Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/679293
TOP: Cycle along the harbourfront in Halifax. Celtic Colours CENTRE RIGHT: The Citadel hosts a variety of events including the hourly sentry change and a daily pipe-and-drum concert. Wally Hayes OPPOSITE LEFT: The TD Jazz Festival is just one of many events that take place in downtown Halifax. Destination Halifax OPPOSITE RIGHT: Shops in downtown Halifax offer a variety of local products. Scott Munn WHILE HALIFAX IS A CENTURY OLDER THAN CANADA, ITS VIBRANCY IS FUELLED BY THE LIVELY ARTS, MUSIC AND CULTURAL SCENES THAT FEED OFF THE 12 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION WHO ATTEND THE CITY'S SEVEN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES. DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2016 42 V isually, Halifax is an architectural treasure trove with structures ranging from two-century-old waterside privateers' warehouses (privateers were pirates employed by the Crown) and the impenetrable hilltop Citadel to elegant Georgian mansions, Victorian fantasies and modern office towers and hotels, such as the $500-million Halifax Convention Centre and yet-to-be-named hotel opening next year in the heart of the entertainment district. Water is Halifax's raison d'être. Halifax has been an important naval base since its founding in 1749. In addition to the on- going naval presence, ocean research and commerce are opportunities for water- based enjoyment ranging from sailing on the tall ship Silva to land-and-sea explo- rations aboard amphibious Harbour Hoppers and inexpensive round-trip ferry rides across the harbour. The more adven- turous can sea kayak while others sun themselves on a beach. And that's all without leaving the city centre! The lifestyle, access to farm-fresh pro- duce and just-landed seafood has attracted edgy, innovative chefs to Halifax. Fresh food paired with award-winning local wines, spirits and beers have cemented Halifax's position as the culinary coast. MUCH TO EXPLORE The 75-hectare waterfront Point Pleasant Park is easily walkable or cyclable from any downtown hotel. The park offers 39 kilome- tres of forested paths, beach, picnic places, ancient fortifications to explore and an opportunity to attend an outdoor perform- ance by Shakespeare by the Sea. A COOL, COASTAL CAPITAL BY ALLAN LYNCH