Nova Scotia, Canada

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Halifax & Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada

We spent a day in each. Places visited included:

  • The Halifax Public Gardens are Victorian-era public gardens formally established in 1867, the year of Canadian Confederation. It is the most visited site in Halifax.
  • Fairview Lawn Cemetery is the burial site of many of the victims of the Titanic. Halifax was the closest major port to the tragic sinking of the ship and all the recovered bodies were brought here along with many pieces of wreckage.
  • Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a hill where fortifications were first constructed by the English when the city was founded in 1749. It was the cornerstone of defending the port and shipyards.
  • Peggy’s Cove is a quaint, historic fishing village dating back to 1811. The current classic red and white lighthouse was constructed in 1914 and is still in use today.
  • The Fortress of Louisbourg was founded in 1713. The fishing port grew to become a major commercial port and a strongly defended fortress with fortifications eventually surrounding the town. The walls were constructed mainly between 1720 and 1740. By the mid-1740s it was one of the most extensive (and expensive) European fortifications constructed in North America. Reconstruction of the fortress began in 1961.

A few interesting facts about Halifax:

  • In 1917, it was the site of the world’s largest manmade explosion prior to Hiroshima. A French ship loaded with explosives collided with an empty ship, caught fire, and exploded. Sadly, about 2000 people were killed and another 9000 injured.
  • The Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry is the oldest in North America and the second oldest in the world.
  • Founded in 1750, the Farmers’ Market is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in North America.
  • There are 6 universities and more pubs per capita than any other Canadian city. I wonder if this just coincidence. Hmmm?

A few interesting facts about Sydney:

  • Renowned for its Celtic music and culture.
  • Was a major staging location for England-bound convoys during both World Wars.
  • One of the largest steel mills in North America was located here. Since it closed in 2001, customer support call centers and tourism have become its main industries

1 thought on “Nova Scotia, Canada”

  1. Ossie Brewer

    Great photos! One of these days I want to Tag along on a cruise to learn the ropes from the two of you!!!!

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