Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island - page 85

There are both short and long hikes surprisingly close to downtown. Hemlock Ravine is
an 80-hectare wooded area that has five trails, suitable for all levels. To get there, take
the Bedford Hwy from central Halifax then turn left at Kent Ave; there's parking and a
map of the trail at the end of this road. See www.novatrails.com for more detailed trail
descriptions and directions to other trailheads. There's also hiking in Point Pleasant Park
and on McNabs Island.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
FREE SKATING ON THE COMMON
The Emera Oval ( www.halifax.ca/skatehrm ; 7am-late) on the Halifax Common
serves as a speed-skating rink in winter and morphs into an inline-skating rink in
summer. Skates, helmets and sledges (for use on the outside lane only) are free to
borrow and there are even free lessons. Check the website and bring a valid ID.
Tours
Check whether the two-masted schooner Bluenose II ( Click here ) is in town for a harbor
tour.
Tall Ship Silva BOAT TOUR
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 902-429-9463; www.tallshipsilva.com ; Queen's Wharf, Prince St; cruises adult/child $22/15;
noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 10:30pm daily May-Oct) Lend a hand or sit back and relax while tak-
ing a 1½-hour daytime cruise or a two-hour evening party cruise on Halifax' square-
masted tall ship.
East Coast Balloon
Adventures SCENIC FLIGHTS
( 902-306-0095; www.eastcoastballoonadventures.com ; 45min flights per person $250) Float
from Halifax over the patchwork fields of Annapolis Valley at sunrise or sunset for the
ultimate, peaceful views of this stunning province. Only available for ages eight and up-
wards.
Bluenose Sidecar Tours DRIVING TOUR