a rain shower.

5.  Roll down Citadel Hill

Citadel Hill, site of Fort George, towers above Halifax has been a strategic military site throughout Halifax history. It is the highest point above a protected deep water port (for you military buffs.) The star shaped fort has lots of cool passages to explore, surrounded by a large grassy hill. The grass is soft and inviting. Forget lying and watching the clouds go by, or having a picnic. Get down on your side and roll, roll, roll.

Theodore Tugboat photo courtesy of Hot Meteor.

April 29th, 2009 | by Meg Keough 11 comments