Halifax Shore Excursions

[kittenkboo]

On QM2, July 2nd stop is Halifax.  Interested in Lunenburg and/or Peggy's Cove, either thru Cunard or independent tour.

 

Any experiences to share?  Some include lunch, were the restaurants decent?

 

I have researched extensively CC port forums and TripAdvisor.  Still on the fence on what to do that day.  Also, no need to recommend Paul M, his tour that day is half-day Halifax Historical tour. 

[KeithErnest]

Sorry I cannot advise on a Cunard excursion to either Peggy's Cove or Lunenburg, NS.

 

However, I do live in Halifax.   The two places you listed are popular tourist attractions in Nova Scotia.   An excursion to visit both would be a full day with no time  left to explore Halifax (visiting both places  also means being on a bus for over 3 hours 30 minutes).   Peggy's Cove is an hour's drive from the cruise terminal and Lunenburg is another one hour and 15 minutes from Peggy's Cove.  Just FYI Peggy's Cove is very crowded even without tour buses visiting.

 

As you are "on the fence" as to what to do that day ...

 

IMO If you have not been to Halifax before I would suggest choosing Peggy's Cove over Lunenburg and spend a few hours exploring downtown Halifax.   Halifax is a very walkable city you can do on your own.  The Public Gardens, the Citadel Hill National Historic site and the Maritime Museum are all worth exploring.   A ferry ride to cross the harbour is only $2.75 (cash only but ask for a transfer for the ride back).  

 

I am in the same boat with excursions as I am researching for the QV North Cape cruise in June.  Finding it hard to choose an excursion especially with the visit to Leknes.

 

Enjoy your visit to Nova Scotia.

Keith

 

[techteach]

LOVE the Halifax Maritime Museum as well as walking the shoreline.

[kittenkboo]

53 minutes ago, KeithErnest said:

Sorry I cannot advise on a Cunard excursion to either Peggy's Cove or Lunenburg, NS.

 

However, I do live in Halifax.   The two places you listed are popular tourist attractions in Nova Scotia.   An excursion to visit both would be a full day with no time  left to explore Halifax (visiting both places  also means being on a bus for over 3 hours 30 minutes).   Peggy's Cove is an hour's drive from the cruise terminal and Lunenburg is another one hour and 15 minutes from Peggy's Cove.  Just FYI Peggy's Cove is very crowded even without tour buses visiting.

 

As you are "on the fence" as to what to do that day ...

 

IMO If you have not been to Halifax before I would suggest choosing Peggy's Cove over Lunenburg and spend a few hours exploring downtown Halifax.   Halifax is a very walkable city you can do on your own.  The Public Gardens, the Citadel Hill National Historic site and the Maritime Museum are all worth exploring.   A ferry ride to cross the harbour is only $2.75 (cash only but ask for a transfer for the ride back).  

 

I am in the same boat with excursions as I amresearching for the QV North Cape cruise in June.  Finding it hard to choose an excursion especially with the visit to Leknes.

 

Enjoy your visit to Nova Scotia.

Keith

 

Hi Keith-

You've provided some reaffirming insight.  I did see that to visit Lunenberg and PC, it would eat up 7 hrs, leaving just about an hour or so for the Maritime Museum, which is also on my list.  Being that it's summer, I would imagine these two locations are very busy.

 

So perhaps the half-day Historical Tour of Halifax  would be worthwhile, as it visits the Gardens, Citadel Hill, Clock Tower, and several other sites, plus lunch in Dartmouth at Evan's.  The tour owner appears to be well established and positive reviews.  Plus there would be time to visit the Maritime Museum and dinner.

 

[kittenkboo]

31 minutes ago, techteach said:

LOVE the Halifax Maritime Museum as well as walking the shoreline.

Hi- Definitely  on our list to visit and imagine the shoreline very pleasant in the summer, barring any rain events, like 2022 Independence Day voyage.

[LibertyBella]

We have been on tours in Halifax and walked around independently as well. I am in love with the public gardens--just gorgeous!  The Citadel is also quite impressive.  Peggy's Cove is scenic. Shopping is only fair, as many stores closed down to Covid. Overall, I consider Halifax a  somewhat non-strenuous touring day.  Last year we had to fill out a lot of Covid paperwork for Canada, and Cunard was strict ensuring everyone had completed this before arrival.

