The Atlantic Ocean defines Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Atlantic's blue-gray presence is visible from Halifax's glass high-rises, centuries-old buildings and surrounding hills. Although Halifax is a vital working port, its huge natural harbor has a calming effect on visitors and residents.
Visitors will enjoy the historic Halifax Public Gardens in the heart of downtown, as well as the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site at the top of nearby Citadel Hill. The 2.5-mi-/4-km-long boardwalk along the Halifax harbor is a continuously busy spot, where visitors and residents alike gather to breathe the salt air.
Because Halifax is a center for health care, business and government, as well as the home of six universities, visitors will see business types and college students converging on Spring Garden Road for high fashion, sidewalk cafes, fine dining and vibrant nightlife.
If Halifax visitors really want to blend in with the locals on a summer day, they should perch on the wall in front of the Halifax Regional Library and take in the music of the ever-present buskers, or chow down on Bud the Spud's fries—fresh from the conveniently parked chip wagons.
