Destination Guides: Halifax, Canada - Events & Entertainment

Population: 360,000 (Greater Halifax)

Location: Halifax is on the eastern coastline of Nova Scotia (midway between Canso and Yarmouth), and is just above sea level.

Time Zone: The city is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, an hour later than New York City. When it is 12:00 noon in New York City, it is 1:00 PM in Halifax.

Telephone Area Code: 902

Weather: Nova Scotia is almost entirely surrounded by the sea. The cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Bay of Fundy help to keep the air temperature over southwestern Nova Scotia cool in spring and summer. In January, these same waters moderate the harshness of winter. Farther offshore to the east, southeast, and south are the slightly warmer waters of the Gulf Stream. Most agricultural areas experience 120 to 130 frost-free days between late May and early October creating a long crop-growing season.

Average Temperatures:

When to Visit: Spring, summer and autumn are all ideal for visiting Halifax, and winter tourism is very popular. Winter requires “layers” of clothing that can be adjusted based on the temperature and wind chill factor. The busiest time is during the Canadian summer vacation time (the end of June to early September). After that, some facilities close.

Holidays

New Year's Day (January 1)

Easter (April-May)

Canada Day on July 1

Nova Scotia Civic Holiday (called Natal Day in Halifax) 1^st Monday in August.

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)

Remembrance Day (November 11)

Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26)

Business Hours

Banks & Offices

Most banks in Canada are open Monday through Thursday 10-3 and Friday 10-5 or 6. Some banks are open longer hours and also on Saturday morning. All banks are closed on national holidays. Most banks (and some gas stations) have automatic teller machines (ATMs) that are accessible around the clock.

Museums & Sights

Hours at museums vary, but most open at 10 or 11 and close in the evening. Some smaller museums close for lunch. Many museums are closed on Monday; some stay open late on Wednesday, often waiving admission.

Shops

Stores, shops, and supermarkets usually are open Monday through Saturday 9-6, although in major cities supermarkets are often open 7:30 AM-9 PM and some food stores are open around the clock.

Emergencies

Ambulance, fire, or police ( 911).

Guided Tours

Boat Tours

Murphy's on the Water 902/420-1015 sails: Harbor Queen I, a paddle wheeler; Haligonian III, an enclosed motor launch; Stormy Weather I, a 40-ft Cape Islander (fishing boat); and Mar II, a 75-ft sailing ketch. All operate from mid-May to late October from berths at 1751 Lower Water Street on Cable Wharf next to the Historic Properties in Halifax.

Harbor Hopper Tours 902/490-8687 offers an amphibious tour of historic downtown Halifax and the Halifax Harbor.

Bus Tours (Book ahead)

Gray Line Sightseeing 902/454-8279 run coach tours through Halifax, Dartmouth, and Peggy's Cove.

Cabana Tours 902/423-6066 runs a similar coach tour.

Halifax Double Decker Tours 902/420-1155 offers two-hour tours on double-decker buses that leave daily from Historic Properties in Halifax.

Train Tours

VIA Rail 800/561-3949 conducts weekly first-class guided rail tours between Halifax and Sydney from May through mid-October.

Language

Canada's two official languages are English and French.

Money

ATMs

ATMs are available in most bank, trust company, and credit-union branches across the country, as well as in many convenience stores, malls, and gas stations.

Currency

U.S. dollars are accepted in much of Canada (especially in communities near the border). However, to get the most favorable exchange rate, exchange at least some of your money into Canadian funds at a bank or other financial institution. Traveler's checks (some are available in Canadian dollars) and major U.S. credit cards are accepted in most areas.

The units of currency in Canada are the Canadian dollar (C$) and the cent, in almost the same denominations as U.S. currency ($5, $10, $20, 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, etc.). The $1 and $2 bill are no longer used; they have been replaced by $1 and $2 coins (known as a "loonie," because of the loon that appears on the coin, and a "toonie," respectively).

Taxes

In Nova Scotia, the single sales tax (HST) of 15% is used. The tax applies to most goods and services, and it includes Canada's national tax (GST) of 7%.

Tipping

Tips and service charges are not usually added to a bill in Canada. In general, tip 15% of the total bill.

Telephones

The country code for Canada is 1. The area code for Halifax is 902. You do not need to dial the three-digit area code when making a call from within the same code.

Getting There

Halifax International Airport has direct services to Montreal, Toronto and St John's in Newfoundland. There are also smaller connecting flights available to other destinations throughout Canada. The airport is 24 miles from central Halifax on Hwy 102, north toward Truro.

Bus service runs from the Acadian bus station at 6040 Almon St. with several lines running through the Annapolis Valley and south to Yarmouth. There are also connections to New Brunswick, Cape Breton, Northumberland Shore and Prince Edward Island (via Moncton). For greater distances, a daily bus leaves Halifax at 7am for Montreal and a weekend service connects to New York.

Rail Service

The VIA train station is six blocks south of the downtown area. Trains to Montreal depart daily (except Tuesday) along a route through eastern New Brunswick. Tickets should be reserved in advance, as seats are limited.

Getting Around

An Airbus service runs between Halifax International Airport and the downtown area, stopping at major central hotels along the way. Allow 90 minutes before flight time for the 24mile trip.

Metro Transit operates a reliable, safe and inexpensive city bus system. Tourism Halifax has free schedules and information. Fred is a free city bus that runs a circuit of the city every 30 minutes, (11am to 6pm daily from June to August.)

Rental car companies are available at the airport and downtown. Lower priced car rental companies can be found near the VIA Rail station on Hollis Street.

Road Designations

Highways numbered from 100 to 199 are all-weather, limited-access roads, with 62- 68mph speed limits.. Roads numbered from 200 to 399 are secondary roads that usually link villages. Nova Scotia has 10 designated "Scenic Travelways," identified by roadside signs with icons that correspond with trail names.