 

I will say last Summer on our cruise it was rather cool and pouring rain when we arrived in Halifax.  We tramped around with our umbrellas until we were soaked.  Many people did not even get off the ship due to the poor weather.  I did see a few of the ship officers eating in the restaurants in the area, but we decided to return on board. I hope you have a great day!

[kittenkboo]

3 minutes ago, LibertyBella said:

We have been on tours in Halifax and walked around independently as well. I am in love with the public gardens--just gorgeous!  The Citadel is also quite impressive.  Peggy's Cove is scenic. Shopping is only fair, as many stores closed down to Covid. Overall, I consider Halifax a  somewhat non-strenuous touring day.  Last year we had to fill out a lot of Covid paperwork for Canada, and Cunard was strict ensuring everyone had completed this before arrival.

 

I will say last Summer on our cruise it was rather cool and pouring rain when we arrived in Halifax.  We tramped around with our umbrellas until we were soaked.  Many people did not even get off the ship due to the poor weather.  I did see a few of the ship officers eating in the restaurants in the area, but we decided to return on board. I hope you have a great day!

Hi-

Bringing rain gear and such is a must!  Thank you for sharing your insight.

[Lanky Lad]

I did a trip to Peggys Cove from Cunard in 2019 and was very happy with it. There were plenty of stalls in the building next to the dock in Halifax for shopping opportunities. 

[Liberal_Baggie]

I’ve had a great day out with a local guide in his car who took us to Peggy’s cove the titanic graves showed us beautiful shore screens the spot where a plane crash happened. The anchor that flew a mile after the explosion! Local artists workshops and told us so much about Halifax . Name was Dave private tour brilliant ! Day when QM2 and Queen Elizabeth met up in Halifax !

[KeithErnest]

On 2/26/2023 at 9:47 PM, kittenkboo said:

Hi Keith-

You've provided some reaffirming insight.  I did see that to visit Lunenberg and PC, it would eat up 7 hrs, leaving just about an hour or so for the Maritime Museum, which is also on my list.  Being that it's summer, I would imagine these two locations are very busy.

 

So perhaps the half-day Historical Tour of Halifax  would be worthwhile, as it visits the Gardens, Citadel Hill, Clock Tower, and several other sites, plus lunch in Dartmouth at Evan's.  The tour owner appears to be well established and positive reviews.  Plus there would be time to visit the Maritime Museum and dinner.

 

Hi again,

 

Going to chime in again.  As these suggestions may help other passengers that are looking for something to do in Halifax.

 

From past visits to Halifax the QM2 docks around 8am and departs at 6pm.  If you are a history buff then the Halifax Titanic Historical Tour sounds very interesting as it does cover Halifax.  However, I did notice many of the historic places are drive by only.  I also noticed that the tour lasts about 6 hours thus not leaving a lot of time to visit the Maritime Museum.   

 

The itinerary listed on Viator only showed 15 minutes at the Citadel Hill for the Noon gun.   If this is a must do for you then IMO this is not enough time to experience the fort.

Admission to Citadel Hill is $12,50 CAD ($10.75 seniors).

 

Another national historic site, Georges Island  in the Halifax harbour, recently opened.  https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/georges   A booking is required as a ferry space is limited.  The ferry does run throughout the day.

 

Everyone has different interests but if I was showing, a family member Halifax and only had a day my itinerary would be as follows:

 

1. A visit to Peggy's Cove (3 hours). Optional but mainly for the scenic village and the lighthouse.

Or visit Georges Island. Not enough time to do both 🙁

2. I would park at the cruise terminal (Pier 22) and do a walking tour of Halifax.

Walking tour ...

* Walk to the Public Gardens  via Spring Garden Rd. 

* From the Public Gardens walk to Citadel Hill.  At the fort there is a change of the sentry every hour on  the hour (front entrance).  Once inside tours are offered every hour.  Tours start 5 minutes after        the hour.    

* After the Citadel Hill, go down the hill passing the town clock.

* cross at the lights and head down towards the harbour. Passing the town hall (parade square).

* continue heading south towards the harbour if one continues to the harbour you will reach the ferry terminal.

* the ferry ride to Dartmouth is $2.75 cash only (ask for a transfer for the return journey.

* the ferry to Georges Island is next to the Halifax Ferry terminal.

*** if going to Georges Island, plan for 2 hours.  

* to the left of the ferry terminal is Historic Properties.  Further down the waterfront is the Casino.

* double back along the waterfront will take you back to the cruise terminal.

