Halifax, Canada

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Mother

Until 1784, in some areas of Canada there was an official ban on the Catholic faith, which in some cases even involved criminal punishment. And only in the late 18th century was it lifted, allowing the construction of the first Catholic church in Halifax-the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral was built at the expense of a group of Irish Catholics. In 1829, the first religious service was held, and in 1843 a chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary was added to the church. By then, the church had been completely rebuilt according to the design of architect Joseph Connolly in the Neo-Gothic style. Today, the cathedral is listed among Canada’s National Historic Landmarks.

Fort George Fortress

The city fortifications were created to protect the city’s residents from raids by French troops and Indigenous tribes. The fortress that has survived to this day is the fourth one on this site; construction began in 1828 and continued for almost thirty years. The fortress’s daily ceremonial cannon volley at noon became one of Halifax’s important and recognizable symbols. In addition, the fortress’s artillery plays an essential role in the city’s celebrations. On the fortress grounds, soldiers themselves and their families recreate life in the fort as it was in 1869. The fortress hosts exhibitions that tell of its role in the life of the city. There is also an army museum here, whose exhibitions feature a rare collection of weapons, medals, and military uniforms.

Clock Tower

One of the most remarkable urban landmarks is the spotless White Clock Tower. The idea to place it here belonged to the British Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who wished to leave a tower in the city as he set off back to England in 1800. The tower consists of three tiers, and the upper high section is shaped as an irregular octagon. It is mounted on a rectangular, sturdy first floor. The entire structure stands on the slope of Citadel Hill. The clock dials are marked with Roman numerals, and for aesthetic reasons the number 4 is shown there not as IV, but as IIII. The clockwork, made by famous British craftsmen, began keeping time in 1803, and in 1990 the tower was fully restored.

Atlantic Maritime Museum

The Atlantic Maritime Museum is located on the historic waterfront in the very heart of Halifax. This is where you can trace the complete history of seafaring in Nova Scotia. At the dock stands a research vessel from 1913, fully restored and refurbished. The museum’s collection also includes artifacts connected with the disaster of the “Titanic” and with the 1917 explosion. In the harbor, the ship “Arcadia” is moored-a hydrographic service vessel launched in 1913 and placed in storage. To reach “Arcadia,” you only need to walk a short distance from the museum building, and in the summer months the ship can be explored. The staff of the Atlantic Maritime Museum conduct scientific research. One of their most recent projects is a study of the disappearing structures of ships.

Museum ship HMCS Sackville

HMCS Sackville - a Flower-class naval ship belonging to the Royal Canadian Navy. It was built in 1940 for reconnaissance and escort raids along the country’s coastline, but immediately after being launched it was forced to take part in combat operations in Europe. After the Second World War, HMCS Sackville was used for civilian purposes as a research vessel. Today, the ship is a museum; practically all the time it is berthed in the port of Halifax. HMCS Sackville has its own captain and crew, enabling the vessel to periodically change its location and take part in exhibitions across the country.

Halifax Public Park

Halifax Public Gardens were created in 1867 and are Canada’s National Historic Site Museum. In essence, this is a collection of ancient Victorian-era gardens with their many architectural and historical monuments. You can visit here every year from May to November. The beauty here is extraordinary! A vast green area is adorned with statues and bulky flowerbeds, memorial plaques and fountains, stone bridges and pools, ponds with ducks and swans. In the summer pavilion, free Sunday public concerts are held during the warm season. The garden’s main highlight is its main gates-an ornate wrought-iron decorative structure about five meters high and six meters wide.

Sir Sandford Fleming Park

One of Halifax’s most popular city parks is Sir Sandford Fleming Park, which covers an area of 38 hectares and is located at the southern end of the Halifax Peninsula, on the shore of the South Arm of the Halifax Harbour. Here you can see forests with walking trails, marshlands, small lakes, and sandy beaches. In 1912, a Dingle Tower was built in the park, from where you can now take in views of the city.

Half-Day Halifax City Tour

Halifax was founded as early as 1749 by the English. For a very long time, it served as the main stronghold of the English Crown. The excursion will begin with a tour of the fortress, which is one of the city’s main attractions. This citadel is often called “the gates to the continent,” because it is so monumental and impregnable that it protects the entire city. Next, you will head to the harbor, home to the historic center of Halifax. This is a lively and beautiful area filled with numerous original historic buildings, stunning views of the harbor, souvenir shops, and cozy little restaurants. During the tour, you will also visit Halifax parks: “Halifax Commons,” the oldest park located in the southern part of the city, and “Point Pleasant Park,” situated within forested areas.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review them after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account.”