Traveling Tuesday: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Traveling Tuesday: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

We visited Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax, on one of the shore excursions while on our cruise in July 2026. Despite having an estimated population of almost 350,000 in its urban area, the city felt “homey.” During the bus rides between our three stops, we saw a plethora of gorgeous historic homes and buildings standing shoulder-to-shoulder with modern structures making for an interesting skyline.

Our first stop was at the Public Gardens, a 16- to 17-acre property that was “transformed into the urban oasis of today by the amalgamation of two adjoining gardens, a swampy piece of wasteland and a lovely bequest from an estate.”(1) Politician and journalist, Joseph Hale, founded The Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836. The idea was “to advance the study of botany as well as the art of horticulture through the cultivation of new varieties of plants.”(2)

As the years passed, abutting plots were added to the original 5.5 acres. Entrances were added as were

fountains, fencing, the Gardener’s Lodge, concrete bridges, and the bandstand. Statuary and commemorative plaques (including two in honor of prominent women in the temperance movement) are scattered throughout the property. A small replica of the Titanic resides in Griffin Pond. The diversity is awe-inspiring, and according to our guide, there are plants and trees from every continent except Antarctica. The tropical and subtropical items are moved to a hothouse during the winter months. As of 2019, there were 131 different species of trees!

Our second stop was Fairlawn Cemetery where 121 Titanic victims are interred—the largest terrestrial resting place for the victims. The Catholic and Jewish cemeteries hold an additional thirty victims. Being the closest port with railway links, Halifax played a crucial role in the rescue and recovery during the tragedy. Two ships, CS McKay-Bennett and CS Minia were two of the White Star ships sent to recover victims. The headstones are made of dark granite and were purchased by the White Star Line. Many of the victims are unidentified, and their stones merely indicate a recovery number and date of death. The stones are laid out in three rows that curve slightly to represent the hull of a ship. A project to identify victims is ongoing. In addition to the Titanic section, there are Greek and Chinese sections, a mass grave for victims of the Halifax explosion, and military victims.

Our last stop was at the Citadel National Historic Site, and impressive hilltop fort that overlooks

Halifax Harbor. Home to the 78th Highlander and 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery, the fort was originally constructed in 1749, however, it is the third fort that is currently standing and named after King George III. The current five-shaped fortress was completed in 1856. Originally built as a defense against the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, and French, the fort also played an important role during the Seven Years’ War (in America – the French and Indian War), then against during America’s Revolutionary War. King George was concerned the Canadians would think independence was a great idea and join the colonialist. In 1812, additional soldiers were stationed there in case America decided to invade Canada.

The entrance was guarded by a Highlander who had to be roasting in his wool uniform. He never moved a muscle. While we were there, we witnessed the firing of the noon gun (cannon), and boy, was it something to behold. Loud! Later, we were treated to a bagpipe performance by some of the Highlanders. The Army Museum was informative with exhibits that covered the fort’s founding through its final role as the city’s anti-aircraft defense during World War II. The fort was designated a National Historic Site in 1935.

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Danish Days, The Resistance Chronicles Book 5:

Can hearts filled with hate find love?

Near the end of the “second war to end all wars,” Norwegian American OSS agent Frida Westgard finds herself assigned to Denmark, of all places. Initially sent as a radio operator, she is then transferred to Copenhagen to collect intelligence. A job made more dangerous when she becomes entangled in local resistance activities led by the handsome man known only as Rejsende–traveler.

Stig Arenfeldt has hated the Germans for as long as he can remember, so when they invade and occupy his beloved Denmark, he jumps at the chance to join the resistance. Now, five years later, the war may finally be at an end, but he won’t quit until the last soldier is gone…or dead. Then he’s paired with the attractive American agent who preaches forgiveness. A concept that has no place in his life. Unfortunately, the more they’re together, the more her words infiltrate his soul, and he begins to dread the day she’ll walk out of his life.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/3LoGlw

Sources:
Notes from guided Halifax tour: July 20, 2026
https://novascotia.com/get-inspired/top-25/halifax-waterfront/
https://discoverhalifaxns.com/
https://www.halifax.ca/
https://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca/history-of-the-gardens
https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-gardens/municipal-cemeteries
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citadel_Hill_(Fort_George)
https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax

(1)(2): https://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca/history-of-the-gardens

Photo Credits: All photos by Linda Shenton Matchett