* The Maritime Museum (admission adult $9.55, seniors $8.50) is on the waterfront and is about a 20 minute walk from the cruise terminal.

 

Total walking distance is 7 - 8kms 

[Solent Richard]

On 2/26/2023 at 10:28 PM, kittenkboo said:

On QM2, July 2nd stop is Halifax.  Interested in Lunenburg and/or Peggy's Cove, either thru Cunard or independent tour.

 

Any experiences to share?  Some include lunch, were the restaurants decent?

 

I have researched extensively CC port forums and TripAdvisor.  Still on the fence on what to do that day.  Also, no need to recommend Paul M, his tour that day is half-day Halifax Historical tour. 

You may wish to have a read of the review I did some years ago when we went to Peggy's Cove.

 

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2013/09/17/one-way-to-do-halifax-nova-scotia/

 

We found the operator directly outside the terminal. You will see he added a few more points of interest which included one to the Citadel...

 

 

******

 

On a return visit we dis something slightly different....

 

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2015/09/11/one-way-to-do-halifax-nova-scotia-second-edition/

 

Take your pick.

 

[kittenkboo]

KeithErnest-The additional detail you provided regarding the Historical Titanic Tour is helpful.  I thought while seeing several places, it meant just present for a few minutes. Seems rushed. The suggested itinerary looks very doable.

 

SolentRichard-Both reviews well document the port.  Thank you for sharing the links.

 

What is nice is the ship's in port from 8am to 11:59pm, so plenty of time to do some touring, The Maritime Museum and even dinner at one of the nice restaurants.  Lots to think about!  

[Oahucruiser]

If you decide not to take a tour you will find that the ship is docked very close to the the main part of the wonderful, small town.  You walk along a waterfront path, a statue of Samuel Cunard will be along the way, you'll will hear bagpipers if you are lucky and, after about 15-20 minutes, you will see the excellent Maritime Museum almost in front of you.  As well as artifacts from the Titanic, there is a fascinating display about the Halifax Harbor explosion.  In the early 1900s a ship was leaving the harbor and another with a large amount of petrochemicals entered and collided with the one leaving.  It set off an enormous blast like a huge bomb and killed 1700 people, injured 9000 and destroyed rail yards, communication, the harbor and large areas all over the city and the outskirts.  People head to this museum for the Titanic but this is an excellent display of part of Halifax's early history.

 

There are casual and very good restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating along the waterfront walk or in town.  Think excellent lobster rolls.  The Citadel and Public Gardens are an easy walk.  

 

Aloha,  Patti

[Solent Richard]

4 hours ago, Oahucruiser said:

  As well as artifacts from the Titanic, there is a fascinating display about the Halifax Harbor explosion.  In the early 1900s a ship was leaving the harbor and another with a large amount of petrochemicals entered and collided with the one leaving.  It set off an enormous blast like a huge bomb and killed 1700 people, injured 9000 and destroyed rail yards, communication, the harbor and large areas all over the city and the outskirts.  People head to this museum for the Titanic but this is an excellent display of part of Halifax's early history.

 

 

 

 

Aloha,  Patti

 

Yes, the history of the Halifax Harbour explosion is also a fascinating theme for those who may be on their third or fourth Halifax visit.

 

My wife and I took up the challenge while visiting on P&O's Arcadia in 2019. I haven't written a specific review, however, a chronicle of our day can be found, if interested, by scrolling down to the 'Itinerary' section of this review...

 

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2019/10/28/arcadias-canadian-round-trip/

 

We actually found/visited 17 of the 23 historical explosion sites....

 

 

...I'd actually bought the book on a previous Cunard visit ( Queen Mary 2's 175th Anniversary Voyage) so had time to prepare for the challenge....

 

 

 

This of me at the Fort Needham Explosion Memorial Bell Tower....

 

 

...and at the Regatta Point where this 1140 lbs Anchor Shaft from the SS Mont Blanc ended up: some 2.35 miles from the explosion....

 

 

We actually clocked 12.95 miles that day, courtesy of my wife's fitbit....

 

 

 

[spirit rev]

We did the Cunard tour to Peggy's Cove last year in early July. We were pleased with the tour even though the weather was NOT good. We had planned to walk down to the Maritime Museum and get lunch on the waterfront. Needless to say, we didn't do much outside that day. I would do the Peggy's Cove excursion again. 

