Halifax, Nova Scotia


With brilliant sunrise painting the sky behind us, the National Geographic Explorer steamed into the port of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Once alongside there were options for morning activities. A guided tour through the city made stops at several of the sites that define Halifax. The public garden at the center of the city was a highlight as we had an opportunity to stroll through the park and photograph flowers in bloom. Some opted to wander the nearby city center while others chose to visit the famous Maritime Museum. Housed here is a large collection of artifacts from the Titanic, and a number of exhibits that chronicle the fishing and shipbuilding industries that are still a significant part of Nova Scotia life.

With continued summer-like weather in the afternoon, we drove out of the city bound for the small village of Peggy’s Cove. This picturesque site is one of the most visited travel destinations in the province. The lighthouse is perched on huge rounded granite boulders. Signs warn us to stay away from the edge where rock and sea meet. On any typical day these shores are pounded by great swells rolling in from the North Atlantic sending plumes of white foam high into the air. On this afternoon the only white we see are clouds dotting the sky and vanilla ice cream cones around the picnic tables. We drink in the day, our senses sated. And when we return to the ship we are greeted in royal fashion by Sergeant Adams and Piper Otto in full dress and bag pipes!