While touring the major landmarks of seaside Halifax, you'll discover the city's fascinating history, which goes well beyond its irrevocable links to the Titanic.
It's a short transfer by coach from the pier to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, a treasure-trove of items relating to the sea, including ship models, portraits and thousands of marine photographs. Still, the highlight of the museum is the world's largest collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic, which sank in the North Atlantic 700 nautical miles east of Halifax. The ship's tragic sinking is forever tied to Halifax, which sent three ships to recover victims, more than a hundred of whom are buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, your next stop. Here, you will gaze upon rows of granite headstones, each inscribed with the date of the sinking, April 15, 1912, a stark reminder of the disaster.
Of course, there is much more to beautiful Halifax, as you will discover on your panoramic drive through town. Being that Halifax is the provincial capital of Nova Scotia (New Scotland), your guide will be wearing a kilt while elaborating on all the local attractions and the town's notable history. You will hear wild tales of rum running, privateering and the massive Halifax Explosion of 1917 that nearly leveled the entire city. During your drive, you will also pass Canada's oldest brewery, the gorgeous Public Gardens and Halifax Citadel, a National Historic Site. Following your tour of the city, you will return to the pier where your tour concludes.
Please note: Walking on this tour is mainly at the guests' discretion at the stops. There are some natural surfaces and slight inclines at Fairview Lawn Cemetery to access all gravesites. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have an able-bodied companion to assist them. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing; an umbrella; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested.