NOVA SCOTIA had always been on my bucket list so I was very excited to finally live out my dream of visiting. The peninsula (or mainland) of Nova Scotia is compact and connected to New Brunswick by a narrow strip of land. It is a wondrous place to visit, with plenty of history, culture and great food.
Halifax – the capital (and largest city) in Nova Scotia is a lovely town with beauty to spare.
The stay:
The Prince George Hotel, Halifax – Is conveniently located in downtown Halifax, near shopping and restaurants. The famous Halifax Citadel National Historical Site is one block from the hotel and the harbor an easy five minute walk.
The hotel lobby is very modern and could compete with any hotel in NYC. There are lounging areas everywhere as well as an exterior landscaped patio.
The staff is friendly and professional.
The room was nicely appointed, and the amenities included free WiFi and an espresso machine. The bathroom was average and did not have an air vent so it was always humid and foggy. The mattress was too soft. (The manager later told me he could have put a board between the box springs and mattress to make it more firm.)
Besides the two room issues, I really liked this hotel. I like the location, the design and the staff.
Would I stay at this hotel again? Absolutely!
Location: Perfect
Front Desk Staff: Exceptional
Rooms: Above average
The Restaurants
The Old Apothecary Bakery & Cafe – I discovered this bakery on my first full day in Halifax and went back every single morning – and again on a few afternoons. I loved this place. (Please open one in Los Angeles!) The coffee was excellent and the baked goods were delicious. You can actually watch them baking in the back room. Take a look.
The Bicycle Thief is an Italian restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, near the water’s edge. They have creative cocktails and solid Italian food. If you are sitting on the patio on a cool evening, they give you blankets to keep warm.
Shopping tip: For hand crafted Canadian gifts and souvenirs stop by Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia.
Activities
Halifax Citadel – also known as Fort George, sits atop Citadel Hill overlooking the city of Halifax. Named after Britain’s King George II, the Citadel is a National Historic Site, and well worth a visit. Once inside the fort, you can visit the army museum, which showcases the Canadian military heritage, starting with the First World War. There is also an hourly sentry change.
Day Trips
Peggy’s Point Lighthouse – Of the 160+ lighthouses in Nova Scotia – the most of any Canadian Province – Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is by far the most famous. Just one hour drive from Halifax, on Highway 333, this is an important destination on your vacation. While in the area you should also visit the Swissair Memorial Site, in honor of Swiss Flight 111 which crashed 5 miles off the coast near Peggy’s Cove. in 1998. A short walking trail leads to the monument in memory of the 229 people who lost their lives.
Old Town Lunenburg – is one of two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with 70% of their 18th and 19th century buildings original. Walk along the narrow streets, find a nice lunch spot and visit the Ironwork Distillery, which has tastings of crafted vodkas, rums, brandy and liqueurs infused with Nova Scotia pears, apples and blueberries. We brought several bottles home with us.
TisforTravel 
Leave a comment