Brews, Boats, and Books – A Brief Jaunt through Halifax

Last week I presented at the Canadian Bioethics Conference hosted in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I am a Canadian through and through, yet had never been to the Maritimes! After my experience, I will quickly be back for Round 2. Halifax has the friendliest locals in any province (thus far!), fresh food, drinks constantly flowing, and incredible sights! Here are a few highlights of my journey in the Eastern Coast epicenter.

Food & Drink

Stillwell

There are two locations to explore: the outdoor Beer Garden and the indoor Brewery! Featuring local and Canadian craft beers from light to dark, fruity to hoppy. Snack on their vegan popcorn, or dig in to their pulled pork sandwiches. A great place to catch up with friends, or make new ones!

Oblidee

A wine bar that features talented local artists. I highly recommend their live jazz nights, you may get a surprise saxophone solo! Vast selection of wine, along with local cheese platters and homemade desserts. A very sophisticated yet unpretentious stop downtown.

Stubborn Goat

An enormous local brewery with two locations: the heart of downtown and right along the waterfront! Featuring local alcoholic drinks (beer AND wine) alongside more popular beverages. Delicious meals including burgers, mac & cheese, and local seafood (YUM!).

Lot 6

A MUST after 6pm. Request the atrium and see an architectural feat inside a restaurant basement! Unique and tasty cocktails, fresh seafood dishes (known for their oyster happy hour!), and very attentive wait staff.

Henry House

A British-style pub inside an old (1800’s) house! Three different floors to suit your fancy, from a (clean!) dive bar, to casual dining, to upscale drawing room. Extremely attentive staff, with local and classic pub food and drink. Come for the drinks, stay for the cozy atmosphere!

Garrison’s

A local brewery right along the waterfront. Serves floats of 10(!) so you can get a little taste of everything, or share amongst friends. You can also bring your own food in, increasing the inclusivity! With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great location year-round.

Mary’s Place (II)

A local all-day breakfast café right between Dalhousie and downtown. Featuring breakfast classics alongside Middle Eastern cuisine, there is something for everyone, no matter your dietary restrictions. Quick service, great portions, and reasonable prices, this is a perfect brunch spot for the diverse group!  

Attractions

Public Gardens

I can only speak to my late spring experience, but please make the time for this location. The gardens are well maintained and truly beautiful. Besides the obvious floral display, there are a number of sculptures, ponds, and gazebos that can be admired during your walk.

Public Library

This five storey building is filled with surprises! Whether you enjoy the architectural excellence of both the interior and exterior, the numerous artistic displays, or the wealth of knowledge. A special surprise awaits on the 5th floor: a rooftop patio and sunroom with a tiny café!

Citadel

A beautiful view of the city and ocean just up the hill! You can pay a small entrance fee to go inside the fort and experience some old-time events, or go at 4:30 for free entry. If your time is tight, just walk along the perimeter, there are plenty of historical plaques, and the view is just as fascinating!

Dalhousie Campus

Halifax is no doubt a university town. Worth a walk around is the beautifully constructed Dalhousie University. With buildings new and old, there are some well-deserved architectural feats. You can stop by the university pub for a drink while you’re at it!

Pier 21

Also known as the Canadian Museum of Immigration, this stunning building hosts plenty of knowledge. Located right along the waterfront, you can learn about the many persons who came to Canada from early to present day while admiring spectacular views.

Waterfront

An absolute must for Halifax is to go down to the Harbour front. Learn about the various boats and people of Halifax history, eat delicious local foods, and see the ocean and islands in all their glory. An unexpected find near the ‘Bike Thief’ restaurant is the ‘Drunk lampposts’: an art exhibit supposed to emulate the behaviours seen by persons ‘after dark’. A fun photoshoot with friends!

I know I haven’t hit it all! For example my housemate from Halifax highly suggested our group head to the Lower Deck on Sunday night (not a night we’d be there), and Peggy’s Cove. There were dozens of restaurants listed in tourist magazines and blogs that we could not reach. That being said, if your journey to Halifax just leads you to these locations, you will not be disappointed. And remember, when in doubt, always order the lobster!

Holly

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Hi, I’m Holly! A graduate of Nursing, and now a second year Master’s student in Experimental Medicine and Bioethics, one of the key choices for my education was the portability of the careers it led to. I’ve never wanted to be chained to one location, and can get a little agitated when my life is down to only one possible pathway. I really enjoy food, cinema, and doing things I have not done before (like going to a 90’s themed outdoor hip-hop club on a Tuesday night). My (mom’s/Nana’s) travel advice to all is: no adventure is too small, and accept all invitations!

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