Enjoy the sights and sounds of life in and around Halifax, Nova Scotia - Atlantic Canada's largest Maritime city. Whether you love to travel or a fellow Maritimer who misses a bit of home, then this podcast is just for you!
Along the way towards the community of Bedford, Hemlock Ravine Park was originally called, "Prince's Lodge." First owned by Sir John Wentworth (Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia 1792 - 1808), it was used as a summer retreat for Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent (Queen Victoria's father) and his mistress Julie St. Laurent. The Duke of Kent was the Commandant of the British Forces in Halifax from 1793 to 1800. Aside from helping to strengthen Halifax's fortification, he enlarged Wentworth's cotta...
The Grand Opening Ceremony was held on Friday Dec. 23, 2011 at noon. Formerly the 2010 Canada Winter Games Oval Rink, The Oval is permanently rebuilt and designated on the north area of Halifax Common for public use. It is sponsored by Emera Inc. (parent company of Nova Scotia Power) who donated $500, 000. The entry plaza is sponsored by Molson-Coors Co. Ltd with a donation of $400,000. Skate Canada (formerly The World Figure Skating Association of Canada) gave the Legacy Fund ($100,000) towar...
Granville Mall is downtown Halifax's pedestrian shopping streetscape. Situated on a stretch of Granville Street, the buildings' historical facades are Italianate-style, dating back to the early 1860s. They replace older buildings which burned in the Granville Street Fire of 1859 which destroyed much of the financial district. The mall feature bars, pubs, restaurants, art galleries and boutique stores. Granville Mall is also home to the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD).
Every year, the Lebanese community in Halifax hosts a big party to celebrate their culture. In its 10th year, the Lebanese Festival is held at the Olympic Community Centre in central Halifax. The weekend event is filled with dancing, food and music.
OPA!!! ; Started in 1986, the Greek community's annual festival of family fun, food, and dancing takes place on the second weekend of June.
Located directly across from the Public Gardens (see Episode 04), Victoria Park stretches from Spring Garden Road to University Avenue. ; It features a few monuments to Scottish poets like Robbie Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Sir William Alexander (who also began the early colonization of Nova Scotia from a Royal Charter granted to him by King James I of Great Britain in 1621).
Nestled in the North End of Halifax, the Hydrostone neighbourhood is the city's vibrant area. ; Built after the Halifax Explosion in 1917, houses were built to accommodate homeless families who were displaced by the devastation of the explosion.
The Bluenose Marathon is Nova Scotia's equivalent to the large marathons in New York, Boston, London and Toronto. ; It's started in 2004.
Fort Needham was originally an outpost that was part of the Halifax Defence Complex. First established around 1778, the defence works served to protect the King's Yard and Naval Yard. On Dec. 6, 1917, Fort Needham and the rest of the North End of Halifax were destroyed in the Explosion. The Halifax Explosion was caused by the collision of the French munitions ship, SS Mont-Blanc and the Norwegian ship, SS Imo. This catastrophe left over 2000 people dead and 9000 people injured. It was the larg...
The Oval is the skating rink on the North Common area built specifically for the 2011 Canada Winter Games in February. ;It hosted the Long-Track Speed Skating events.