Dartmouth
#5 in Best Things To Do in Halifax
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2 of 3Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 5.0Value
- 4.5Food Scene
- 5.0Atmosphere
Sitting across the harbor from Halifax is Dartmouth, a small town that has been around since 1750. There are two primary reasons to visit this Nova Scotia town (aside from the scenic ferry ride across the harbor): First, to enjoy its natural landscape; and second, to take in its history. Known as "The City of Lakes," Dartmouth is peppered with 23 individual ponds, many of which are surrounded by public parkland and ideal for a picnic. Another scenic stomping ground is the Shubenacadie Canal, which was created in the early 1800s to connect Halifax Harbor to Shubenacadie Grand Lake and ultimately the Bay of Fundy near Nova Scotia's interior.
You should can spend an hour or two exploring Dartmouth's harbor, where you'll find a cluster of historic buildings that now house cute shops and cozy restaurants.
Dartmouth is just a twelve-minute ferry ride from downtown Halifax, though you can choose to walk or drive there via the Angus L. MacDonald Bridge. To learn more about what Dartmouth has to offer, you can visit the official town website.
More Best Things To Do in Halifax
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2 of 8#1 Historic Properties Wharf
To sample historic Halifax, spend a few hours perusing the Historic Properties. Overlooking the harbor from its city-center locale, this neighborhood retains much of its original fin-de-siècle architecture. The historic buildings that once acted as shipping warehouses and privateers' headquarters now house the lively Harbourside Market, numerous boutiques, souvenir shops and several rowdy brewpubs.
The majority of Halifax visitors and residents say that this quaint neighborhood is a must-see for first-time tourists. As one Yelp.com user (a Halifax resident) says: "It's a total tourist draw, and one of the places that is absolutely required visiting … whether you're 'from here' or 'from away.'"
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