At 8:00am this morning, we smoothly glided into port and docked at Pier 21. This is where all the waterfront attractions start. The Garrison Brewery, Farmers Market and the Pier 21 Museum are next to the ship’s dock. The Garrison Brewery (across the street from pier 20) is not the historic brewery in town, but they did start Nova Scotia’s “craft beer” movement with their “Irish Red Ale” in 1997. The Farmers Market located in the building south of pier 20 is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The Immigration Museum is located between piers 20 and 22 on 1055 Marginal Rd. They’re open from 9:30am to 5:30pm and admission is 7.60CAD/pp/senior.
The Alexander Keith Brewery at 1496 Lower Water Street is the historic brewery of Halifax. Begun in 1820, it remains in operation and produces India Pale Ale, the most popular beer in Nova Scotia. One-hour tours ($23.95CAD/pp/sr) are available from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, running every ½ hour. A beer tasting culminates the tour. Keith Hall, the historic residence, is behind the brewery on Hollis St. and connected by an underground tunnel. It’s been restored for commercial use. Further up Lower Water Street at #1675, is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic with its extensive displays from the Days of the Sail to Age of Steam; artifacts from the Titanic; and exhibits of the devastating Halifax Explosion. (open 9:30am-5:30pm; admission 8.50CAD/pp/sr.)
All of this is within easy walking distance of the ship. We know because we have done all this in the past. But today, we are booked on the ship’s tour, “Iconic Towns of Nova Scotia” and will visit Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and Mahone Bay.
Here are the photos:
Sailing into Halifax past George’s Island.Docking at pier 21.Museum of Immigration is right there!So is the Farmers’ Market.Departing pier 21 on the “Iconic towns of Nova Scotia” tour.Leaving Halifax, we pass the Old Burial Grounds in use from 1749 to 1843.On our way to Peggy’s Cove we pass thru some lovely countryside.Arriving in Peggy’s Cove.The de Garthe GalleryThis sculpture by William de Garthe is a 100-foot long granite outcropping situated behind his home in Peggy’s Cove. It is his “lasting monument to Nova Scotia fishermen” and depicts 32 fishermen, their wives and children.Beautiful Peggy’s CoveEverywhere you look there is something lovely to photograph!The iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in Canada!Leaving Peggy’s Cove and headed to Lunenburg.Unfortunately, the bus broke down! Another bus came to offer assistance. Couldn’t help. Left us.The police came to re-direct traffic. That was needed!!!!So we exited the bus and waited for another to come pick us up!These folks weren’t home so they never knew we had hung out in their front yard for a while.We finally arrive in Lunenburg.This is a charming and historic town that commemorates Nova Scotia’s sailing and fishing tradition. Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe famous Bluenose II going out for a sail.The carriage ride is a pleasant way to see the town. This is the rest stop for the horses.Leaving Lunenburg and heading to Mahone Bay we pass many beautiful homes.An example of the Lunenburg bump in architecture. The 3-window projecction over the door is distinctive.Arriving in Mahone BayThe old railroad station is now a small shopping complex.Mahone Bay looks like a charming community.Obviously, sailing is a way of life here.As we leave Mahone Bay, anoher excellent example of the Lunenburg bump.Heading back to the ship in Halifax.Back to Pier 21.Unfortunately it’s after 5:00pm and the Farmers’ Market is closed.Nothing to see or buy.Nothing to eat.No one around.Time to head for the ship.
Our voyage comes to an end. We are now on our way back to Boston and look forward, as always, to going home! Thank you for joining us on this adventure. We’ll look forward to sharing our next journey with you!!!!
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