Getting Around

We watch the sunrise on the Atlantic and touch the road in Nova Scotia about 6:30. The morning is clear but cold on Hwy 4 which takes us down the east and opposite side of Bras d’Or Lake than our ride to North Sydney a few weeks ago. The road surface is not as good as the TCH (on the west side of this huge lake) but it is being repaved (deconstructed), as we discover much to our discomfort. We wanted to ride Hwy 4 because it hugs the lakeshore and goes through a number of very interesting Cape Breton villages, however, if we had known the long sections of gravel (actually fist-sized blasted-sharp stones) we would have to endure we would have passed on the scenery. The early morning air was blue with Barry’s curses and we were more than ready for a big breakfast by the time we finally crossed the Canso Causeway.
Our intention was to ride the Eastern Shore road, Hwy 7, but because of the jolts we’ve suffered already, the coolness of the day, and our tiredness, we decide to stay on the TCH all the way to Halifax. To our delight the Atlantica Hotel has our room ready when we arrive at 1:30 and after showers and a little rest we are ready to see the city. The excellent Atlantica Hotel is easy to find on Robie Street, very near the Halifax Citadel, and within walking distance of all the downtown attractions.
We take ourselves on a walking tour through the exquisite Victorian Public Gardens down to the always bustling harbour with its historic buildings and sweeping ocean views. We begin at the Pier 21 National Historic site, also the cruise ship pavilion, and then walk northwest along the boardwalk, through Bishop’s Landing, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Historic Properties. The friendly boardwalk which offers first-class hotels, shops, restaurants, pubs, and a variety of attractions, is a favourite stroll for residents of Halifax and visitors. We wile away a couple of hours but could easily have spent the day before slowly trudging up hill to the Citadel, the mighty fortress that has stood watch over the city for more than two centuries.
Our hotel, on the corner of Robie and Quinpool Streets has every amenity close by. As Halifax is multi-ethnic we debate the merits of Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Greek food before settling on a delicious dinner at “It’s All Greek To Me”. Halifax is a charming small city with a fascinating history that we can visit again and again.