Nova Scotia

June Hot Dates

5 for explorers

I Heart Bikes

1) Sailing from Eastern Passage, A&M Sea Charters offers whale watching, deep-sea fishing, customized tours.

2) Stroll from the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market with Local Tasting Tours to discover the city’s unique culinary offerings.

3) Murphy’s Cable Wharf boasts a variety of excursions, including sailing, whale watching and the amphibious Harbour Hopper.

4) East Coast Outfitters leads sea-kayak tours on Prospect Bay, a 30-minute drive west of Halifax. No experience necessary.

5) I Heart Bikes offers all the gear ideas you need for a two-wheeled exploration of peninsular Halifax.

Halifax Public Gardens (Photo: Terra Ciolfe)

Musical Fresco

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Continuing on Sundays through the summer, the bandstand at the centre of the Halifax Public Gardens on Spring Garden Road, hosts concerts as local bands perform free matinee shows.

Play On (Photo: tammy fancy/fancyfreefoto.com)

Editor’s Choice

June 15 to 16: With events across Canada, Play On is the world’s largest annual hockey festival. The street-hockey tournament features competition at various age and skill levels, with rinks set up on Bell Road, around the south end of the Halifax Common.

Halifax Greek Fest

Opa!

June 13 to 16: Returning to Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church on Purcell’s Cove Road, Halifax Greek Fest always draws big crowds. Check out the mouthwatering cuisine, live music, cultural displays and authentic Greek wine.

Memory Lane Heritage Village

Daniel Matto

June 12: The Australian-born jazz singer releases his second album, Groovin’ with the DMQ, at The Carleton.

Songwriters’ Circle

June 14: Bruce Guthro hosts as local musical talents perform and discuss their craft at Casino Nova Scotia.

Father’s Day Antique Car Show

June 16: Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte hosts this annual show, featuring dozens of lovingly restored cars.

David Wilcox

June 22: The acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist plays an intimate show at Casino Nova Scotia.

Natal Day Fireworks (Photo: Destination Halifax)

Summer Days

June 27 to July 1: We’re all one big happy municipality now, but the erstwhile town of Bedford still has its own vibrant community spirit, on display at Bedford Days. Festivities include live entertainment, competitions, fireworks and more.

June 28 to July 1: Events around the city mark Canada Day Weekend, including a ceremony at Halifax Citadel and a spectacular fireworks show over the harbour.

Festival Season

June marks the start of the summer festival season in Halifax, with vibrant events for any taste continuing through the month.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo runs June 30 to July 7: This is the world’s largest annual indoor show of its type, featuring military and civilian performers from around the world—gymnasts, marching bands, acrobats, comedians and more. Photo: Nova Scotia Tourism Agency

One of the biggest, the Scotia Festival of Music, actually began in May. This annual festival celebrates the best in chamber, baroque and classical music, with dozens of guest performers visiting for concerts, open rehearsals and masterclasses at venues around the city. This year’s lineup includes conductor Kenneth Woods, pianist Lynn Stodola, violinist Robert Uchida, cellist Denise Djokic, trumpeter Richard Simoneau, Composer-in-Residence Tim Brady and many more. It continues until June 9.

Returning on June 13, the Halifax Greek Fest is one of the city’s most beloved summer festivals. Thousands will gather at Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church on Purcell’s Cove Road for three days of live music, games, cultural displays, wine tastings, food samples and more. The Fest continues unil June 16.

Another popular event returns on June 21, as the Halifax Seaport Harbourwalk (near the corner of Marginal and Terminal roads) hosts the Nova Scotia Multicultural Festival. Dozens of cultural groups, representing a broad cross-section of the province’s communities, take part in the festival. Rollicking music, tasty cuisine and a friendly atmosphere are this festival’s hallmarks.

Although we’re all one big happy municipality now, the erstwhile town of Bedford maintains its civic pride. Join in the community’s annual celebrations as DeWolf Park hosts Bedford Days from June 27 to July 1. Community celebrations include live entertainment, sports competitions and fireworks.

Concurrently, Halifax marks the nation’s birthday with Canada Day Weekend celebrations around the city. Throughout the weekend, you can check out parades, entertainment and citizenship ceremonies. Venues include Halifax Citadel and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

The month also sees the return of one of the city’s most iconic summer events. The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is the world’s largest annual indoor show of its type. Hundreds of performers and both military and civilian acts will perform. The spectacular show at the Halifax Metro Centre on Duke Street includes bands, acrobats, comedians, military drill teams and more.

Hot Dining: Say Cheesecake

Mango Coconut Cheesecake from Sweet Hereafter

For a slice of rich and delicious city-style cheesecake, stop into Sweet Hereafter on Quinpool Road. Sit back, relax and take in the funky décor. Scrumptious cheesecake flavours include apple pecan, white chocolate raspberry, ginger pear, triple chocolate. Gluten-free and vegan flavours available, too.

