About this English self-guided 25m driving tour in Halifax
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of South End, Halifax, Nova Scotia on behalf of expert Shane Anderson from the Pike Group.
Originally from small-town Cape Breton, Shane moved to Halifax 16 years ago when he transitioned from a 16-year career as an advanced care paramedic/firefighter into leasing, Property management, and Real Estate. His main passion is music, and when he's not selling homes, he spends his time playing in a country band called Port Malcolm. Ask him about it!
If after the tour, the South End feels like your next home, give Shane a call at 902-471-9600.
If you want to see more of Halifax, hop on over to Jessica’s tour of Dartmouth.
Now a little about the South End!
Nestled in the Halifax Harbor, the South End is known for its incredible waterfront, making it highly sought after. South End has a diverse blend of architecture with a mix of modern and historic properties, dating as far back as the 1920s.
It’s mix of urban and natural spaces makes this the best of both worlds. You can enjoy both an exciting nightlife or a quiet hike, all within walking distance of each other.
Shane is a self-acclaimed foodie and what he loves the most about South End is the abundance of restaurants and pubs.
You’ll find a high student population in this area as well, as there are many universities here such as Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, and the University of King’s College.
To start this tour, meet me by Point Pleasant Park.
Our first stop on this tour is Point Pleasant Park. We will be heading north on Young Avenue after this stop. Located on the southern tip of Halifax, Point Pleasant Park is a 75- hectare municipal park serving the community of Halifax. The park offers paved walkways, perfect for biking or a run, as well as wooded footpaths for those who would rather be up close to nature.
If you visit in the summer, make sure to catch a performance from Shakespeare by the Sea, the longest outdoor theatre festival in Canada. Enjoy a wonderful presentation of A Midsummer's Night Dream with the beautiful Halifax harbor in the backdrop.
Want a quick Halifact? Halifax is home to the oldest salt-water passenger ferry in North America. The ferry has been connecting Halifax to Dartmouth for over 250 years!
Continue straight on Young Ave and then turn right on Fenwick Street.
Want the best burger in Halifax? Look no further, on your right is Darrell’s, which has been awarded the Best Burger in Halifax for the last 12 years and the top 10 Best Burger in all of Canada. Darrel’s prides itself on serving only fresh, homemade burgers.
If you’d rather go for something sweet, you have to try another award winner, their milkshakes! They make their milkshakes so thick; the straws stand up on their own!
Please follow your navigation to our next stop. It’s on Lower Water Street.
If you want some good Italian soul food, go to the award-winning Bicycle Thief, located on your right. Get some mouth-watering Italian classics like carbonara or new-school dishes like pistachio honey-crusted Atlantic salmon. Shane says the butterscotch caramel cake is divine.
If you’d rather taste some seafood and enjoy the waterfront, head over to Sea Smoke Restaurant and Bar on your right. This Asian fusion restaurant has some of the best sushi in Halifax. You’ve got to go for the dynamite salmon roll with a side of crispy wontons.
If you want a more tavern-style restaurant, try The Black Sheep on your left. This is a great place to grab a drink with friends or after work, if you want something to put color in your cheeks, I suggest the Four Horsemen Cocktail.
We will be passing the Maritime Museum on your right. This awesome place is the largest and oldest maritime museum in Canada and has been instrumental in preserving Nova Scotia’s rich Marine history.
They have a great exhibit on the Titanic and Halifax’s role in the “Unsinkable Ship”.
A left at Prince Street a right on Bedford Row will get you to our next stop. Look for The Old Triangle on your left at that intersection. Styled after a 17th-century Pub, The Old Triangle has classic Irish dishes like pan-fried haddock and corn-beef sandwiches.
Welcome to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. This is a provincial art gallery, showcasing over 18,000 works of art by Nova Scotian, Canadian and international artists.
As you keep following your navigation, you will see Halifax City Hall at the corner of Duke Street and Argyle Street. Then enjoy the cute street and restaurants along the way to our next stop!
Want to try the newest brews? Well, Gahan house is to the left down Sackville Street, but that is a one-way street so please don’t turn right to go there now! You can always come back later. Gahan house is perfect for a few post-work pints or a dinner out. If you like spice, you've got to try their Chicken Chorizo Penne.
Just past Sackville and on your left, we will pass the famous Neptune Theatre. Neptune is the largest professional theatre company in Atlantic Canada. Did you know its longest theatre production was Beauty and the Beast? It was performed a whopping 127 times. That's a lot of “Be our Guest”!
Want to taste The Sahara? Visit Casablanca for some authentic Moroccan cuisine like mouth-watering Lamb Tagine or Chicken Mhamer. You’ve got to try “Baghir” or Moroccan pancakes, topped with sweet honey and orange blossom.
Make sure to take a right on Dresden row and then a left on Sackville Street.
We will be turning right on Bell Road, but diagonally to your left, are the beautiful Halifax Public Gardens. These Victorian-era gardens were created in 1867, the same year as the Canadian Confederation. These gardens include Victorian landscape classics such as carpet beds and tropical displays.
The Halifax Public Gardens also has its very own coffee shop on-site called Uncommon Grounds Cafe, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee among the beautiful scenery, like true Victorian royalty.
Turn right on Ahem Avenue, but just know that ahead on Bell Street to your left is the Museum of Natural History.
Learn all about Nova Scotia’s rich wildlife in their Nature lab where you can see up close live animals that call Halifax home. Did you know that on Monday through Friday at 3:00pm you can see the oldest known Gopher Tortoise take a stroll through the Museum? His name is Gus and he will be happy you stopped by!
That hill on your right is actually Citadel Hill. The Halifax Citadel was built in 1749 to defend Halifax Harbor, but luckily Halifax was never attacked. Nowadays, Halifax Citadel is a national historic site managed by Parks Canada. You’ll find plenty of public events held here as well as a daily ceremonial firing of a gun to honor the fort's important history. Don't feel bad if you get caught off guard, it happens to even long time Halifax residents!
Want a taste of France? Head over to LF Bakery on your right. LF stands for “Laurent French” and it won’t disappoint with their freshly baked baguettes, croissants, and tarts. You’ll feel like you’re on the streets of Paris.
We had to end our tour at the best doughnut shop in Halifax. Vandal doughnuts is there on your left. Try innovative flavors like raspberry lemonade, maple bacon, or even Pina Colada. They even offer Vegan doughnuts!
Not enough choices? You can make your own doughnut! Choose from a wide range of flavors, fillings, and toppings to make your perfect doughnut. You can even customize it, making it a perfect stand-in for the traditional birthday cake.
That concludes our tour of Halifax. I hope you had as much fun exploring as I did. If you liked what you saw, reach out to Shane at 902-471-9600. If you want to see more of Halifax, make sure to check out Jessica’s tour of Dartmouth.
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).