Halifax loves having her photo taken! From historic and unique, to scenic and colourful, and all things in between, there are many great spots throughout the city that are begging to have their photo taken. We asked our guides to share some of their favourite spots for photo-ops - here are 9 of the best Halifax photo-ops.
The early tradition of erecting commemorative structures and plaques, and having visiting dignitaries plant trees, has gradually transformed the Public Gardens into a unique part of Halifax's history. In 1887, the Gardens honoured the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria with the construction of a bandstand and the Jubilee Fountain. The bandstand, designed by Halifax architect Henry Busch, is located in the centre of the Gardens. That year 4,000 to 5,000 people gathered in the Gardens for a concert and fireworks display to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.
For a deeper look into the Halifax-Titanic connection, visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where there are over 100 graves for victims of the Titanic tragedy. Most of the graves are memorialized with small grey granite markers with the name and date of death. All of the more personalized graves, including the striking Celtic cross and the beautiful monument to the “Unknown Child” are located here.
From the ashes of the catastrophic Halifax Explosion, which shattered the City’s North End on 6 December 1917, rose the Hydrostone District, a splendid example of an English-style garden suburb. Completed in 1920, this well-preserved neighbourhood was designed according to the most-up-to-date yet practical principles of town planning.
The Town Clock on Citadel Hill in Halifax is a faithful reconstruction of an early 19th century Palladian structure. Clad in white wood clapboard and shingles, the building consists of a symmetrical rectangular base supporting a three-tiered octagonal tower, and features typical classical elements and details.
The Halifax Citadel is a must-see stop on any itinerary when visiting Halifax. Majestically set upon an expansive hill overlooking the city, it is part of a series of forts – each one showcasing changes over time to its defences, each significantly different than its predecessor – that protected Halifax Harbour from 1749 to 1906. It was so strategically important that it was rebuilt three times yet it was never once attacked.
Georges Island only opened to the public in 2020 but has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Plan to spend one to two hours on the island, taking in the views of Halifax and exploring Fort Charlotte. Plan ahead and order a Parks Canada Perfect Picnic and be sure to have your camera ready to go!
The waterfront will always have a magnetic pull for visitors and locals. The 4.4km Harbourwalk is buzzing with energy. On the water, sailboats, ferries, cargo ships and naval vessels are a regular sight, while on land there are unlimited opportunities to experience local culinary and cultural experiences, chill on a bench or a hammock, enjoying that salty maritime breeze.
On October 7, 2006, hundreds were on hand to witness the unveiling of a 10′ bronze statue of Halifax native and company founder, Sir Samuel Cunard. The statue was designed by Halifax sculptor Peter Bustin and cast by Artcast Foundry in Georgetown, Ontario.
On the morning of December 6th, 1917, the steamship Mont-Blanc, inbound from the Atlantic with war material for France, entered the Halifax Harbour Narrows. The Norwegian ship Imo left the protected anchorage of Bedford Basin, outbound for New York to load food and clothing for the people of occupied Belgium and steamed into the same constricted channel. In homes, schools, and factories lining the adjacent shores, residents started a new day in a busy wartime port. When Imo crossed The Narrows to strike Mont-Blanc’s bow, worlds collided.