3 Can’t-Go-Wrong Halifax Seafood Restaurants

Halifax Seafood Restaurants: McKelvie’s on Bedford Row in Halifax (Photo: Nova Scotia Tourism Agency)

SOU’WESTER
Situated next to the world-famous Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Sou’westeron Peggy’s Cove Road offers some of the best local seafood, including chowder, fish and chips and lobster.
• Sou’Wester, 178 Peggy’s Point Rd., Peggy’s Cove, 902-823-2561, peggys-cove.com
• Map and reviews

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Things to Do With Kids in Halifax

Things to do With Kids in Halifax: see Theodore!

Things to do With Kids in Halifax: See Theodore!
Kids’ reactions are always priceless when they stroll down Cable Wharf and see the giant smiling tugboat in the big red hat. Theodore Too is a loving life-sized re-creation of the eponymous Theodore Tugboat of PBS fame. Hop on board for a tour that lets your kids live the Big Harbour adventures they’ve seen so many times on television.
• Theodore Too Big Harbour Tours, Murphy’s Cable Wharf,1751 Lower Water St., 902-492-8847, theodoretugboat.ca
• Map and reviews (more…)

Ultimate City Guide: The Best Things to Do in Halifax

Watching the Highlanders: one of the top things to do in Halifax (Photo: baekken)

MARITIME GOTHIC

With centuries of history, a city gets its fair share of mysteries and folklore. Explore the city’s more sinister side with the Halifax Ghost Walk. Meet the group at 8:30 p.m. at the Old Town Clock on Citadel Hill (just up from Sackville Street). Narrators lead you through historic Halifax’s nooks and crannies, sharing tales of pirates, ghosts and haunted houses.

WIDE OPEN SPACES

At the south end of the peninsula, Point Pleasant Park is a popular year-round destination. Ocean-side and woodland trails draw hikers, bikers and runners in any weather. The park also hosts productions of theatre al fresco with Shakespeare by the Sea throughout the summer. In the midst of the downtown on Barrington Street, the Old Burying Ground is a secluded historic cemetery. It’s also notable as the resting place of British Major General Robert Ross, who burned Washington, D.C. in the War of 1812. Uptown on Spring Garden Road, the Halifax Public Gardens are one of the finest Victorian gardens in North America. In the summer, its bandstand hosts Sunday afternoon concerts. Across the harbour, the Dartmouth Common is a green oasis with splendid views of the Halifax skyline.

CENTRE STAGE

The region’s largest professional theatre company, Neptune Theatre on Argyle Street, wraps up another season with another blockbuster. Continuing through May 26, Legally Blonde: The Musical stars Halifax-born Lindsey Frazier as Elle Woods, in a Broadway re-invention of the Hollywood hit.

LOCAL HARVEST

From Lonely Planet to the Montreal Gazette to The New York Times, Halifax draws constant praise as a premier culinary destination. In the Guide to Dining you’ll find listings for a tremendous variety of restaurants. And discover where Halifax’s talented chefs find their inspiration: the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market on Marginal Road. Fresh-baked goods, savoury snacks, artisanal cheeses, award-winning Nova Scotian wine and produce aplenty—you’ll find plenty to entice.

TIME TRAVEL

Still the geographic (and emotional) heart of the downtown, the Halifax Citadel is Canada’s most popular National Historic Site.

In Halifax’s early days, citizens were notoriously unpunctual. The solution, courtesy of an early noble, was the Old Town Clock on Sackville Street.

You can shop and dine where privateers once stashed their booty in the Historic Properties.

Discover a long line of sports heroes—most recently, Sidney Crosby. Learn more: Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame on Duke Street.

Devastated in the Halifax Explosion almost a century ago, the area now called The Hydrostone has regrown as a stylish neighbourhood with unique architecture, quaint shops and world-class dining.

DAY TRIPPIN’

Centrally located, Halifax is an ideal day-trip base. Take a 45-minute drive east, and you’ll find the Memory Lane Heritage Village, a living-history museum that re-creates life in rural Nova Scotia as it was 70 years ago. Or, take a 45-minute drive west, and you’ll find the historic fishing village of Peggy’s Cove. Its iconic lighthouse, perched on the rocks just above the wild Atlantic waves, is Nova Scotia’s most photographed site.

Hot Dining: Viva Italia

A delicious pasta dish from Cafe Chianti

Café Chianti on Barrington Street serves up a hearty menu of Northern Italian fare with fresh seafood, lamb and duck dishes. Their extensive wine cellar includes varietals from Chile, Spain, Argentina, South Australia and, of course, Italy.

