I explored the small downtown and port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on
a recent sunny Saturday.
It was a kind of fam trip, so I offer here my "fam trip report."
The information is all real, the format fabricated.
Greater Halifax, population 320,000, is a popular meeting site,
and so its hotels are at 90%-plus occupancy May through October,
the CVB said. On the leisure side, it targets active travelers with
a focus on water-related activities.
Highlights are listed below. All monuments cited are in
excellent condition.
Halifax Citadel, historic fort built in the 1850s in case of
war with the U.S. (and the only costumed guard I heard speak was
American!); re-created barracks; audiovisual presentation; great
views of the city; Living History unit that reenacts 19th century
drills, illustrates other aspects of life at the fort; very
popular; entry fee, $4.50, in season. (902) 426-5080.Province House, elegant Georgian building, site of Canada's
first legislature; debuted in 1819; chambers still used by Nova
Scotia's representatives; can visit most days of year. (902)
424-4661.St. Matthew's Church, charming little 19th century with gated
pews; tours offered. (902) 423-9209.Old Burying Ground, 18th/19th century cemetery, lovingly
restored, pleasant city-center stroll.Halifax International Buskers Festival, annual event, free
street entertainment in port area, Aug. 3 to 13, with side shows of
body painting, spoon players, etc. (902) 429-3910.The Harbour Hopper bus/boat, rather awkward and
wonderful-looking amphibious vehicles seen on city streets and at
sea; too little time to sample. (902) 490-8687.Historic Properties Privateers Wharf, 10 restored 19th century
buildings with a history of providing storage for loot collected by
privateers (meaning men paid by Britain to raid enemy vessels ...
one privateer used his ill-gotten gains to found Nova Scotia's
first bank); now a setting for shops and eateries and lots of
socializing. (902) 429-0530.Alexander Keith Brewery and Brewery Market, 19th century
complex housing a working brewery; tours offered with guides in
period costume; also a farmers' market, open in the mornings. (902)
455-1474.McKelvie's, lunch site, at Prince Street and Bedford Row, $26
Canadian for lobster, other items well under $20C, good food,
pretty. (902) 421-6161.Hotels: Ideally, hotel details would appear here.Web sites: www.meethalifax.com; www.explore.gov.ns.ca; www.halifaxinfo.com.OK, this is not a real fam trip report, and not all good
attractions are cited, but this is my way of asking you to please
share with me samples of real fam trip reports. I would love to see
how you do these.