About Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. The largest urban area in the Atlantic provinces, Halifax looks out over one of the world's largest natural harbours and is an important seaport. Nature lovers will find sandy beaches, beautiful gardens and hiking, birding and beachcombing. Urbanites can enjoy the symphony, live theatre, art galleries and museums, and a lively nightlife. Halifax is an affordable city that provides a mix of Canadian history and modern living, with the constant influence of the sea.
Location of Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is located in the centre of the east coast of Nova Scotia facing the North Atlantic Ocean.
- see Halifax maps
Area of the Halifax Regional Municipality
5490.18 sq. km (2119.77 sq. miles) (Statistics Canada, 2006 Census)
Population of the Halifax Regional Municipality
372,679 (Statistics Canada, 2006 Census)
Date Halifax Incorporated as a City
Halifax was incorporated as a city in 1841. In 1996 it was amalgamated with meighbouring communities into the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Government of Halifax
Halifax municipal elections are held every four years on the third Saturday in October.
Date of the last Halifax municpal election: Saturday, October 18, 2008
Date of the next Halifax municpal election: Saturday, October 20, 2012
The Halifax Regional Council is the main governing and legislative body for the Halifax Regional Municipality. The Halifax Regional Council is made up of 24 elected representatives: the mayor and 23 municipal councillors.
Halifax Attractions
Major attractions in Halifax include:
- Halifax Harbour
- Pier 21 - Canada's Immigration Museum
- Province House - Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia
- Halifax Citadel
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
- Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History
Weather in Halifax
Halifax weather is influenced by the ocean. Winters are mild and summers are cool. Halifax is foggy and misty, with fog on more than 100 days of the year, especially in spring and early summer.
Winters in Halifax are moderate, but wet with both rain and snow. The average high temperature in January is 2°C (29°F). Spring comes slowly, and eventually arrives in April. It too brings rain and fog.
Summers in Halifax are short, but beautiful. In July the average high temperature is 23°C (74°F). By late summer or early fall, Halifax may feel the tail end of a hurricane or tropical storm.
Halifax Regional Municipality Official Site