Da Maurizio on Lower Water Street, three-time winner of the CAA Four Diamond Award, is known for its impeccable service, wine list and northern Italian menu. Indulge in antipasti such as Scampi Alla Marchese or Muscoli Alla San Remo. And don’t forget the desserts like tiramisu, sorbetti, and trio di brulee.

Hot Shopping: Be Crafty

The Loop Craft Cafe

Visit The Loop Craft Café on Barrington Street and pick your favourite colourful yarns from the shelves. This spot has a large selection of wool, crochet hooks, knitting needles, embroidery kits, colourful thread, patterns and more. Local products include spindles, glass buttons and needle felted animal sculptures.

For a creative spin, drop by Dartmouth Yarns. Located on Queen Street in Dartmouth, this store has the knitting tools you need, whether you’re a beginner or pro. Choose from a wide selection of yarns, knitting needles and more. Looking to start a new project or hobby? They also have kits for making bangles, yoga socks, silk purses, scarves and hats.

Hot Shopping: Have a taste at Liquid Gold

Photo: Jeremy Tsang

Bring some new flavours into the kitchen by visiting Liquid Gold, located at The Hydrostone Market on Young Street. Take a look at the assortment of flavour infused olive oils, bath and beauty products, gourmet oils and other olive items this shop has to offer. Hard to choose just one? The tasting bar has samples of more than 40 balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oils available.

Hot Dates in Halifax: May

Beauty and the Beast plays a five-show engagement May 24-26. Photo: Joan Marcus

May 9: Acclaimed roots singer/songwriter David Myles, fresh off a collaboration with rapper Classified, plays the Dalhousie Arts Centre.

May 10: Steve Patterson, host of The Debaters on CBC Radio brings his This is Not Debatable tour to Halifax.

May 12: The Saint Cecilia Concert Series wraps up another season of celebrating classical music with a matinee concert at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts on Chebucto Road. Musician-in-Residence and cellist extraordinaire Shimon Walt performs, joined by his colleagues in the Rhapsody Quintet. Their varied repetoire includes a show-stopping rendition of the rock standard “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

May 15: One of the godfathers of outlaw country, Merle Haggard is enjoying a renaissance of late, releasing a string of critically acclaimed songs. He performs at the Halifax Metro Centre.

May 17 to 19: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Blue Nose Marathon has plenty for both experienced runners and newcomers to the sport, including a youth run, a 5K and a 10K. The full marathon begins at the Old Town Clock on Sackville Street on May 19. It runs past Halifax Citadel, through the North End, back through the downtown along Barrington and Hollis streets, around Point Pleasant Park and back up to the Clock.

May 24 to 26: The classic Disney fairy tale Beauty and the Beast comes to life, as the touring version of the Broadway production plays a five-show engagement at the Halifax Metro Centre on Duke Street. Young fans will love the opulent costumes, detailed sets and familiar music.

Editor’s Choice

May 27 to June 9: The Scotia Festival of Music, Atlantic Canada’s largest annual celebration of chamber music, returns with a roster that reads like a who’s-who of chamber-music scene, including conductor Kenneth Woods, pianist Lynn Stodola, violinist Robert Uchida, cellist Denise Djokic, trumpeter Richard Simoneau, Composer-in-Residence Tim Brady and many more.

Hot Shopping Halifax: Turn the Page

Bookmark. Photo: Michael Hamm

Visit Bookmark, an independently owned bookstore, on Spring Garden Road, for a wide selection of books, maps, stationery and more. Browse through the themed sections, including travel, current affairs, history and beyond. Can’t find what you’re looking for? You can even place a special order online.

Brain Candy Toys on Bedford Highway is full of fun and educational books, games and toys for little learners. Locally owned, it first opened in 2010. “We strive to be a source for educators, parents and children to find products that keep them unplugged, inspired and entertained,” says the website. So check out the toys that are piled high and explore what this store has to offer.

Hot Dining Halifax: Sweet Eats

The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar

Halifax’s first desserterie and bar, Middle Spoon on Barrington Street, is the perfect place for those with a sweet tooth. Indulge in fresh desserts like Chocolate Lava Cake, Peanut Butter Pie, New York cheesecake or a create-your-own sundae. The cocktail menu is just as decadent with choices including the Ruthless Ruby, Obsession and Pretty in Pink.

Fans of cheesecake will love Broadway Cheesecake Co. on South Park Street. But these aren’t your traditional flavours. Try tastes like apple caramel, Baklava, cherry crumble, chocolate banana rum and Reese Peanut Butter Cup. Or you can sample the pies or cupcakes. The menu also serves a selection of savoury sandwiches.

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