Tag: travel tips

Maritime Travel – Halifax, Nova Scotia

Compared to locations like Toronto and Vancouver, Halifax hardly qualifies as a city. However, this seaside town offers more than its size: it is dotted with a landmark citadel, public parks, and red-brick heritage buildings, blessed with some world-class museums, and home to an epic 4-kilometer seafront boardwalk. Some friends of mine who own an Edmonton siding company take frequent trips back to the east coast to visit friends and family. Thanks to their help and my recent adventure to the Maritimes, I’ve put together the top must-see attractions in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Canadian Museum of Immigration
There is an argument that this museum is the most important institution in Canada. Pier 21 was once the Canadian version of the Ellis Island of the USA, where all the potential immigrants arrived. Over a million people went through the halls, and it is a passionate experience to pass through the same doorways where immigrants from different parts of the world started new lives. A combination of personal testimonies, poignant artifacts, and audiovisual exhibits make for a moving and powerful museum.

Citadel Hill Historic Site
Sitting on the grassy hillock overlooking the town, this fort played a significant role in the founding of Halifax. Construction started in 1749; the present citadel is the 4th, built from 1818 – 1861. The battements and grounds inside this star-shaped fort are open to the public year-round. The exhibits are usually closed between November and April, so we advise that you visit between May and October when visitors are allowed to visit the gunpowder magazines, the engineer’s store, the signal post, the guard’s room, and the barracks.

Halifax Central Library
Built on what used to be a parking lot, this impressive modern library, comprising glass boxes artfully stacked atop each other, has become a popular meeting point among Haligonians ever since it was opened to the public in 2014. Inside, there are concrete staircases ascending Escher-like via the central atrium, leading to a rooftop where there are a viewing garden and an excellent café.

Nova Scotia Art Gallery
This art gallery is a premier art institution in this province and is a must-see when you are in this region. It has a wide variety of local art collection, especially the artwork of Maud Lewis, a folk artist. The major exhibit in the lower hall regularly changes and features anything from the avant-garde to ancient art.

Halifax Public Gardens
Established to mark Confederation in 1867, but in 1875 opened formally to the public, Halifax’s delightful public gardens are a good sample of Victorian horticultural planning. It is stocked with ponds, bridges, fountains, statues, lakes, and a wide variety of formal flower beds and trees.

10 Must See Places in San Francisco

While Colorado is a beautiful state with tons to see and do, if you’re looking for a little more sun and sand, California may be a good option for some travel fun. Specifically, the city of San Francisco is a fairly short flight away.

Golden Gate Bridge
The first place you have to visit is the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t be lazy, walk on the bridge itself it’s worth it. There are also free attractions that are located next to the bridge to add to your visit.

Fisherman’s Wharf
This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco and it is where you will find the most family attractions in the city. So if you are traveling with your kids ensure you mark this place.

San Francisco Bay
Don’t stay on the land, take a cruise, see the city from the sea, search for whales, or visit the most famous prison in the world, Alcatraz. Be aware though that the cruises to Alcatraz fill up quickly on weekends and during peak season.

Castro District
The beautiful Castro district is the next top attraction in San Francisco where you can even get a free tour. While visiting the district, I suggest visiting the historic Castro theatre and catching their classic movie of the month.

Take a Walk in Chinatown
This is in Chinatown and it is the oldest Chinatown neighborhood in the USA. In Chinatown, you can experience a mix of the San Franciscan and Chinese cultures and learn about the unique history of the Chinese people while exploring the many shops.

Palace of Fine Arts
Spend some time in the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts watching the Swans and enjoying the ancient Greek architecture. Check out the Exploratorium next door with over 475 art and science exhibits.

Union Square
If you enjoy shopping, there’s no better place than Union Square. Here, you can purchase anything your heart desires from clothing to fine jewelry. You can also check out some street performers around this square from juggling to opera, acrobatics, and other forms of street art.

The Dock Seals
If you are going to San Francisco, then you have to see the Dock Seals that lie around Pier 39. They sure are noisy but fun to watch. If you are passionate about sea life, you can also take a whale watching cruise to spot some sea giants.

Ride World-Famous Trolleys
It’s fun and an experience you will never forget. You can take the regular trolleys or you can book a hop-on-hop-off charlie.

Ghiradelli Square
The last but not least on the list is Ghiradelli Square. It is home to the world-famous Ghiradelli chocolates and many other Queen shops. Stop by to grab some delicious chocolates here.