TRIPS INTO HISTORY - Historic Sites in the U.S. and Travel Ideas

Visit Historic Halifax Nova Scotia

Halifax Nova Scotia

is a great city and area steeped in history. The town of Halifax was founded by Great Britain in 1749. The town was established by the British to expand their North American empire in competition with France.

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and the special things to see and historic places to visit are endless. Halifax has the distinction of being one of the world’s largest ice free harbors. Because of this Halifax is one of the most important Canadian commercial ports on the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition, Halifax has one of the world’s longest downtown boardwalks.

Below I’ve listed some historic stops you may wish to make on your tour of Halifax.

Visit Beautiful Peggy’s Cove

Enjoy a scenic drive from Halifax to the beautiful Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia.

Sitting at the entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay, this beacon has been guiding sailors and fishermen since 1868. The current lighthouse was built in 1915 and sits atop massive boulders which is the uniqueness in this special place. The lighthouse is active and an iconic Canadian structure. The area of Peggy’s Cove offers exceptional natural beauty with windswept shores and scenic coves,

There is a new accessible viewing platform at the lighthouse. This makes it easier for folks with mobility issues to admire and enjoy the area. It is a great addition to Peggy’s Cove.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

halifax maritime museum — Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located on the Halifax waterfront This is Canada’s largest and oldest maritime museum. Situated overlooking the harbor, it offers a fascinating exploration of Nova Scotia’s rich nautical heritage. There are fine displays of sailing vessels, some most excellent ship models.

From small craft boat building to World War Convoys, the Days of Sail to the Age of Steam, the Titanic to the Halifax Explosion, you’ll discover the stories, events and people that have come to define Nova Scotia and its relationship with the sea. By displaying artifacts and providing interactive exhibits, this specialty museum recounts the numerous shipwrecks off Nova Scotia’s shores, the city’s days as a commercial shipping hub and its role as a military player in World Wars I and II.

Halifax was the closest major seaport when the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank in the frigid Atlantic on April 15, 1912. It became the base for ships searching and recovering the bodies of Titanic victims.

The Titanic Tragedy

Halifax Nova Scotia played a major role in the days following the sinking of the British passenger liner Titanic.

At first officials from the White Star Line, owner’s of the Titanic, actually believed that their “unsinkable” ocean liner would sail to Halifax, the closest major port and trains with relatives and immigration officials even departed from New York to Halifax. Hours after the ship sank, White Star Line commissioned cable ships that were based in Halifax to recover the bodies of victims.

There were a total of 209 victim’s bodies brought back to Halifax. From that number, 150 were laid to rest in three cemeteries in Halifax. Family members of some victims made arrangements for their relatives remains to be transported back to their homeland.

titanic sinking — Titanic victim grave sites, Halifax

Fairview Lawn Cemetery holds the graves of 121 victims of the Titanic. The graves are arranged in four lines on a sloping hillside within the cemetery. The Titanic victims interred at Fairview Lawn represent a cross-section of those aboard the ship from first class passengers to third class passengers such as Swedish emigrant Alma Pålsson, traveling with her four children.

Fairview Lawn Cemetery is located at 3720 Windsor Street, Halifax

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Lake Louise in Canada’s Banff National Park

Banff Alberta Canada

See more photos below…

(Article and photos copyright Trips Into History)

A Wonderful Scenic Visit to Lake Louise / Alberta Canada

Lake Louise is an absolutely beautiful glacial lake within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Banff National Park was Canada’s first national park which was established in 1885.

Lake Louise is located in the beautiful Canadian Rockies with soaring peaks and turquoise water. It is about 35 miles from Banff. The mountain peaks surround the lake and offer visitors stunning views. Those visiting are able to take in these scenic views from the shoreline or from canoes on the lake itself. Lake Louise is the crown jewel within Banff National Park.

Plenty of Scenic Hiking Trails

Hikers will find several trails from the lake front. The Lakeshore Trail runs along the shoreline where you’ll pass glacier waterfalls. You’ll see glacial creeks converge at the far end of the lake. Take a look here on the shoreline and you’ll find every shade of blue imaginable that melds together.

In addition, there are several other scenic hikes in the Lake Louise area. One of these include the Lake Agnes Tea House Hike. This is a 8.9 mile loop trail near Lake Louise which takes about 5 hours to complete. The trail is rated moderate. Another is the Bow River Loop trail. The trail is 4.4 miles long and a round trip takes about 2 hours.

Lake Louise Skiing

Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. As compared to a few other ski areas, Lake Louise offers some great areas for beginners, skiers of moderate ability as well as skiers with advanced ability. Lake Louise Ski Resort consists of 4200 acres of terrain spread across four mountain faces Located just minutes from the town of Lake Louise, this ski resort is known for its terrain from gentle slopes and long cruising runs, to glades, chutes and some of the most exciting, wide open bowls. Just like the Lake Louise area in general, the ski slopes offer incredible views and you may want to bring your camera along. To reach the ski resort you can choose a ski shuttle bus that leaves from town and stops at several hotels.

