A lively cultural scene, rich history and friendly people combine to make Halifax a uniquely charming city. There’s a lot to love about this city; read on for some of our favourites.

1. Halifax Citadel: One of Canada’s most popular National Historic Sites, this fortress was the city’s raison d’etre and still dominates the downtown.

2. Halifax Public Gardens Sunday Concerts: Free concerts return to the bandstand Sundays at 2pm, beginning June 15.

3. The Lower Deck Pub: On the waterfront, friendly crowds and live music nightly—little wonder this is the quintessential Maritime pub.

4. French fries on Spring Garden Road: Fresh P.E.I. potatoes, transformed into golden crispy fries, served in a paper bag and consumed on the wall in front of the library—it’s a rite of summer.

5. The Hydrostone: Destroyed in the Halifax Explosion of the First World War, this neighbourhood re-blossomed as one of the city’s most stylish, offering fine dining and tony shopping.

6. NovaScotian Crystal: Canada’s only makers of fine, mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal, in action at the George Street glassworks.

7. Whale watching: Board a Murphy’s on the Water boat from downtown Halifax and minutes later you can be treated to the breathtaking sight of a surfacing whale.

8. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: Visit Lower Water Street to learn all about Halifax’s seafaring history... and its links to the Titanic.

9. Neptune Theatre: The beloved theatre company wraps up its season with the Broadway smash The Producers. The run is scheduled to end June 1, but the season-ending shows are often extended. Check with the Argyle Street box office.

10. Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery: How does a Scottish brewer become a Nova Scotian icon? Tour the Lower Water Street brewery for the whole story.

11. Discovery Centre: Dozens of hands-on exhibits and displays will keep the kids playing (and learning) for hours.

12. Maurizio Bertossi: A godfather on the dining scene, this chef struts his considerable talents at Bish on Lower Water Street.

13. Sidewalk patios: Opa Greek Taverna, The Economy Shoe Shop and countless others—this city embraces al fresco dining in the summer.

14. Halifax City Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday, Nova Scotian farmers, crafters and food producers get up early to share their creations with you.

15. Metro Transit: The ferry from the Halifax waterfront to Dartmouth’s Alderney is a great way to get a quick and cheap ($2!) look at the harbour.

16. Historic Properties: This collection of heritage buildings hearkens back to privateers and piracy.

17. Opera Nova Scotia: This company works tirelessly to bring opera to the masses, performing Mozart’s Idomeneo from June 13 to 15.

18. Mic Mac Mall: Shopaholics take note—Atlantic Canada’s biggest shopping centre is just across the harbour in Dartmouth.

19. Vision Air Services: Take a Bell 206 helicopter for a unique tour of the city.

20. Peggy’s Cove: OK, it’s not actually in Halifax, but the fishing village with the iconic lighthouse is only 44 kilometres away.

Did we overlook your picks? E-mail the editor at tadams@metroguide.ca.

Publication Date: 6/2008