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Halifax Travel Resources

Halifax Travel Resources

Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    For navigation (walking, driving, cycling) and public transit routing.

  • Halifax Transit App

    Shares accurate bus and ferry schedules, route information, and real-time tracking.

  • Uber/Lyft

    For ride-sharing services when taxis or public transit are not ideal.

  • HotSpot Parking

    For paying meters and extending parking remotely if you rent a car.

  • The Weather Network / AccuWeather

    For reliable local weather forecasts, for Halifax's changing maritime climate.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Destination Halifax

    The official tourism site for Halifax, sharing comprehensive attraction, event, dining, and accommodation information.

  • Tourism Nova Scotia

    The provincial tourism site, beneficial for planning day trips and wider Nova Scotia exploration.

  • Halifax Transit

    Shares detailed information on schedules, fares, and service alerts for buses and ferries.

  • Parks Canada (for Citadel Hill)

    Official site for visitor information, hours, and programs at Citadel Hill National Historic Site.

  • Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market

    Find market hours, vendors, and events.

Further Information & Social Channels

Social Media Feeds

Follow accounts like @hfx_waterfront and @destinationhalifax for local updates and inspiration. @halifaxnoise offers community news.

Follow Waterfront

Podcasts and Digital Content

Search for "Halifax podcast" or "Nova Scotia history podcast" on your preferred platform. CBC Nova Scotia often has relevant content.

Explore CBC Podcasts

Language Learning Resources

Duolingo and Memrise share French lessons. For Mi'kmaq, FirstVoices can share basic phrases and cultural context.

Duolingo FirstVoices

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • Consider a general Canada guidebook that includes Maritime Provinces and Halifax.
  • Pick up local maps from visitor information centers upon arrival.
  • A good road map of Nova Scotia is valuable if you plan day trips.
  • These resources offer overviews, itineraries, and practical advice.

Books About the Destination

  • "The Narrows" by Ann-Marie MacDonald, a fiction work set in Halifax.
  • Books about the Halifax Explosion (e.g., "The Town That Died" by Michael J. Bird).
  • Books about the Titanic disaster and Halifax's role.
  • Books on Nova Scotian folk art, connecting you with local artists.

Local Publications

The Coast

  • Halifax's alternative weekly newspaper.
  • Available for free at many cafes and shops.
  • A beneficial resource for local events.
  • Features restaurant reviews and entertainment listings.

Halifax Magazine

  • A local lifestyle magazine.
  • Features dining, arts, and culture.
  • Explores local personalities.
  • Offers a dive into city life.

Visitor Information Centre Guides

  • Often carry free local guides.
  • Include maps and attraction listings.
  • Provide discount coupons.
  • A good starting point upon arrival.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance: Dial 911 (universal in Canada).
  • Non-Emergency Police (Halifax Regional Police): (902) 490-5020.
  • Poison Control Centre: 1-800-565-8161.
  • Keep these numbers readily accessible.

Hospital Locations

  • QEII Health Sciences Centre (Halifax Infirmary site): 1796 Summer St.
  • IWK Health Centre (Children's & Women's Hospital): 5980 University Ave.
  • Many walk-in clinics are throughout the city.
  • Search "Halifax walk-in clinic" for current locations.

Embassy & Consulate

  • Most main embassies are in Ottawa.
  • Some countries may have consulates in Halifax (e.g., U.S. Consulate General).
  • Find your country's contact details before travel.
  • Beneficial in case of lost documents or other consular needs.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport/Travel Documents

  • Report loss/theft to local police immediately.
  • Obtain a police report for your records.
  • Contact your country's embassy or nearest consulate for assistance.

Credit Cards & Valuables

  • Call your bank/credit card company immediately to report and cancel.
  • Have international contact numbers stored separately.
  • Keep copies of important documents separate from originals.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Weather Monitoring

  • Monitor local news for weather warnings.
  • Especially for hurricanes/tropical storms (late summer/fall).
  • Or severe winter storms if visiting in colder months.

Safety Measures

  • Follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Have emergency contacts and a pre-determined meeting plan.
  • Keep electronic devices charged.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  1. Search for documentaries by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
  2. They often share content on Canadian history and culture.
  3. Seek films or television series set in Halifax or Nova Scotia.
  4. These can share visual context and cultural feel.
  5. Skillshare for related creative learning.

Music and Art

  1. Listen to traditional East Coast/Celtic music.
  2. Nova Scotia has a rich musical heritage, especially Celtic fiddle and folk.
  3. Many local pubs feature live performances.
  4. Explore works of local Nova Scotian artists.
  5. This deepens appreciation when visiting galleries.

Online Communities & Language

Online Communities

Reddit communities like r/Halifax and r/NovaScotia offer current local insights and recommendations.

Travel Forums

TripAdvisor forums and other travel blogs discuss Halifax travel topics and answer specific questions.

Language Resources

Duolingo and Memrise share French lessons. FirstVoices provides basic Mi'kmaq phrases and cultural context.

Safety Tip

Always have digital and physical copies of your essential documents stored separately.

Print Resources for Deep Dive

Recommended Guidebooks

General Canada Guidebooks

  • Major Travel Publishers

    Consider Fodor's, Frommer's, or Rick Steves guides with sections on the Maritimes.

  • Comprehensive Information

    These guides feature overviews, suggested itineraries, and practical tips.

  • Regional Focus

    Look for dedicated sections on Nova Scotia and Halifax for specific details.

Local Maps & Road Maps

  • Visitor Information Centers

    Pick up local maps upon arrival; they often highlight attractions and transit.

  • Nova Scotia Road Map

    Valuable for day trips or a longer road trip outside Halifax.

  • Navigation Aid

    A physical map can be a reliable backup to digital tools.

Books About the Destination

Fiction & Culture

"The Narrows" by Ann-Marie MacDonald, a fictional work set in Halifax, offers local insights.

Historical Events

Books on the Halifax Explosion ("The Town That Died") or Titanic disaster share pivotal historical context.

Local Art & Heritage

Books on Nova Scotian folk art, like Maud Lewis, connect you with local artists and traditions.

Local Publications to Explore

The Coast Alternative Weekly

  • Halifax's alternative weekly newspaper.
  • Available for free at many cafes and shops.
  • An excellent resource for local events and entertainment listings.
  • Features local restaurant reviews.

Halifax Magazine Local Lifestyle

  • A local lifestyle magazine.
  • Offers features on dining, arts, and culture.
  • Highlights local personalities and community stories.
  • Shares insights into city life.

Other Printed Resources

Visitor Information Centre Maps

  • Pick up upon arrival at visitor information centers.
  • Highlight attractions, public transit routes, and walking paths.
  • Beneficial for orienting yourself quickly in the city.
  • Often contain valuable visitor information and tips.

Road Maps for Nova Scotia

  • A physical road map of Nova Scotia is valuable.
  • Useful if you plan day trips or a longer road trip outside Halifax.
  • Aids in navigating scenic routes and exploring rural areas.
  • A good backup for digital GPS, especially in remote areas.

Reading Tip

Reading about the local history and culture before your visit significantly deepens your travel experience.

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