In Halifax, historic fortifications and centuries-old wooden buildings stand amidst modern skyscrapers, making for one of Canada's most striking cityscapes.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Located in south central Nova Scotia on one of the world's largest deepwater, ice-free harbours, Halifax is Nova Scotia's commercial, educational, and political capital.

Halifax owes its very existence to the harbour. A chief British military base in the seventeen and eighteen hundreds and a vital naval supply link for the Allied effort in World War II, Halifax earned the nickname "Warden of the North". Even today the harbour plays an important role, as modern-day frigates, container ships, cruise liners and fishing boats play its busy waters.

The Citadel, a restored 1828 British fortress, is the city's focal point, rising above the downtown on a large hill overlooking the harbour. Cobblestone streets and restored warehouses that date back to the 1700s make up Historic Properties, a picturesque cultural and entertainment district on the waterfront. For much of the summer a wharf at Historic Properties berths the Bluenose 2, a replica of the famous Nova Scotia racing schooner depicted on the Canadian dime.

CLIMATE

Halifax weather tends to be warmer than inland Nova Scotia due to the moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean. Summer temperatures typically fall between 21-26°C. Fog rolling in from the ocean often blankets the city in the early morning and evening. Winter temperatures average -8 to 0°C, with snow frequently turning to rain.

ECONOMY

As a capital city and home to two military bases (CFB Halifax and CFB Shearwater), federal, provincial and municipal government are Halifax's single largest employers. The Port of Halifax is Canada's busiest east coast port.

Halifax is also a centre for research and higher education, home to Dalhousie University, St. Mary's University, the Techinical University of Nova Scotia, Mount Saint Vincent University and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. The Bedford Institute is one of the world's largest centres for ocean study.

CULTURE AND RECREATION

Halifax boasts an exciting cultural scene with a variety of festivals, museums, galleries, theatres, pubs and nightclubs. Historic Properties is the city's entertainment hot spot, home to The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, charming restaurants with a harbour view, trendy pubs and a waterfront casino. Every summer jugglers and magicians perform at Historic Properties and throughout the city as part of the Halifax International Busker Fest.

Theatre lovers enjoy a variety of performances year-round including plays at Neptune Theatre, the Cohen Auditorium, various dinner theatres and Shakespeare in the Park, at Point Pleasant Park. The Metro Centre is host to a variety of large scale events including concerts and sporting events.