[neeuqdrazil]

I'm sure none of the esteemed folks on Cunard would be so heedless of their safety to disregard the dozens (42!) of warning signs at Peggy's Cove, but just in case, the warning signs about not walking on the black rocks need to be taken seriously - people die or are seriously injured every year when they assume that the signs are superfluous and the rocks really can't be that dangerous. (NB: They are.) 

[KeithErnest]

On 3/1/2023 at 12:02 AM, kittenkboo said:

What is nice is the ship's in port from 8am to 11:59pm, so plenty of time to do some touring, The Maritime Museum and even dinner at one of the nice restaurants.  Lots to think about!  

@kittenkboo

Wow, That's a full day.

 

Some additional resources that might help with your planning. 🙂

 

The Friends of the Public Gardens (the Public Gardens close 30 minutes before sunset)

 

Discover Halifax Leisure Walking Map (from 2019 but not much has changed)

 

Downtown Halifax Business Commission

 

 

[3rdGenCunarder]

I don't know how many times I've been to Halifax. I love the gardens and the museum and just walking around the city. But since we had been so many times, we tried the tour to Lunenberg. It was disappointing--too long on the bus, and not enough time there. You can have lunch or see their maritime museum or walk around the town. Two out of three, but not time for everything. Our guide was terrible. We did part of the drive off the faster highway so we could go by the area where Tom Selleck has a house. And when we got to Lunenberg, he recommended a restaurant where his name would get you right to a table, no waiting. I suspect he got a little something for that. I had done my research and we found a place for a quick lobster roll.

[MCC retired]

For a first time Halifax port call, Peggys Cove would be my 1st choice . If time permits , a city tour that includes the Fairview Cemetary and Citadel or at least a walk along the water to the Maritime Museum area . A r/t ferry across the harbor sails all day, from there.

[Seaside99]

Someone above characterized Halifax as a small town. While not a an expert on the subject. Halifax, with a population of well over 400,000 would not in my mind qualify as a small town. That being said, there are,  as many above have noted lots of wonderful historic and beautiful sites to see. However, no one mentioned tours to the Annapolis Valley and it’s popular vineyards about an hour away. For those visiting Halifax enjoy.

[frankp01]

On 2/26/2023 at 8:48 PM, kittenkboo said:

rain events, like 2022 Independence Day voyage

Oh, that was a drencher! My poor umbrella bought the farm. It was blowing so hard we finally just gave in and got soaked to the skin.

 

I'll throw another site to visit into the mix... The Halifax library is a beautiful building. It's up on the hill and has a nice rooftop cafe. You can enjoy lunch on the roof (Assuming no repeat of 2022) with a view of downtown and the QM2 in the distance.

[BklynBoy8]

On 3/4/2023 at 7:33 AM, frankp01 said:

Oh, that was a drencher! My poor umbrella bought the farm. It was blowing so hard we finally just gave in and got soaked to the skin.

 

I'll throw another site to visit into the mix... The Halifax library is a beautiful building. It's up on the hill and has a nice rooftop cafe. You can enjoy lunch on the roof (Assuming no repeat of 2022) with a view of downtown and the QM2 in the distance.

 

Yes, heard of the Monsoon 2022 on that sailing. Then we heard of the sailing before we were suppose to take several years before Heavy Fog prevented Tendering to Newport.

 

Hoping for good weather this July in Halifax.

[BklynBoy8]

On 3/3/2023 at 9:46 PM, Seaside99 said:

Someone above characterized Halifax as a small town. While not a an expert on the subject. Halifax, with a population of well over 400,000 would not in my mind qualify as a small town. That being said, there are,  as many above have noted lots of wonderful historic and beautiful sites to see. However, no one mentioned tours to the Annapolis Valley and it’s popular vineyards about an hour away. For those visiting Halifax enjoy.

 

Agree, Halifax is not small but beautiful to adventure in.

[frankp01]

7 minutes ago, BklynBoy8 said:

Then we heard of the sailing before we were suppose to take several years before Heavy Fog prevented Tendering to Newport.

We were on that one, too! I originally wasn't planning on going ashore. Once the tendering started, though, we decided to have lunch in Newport. I got some very atmospheric photos of the QM2 shrouded with fog. I was so glad we did go ashore.

[neeuqdrazil]

On 3/5/2023 at 12:07 PM, BklynBoy8 said:

 

Agree, Halifax is not small but beautiful to adventure in.

 

Definitely not small, but still retains quite a bit of its 'small town' character.