Three Days in Halifax
When I got off the train at the Via Tail Halifax Train Station (see my post The Ocean – Montreal to Halifax by Train), I promptly went to pick up my rental car. The Enterprise Rent-A-Car is conveniently located inside the terminal, and the guys were nice enough to wait for me. I then went to the Grocery and Liquor Store to stock up before checking into my hotel. I stayed at the Commons Inn, conveniently situated near the train station.
Day 1: Peggy’s Cove
I woke up early and drove out to Bridgewater, NS via route 3, so I could drive along the coast on my way to Peggy’s Cove. As I was an avid Haven fan, I just had to stop in Lunenburg, Chester, and Mahone Bay.
It was a beautiful, yet chilly day. I had the road to myself on this early March day, and I could stop as often as I wanted to snap some pictures. Despite freezing my hands off to hold the camera, I got some rare unobstructed views of Peggy’s Cove. Most people visit in the summer, so their pics are filled with tourists.
On the drive back, I stopped for a short hike to Polly’s Cove and was rewarded by an amazing view! I drove back to Halifax via Dartmouth so I could take the ferry and I got a great glimpse of Halifax at sunset! What a day!
Day 2: Crystal Crescent Beach, Duncan’s Cove, and Halifax Pier
As an avid hiker, I searched online for hikes I could do near Halifax. My first stop was at Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park. Normally, this would be a strenuous 11 km-loop I would gladly undertake. However, though it was a picture perfect day, it was about -10 degrees Celsius on land, so you can imagine how cold it got on the water! Nonetheless, I went as far as I could and was rewarded yet again with breathtaking views.
Next up was Duncan’s Cove, part of the Duncan’s Cove Nature Reserve. The 8 km-loop moderate hike takes about 3 hours to complete and is one of the best coastal hikes in Nova Scotia.
I made my way back to Halifax and stopped at the Pier to walk around the shops, and grab some soup at the market.
Day 3: Halifax Town Clock, Citadel Hill, Emera Oval, Waterfront Boardwalk, Halifax Central Libray, and an Irish Pub!
My third day was just as packed as the other two. It’s a lot easier to get see everything when you are traveling SOLO and an early riser! The Town Clock and Citadel Hill are historical landmarks that couldn’t be passed up. I’m not much of a history buff, I’ll let you google it!
Next was Emera Oval, Halifax’s year-round ice rink. It was walking distance from the hotel and offered free rentals. I did not skate for very long because it was absolutely freezing.
As much as I love hiking trails, mountains and beaches, I love books. And the Halifax Central Library is as close to paradise as I could get. There are just no words. Here are a few pics. I took at least 30!
Once I was all warm, and before I read through most of the new novels, I headed over to the Waterfront Boardwalk, now that I knew where to park (free parking on Saturdays at the Farmers’ Market!). It’s a busy part of town, though you can’t tell from my pictures!
This last day would not be complete without a pint and some live music at a local Irish Pub.
