The Bests Abroad: Canada’s Atlantic Coast

Canada is a big country….very big, and to cross it takes a long time, even in a plane….or two.

We left Vancouver 30 minutes late which was a little concerning given that our connecting flight to Halifax was supposed to leave just 44 minutes after landing in Calgary. But not to worry.

As soon as the “fasten seatbelt” light went out, the scramble was on. Jump up into the aisle, grab gear from overhead bin, load self with bags and parcels like a mule…. de-plane; hasten quickly up the gangway, pushing old ladies and cleaners out of the way; turn right at the directions of Air Canada staff frantically waving us through the throng of other travellers …..and hurriedly race down the gangway and board the connecting plane at the gate next door, constantly checking that all four members of the party….and their goods and chattels are present. Pheww!

I’m not sure I’d recommend it as a regular approach to travel itineraries….but it worked a treat for us this time!

That plane in the window….well that’s the one we just flew on from Vancouver to Calgary.
And our transfer from that one to this one was so fast that the seats we were sitting in over there, I’m sure, would still be warm !!

All in all, six hours flying time….which means Canada is a big country! And with a 4 hour time zone difference we ended up in our heritage listed digs, the Halliburton, at 2am…..but 10pm where we had just come from. These time zones are creating havoc with our circadian rhythms!

At breakfast in a little cafe down the street. The Halliburton is the brown brick building in the distance.

Halifax is a city steeped in history, much of it violent. It started as a trading centre but quickly became a fortress harbour for the major players of the last few centuries…..the English, French and Americans. The local indigenous people didn’t stand a chance but did manage to negotiate a treaty in the early days….something our First Nations people are still seeking.

From the 1700’s to the Second World War, it has been, and still is a military strong hold and base with a huge fortress called “The Citadel” dominating the hill behind the waterfront. Walking around the old part of the city, it is clear that they have preserved and value their history with little plaques on buildings and public places. It is a modern city in many places but has retained its “old world” character very well.