The Fairmont Chateau

The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise resort located on the shoreline of Lake Louise is surrounded by absolutely breathtaking scenery. The hotel resort, just like Lake Louise, is located within Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise operates year round and is a year-round and offers extensive Guided Mountain Heritage programs along with championship skiing in the winter, exceptional food and beverages and a spa.

During the winter months Lake Louise is a frozen scenic wonderland. Find cross country skiers gliding across the lake, ice climbers scaling frozen waterfalls and a horse drawn sleigh following the snow-covered shoreline. Add to this an outdoor skating rink which appeals to visitors of all ages. Also, an ice castle.and a glistening emerald lake. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel offers 5-star luxury surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.

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A Visit to Banff Alberta Canada

Lake Louise typically melts from ice near the end of May. Alpine hiking generally begins in June. The peak tourist season at Lake Louise are the months of July and August. These summer months give visitors the choice of hiking, fishing, biking and taking boat tours. With that being said, the winter months are all about snow and ice. You can skate on frozen Lake Louise and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland adventure.

(Article and photos copyright Trips Into History)

Beautiful Banff Alberta Canada / History and Things to Do

Banff National Park has the distinction of being Canada’s first national park which was established in 1885. The first construction of the park started in 1886.

In the very beginning Banff was a twenty-six square kilometer hot springs reserve. Also in the beginning all of these hot springs in Banff were privately owned. This all changed when the Canadian Government bought up the land to create Banff National Park in 1885. Since the hot springs were within the patk boundaries the government acquired ownership of the hot springs.

The area of Banff National Park today comprises 6,641 square kilometers. The park is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and with that offers some of the best mountain scenery found anywhere in North America. Additionally, the United Nations designated this area of the Canadian Rockies as a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1984.

The Town of Banff

Banff became a municipality and incorporated in 1990. The town of Banff became the first municipality in Canada to be incorporated within a national park. The town of Jasper in Canada’s Rocky Mountains and relatively close to Banff is the only other municipality within a national park which was incorporated in 2001 within Jasper National Park.

Banff is a very large tourist destination for people from all over the world. The town and national park are relatively easy to get to since it is only about a two hour drive west from Calgary Alberta. Rail is another way to visit Banff. The Rocky Mountaineer and VIA rail offer passengers unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies. Banff tours from Vancouver feature some of the country’s great rail journeys:

Each year, millions of visitors come to Banff to marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled heavens at Sunshine Meadows, and drive beneath the towering jagged peaks lining the Icefields Parkway.

The Banff Gondola

Riding to the top of Sulpher Mountain on the Banff Gondola is a must when visiting Banff. The Banff Gondola is located just a ten minute drive from the town of Banff and is the perfect way to view the entire area from about 7,500 ft above sea level.

Each gondola cabin holds up to 4 passengers. Once you reach the top, you’ll experience three hundred and sixty degree views of six beautiful mountain ranges In addition to that, there are wooden decks and pathways to explore, great photo opportunities and two restaurants available for casual or elevated dining. It’s the perfect dining experience as you watch the sun set behind the mountains.

Banff Canoe Trip

Another fun activity in Banff is taking a guided adventure through Banff National Park with a Big Canoe Tour. The tour takes place in the heart of Banff National Park on the Bow River and here again you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful mountain vistas, dense forests, and plenty of wildlife. You’ll also hear stories about the local history, ecology, and indigenous culture.

Cascade Gardens

Be ready to take some great photos when you visit the Cascade Gardens overlooking Banff Avenue. Originally named the Cascade of Tome Gardens, they are located past the main street bridge on the south end of town.

The Cascade Gardens were built almost a century ago, and located just across the Bow River from downtown Banff, the gardens were designed and constructed with thoughtfulness and dedication that is still evident today. The Parks Administration Building is located just above the gardens. For an in depth history of the Cascade Gardens you may want to visit rockytales.com/posts/cascade-gardens

Dining in Banff National Park

Your choice of dining in Banff is world class. Elegant dining rooms in beautiful hotels, cozy bistros and modern restaurants along with brew pubs in the town center offer a wide and diverse choice. Take the opportunity to taste an authentic Canadian food experience with the lovely backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. From the top of Sulphur Mountain to the center of Banff, you’ll find the perfect dining experience. The link below will give you a list of some unique restaurants to choose from in Banff National Park.

https://www.banfflakelouise.com/blog/7-most-scenic-restaurants-banff-and-lake-louise