This story was updated in June 2023. It was first published Aug. 17, 2022. Did you know that Nova Scotia has some of the darkest skies in North America? That’s because the province is home to two official stargazing reserves, where the night sky shines in full glory because pesky artificial light pollution is limited. […]
Guides
The North American Indigenous Games are the biggest festival in Halifax this summer
When the opening ceremony to the North American Indigenous Games kicks off at Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre on July 16, 2023, it will not only mark the start of one of the largest sporting events to be hosted in Mi’kma’ki—the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people that forms present-day Nova Scotia—but also the culmination of a […]
Every big show happening in Halifax (and beyond) in July 2023
Wondering how to make the most of summer’s scant time? We’re breaking down all the big shows, from Sudan Archives at Jazz Fest to Broadway’s Book Of Mormon to the Halifax Pride Parade to the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Get ready to light up the group chat with some great plans—and if you notice […]
8 Nova Scotian cafes that make a damn fine cup of coffee
In Twin Peaks—David Lynch’s 1990s TV show that was both the first prestige series and a primetime soap—central character FBI Agent Detective Dale Cooper is almost always filling time between cups of coffee. Fandom lore (and an “autobiography” of the fictional character that was published in 1991) says Cooper first sipped the hot stuff when […]
15 great lakes within 30 minutes of downtown Halifax
This story was updated in June 2023. It was first published July 11, 2022. It’s officially summer, which means it’s the perfect time to visit a local lake. Whether you want to take a quick plunge after a long day of work, spend a sunny Saturday paddling on the water or stroll through a lakeside […]
How to have a berry sweet summer
Why should apples have all the fun? When it comes to cosplaying cottagecore, there’s an endless bounty in Nova Scotia to harvest—and yes, we mean this quite literally. Berry picking is a summer tradition for many families in Halifax, an embodiment of the slow living this season is meant to be all about. To join […]
8 lighthouses to visit within one hour of downtown Halifax
This story was updated in June 2023. It was first published June 27, 2022. If you asked someone to list the popular icons of Nova Scotia, along with lobsters, tartan and the Bluenose, lighthouses would certainly come to mind. They’re on our postcards, promotional websites and keychains. It makes sense—our coastline is dotted with over […]
How to get into camping in Nova Scotia’s great outdoors this summer
This story was updated in June 2023. It was first published Aug. 9, 2022. One of the best things about living in Canada is that there is a lot of land, and we know how good being in nature is for us. It’s no wonder being in nature is an essential part of our lives. […]
5 waterfalls to go chasing in Halifax this summer
This story was updated in June 2023. It was first published June 7, 2022. Living in Halifax, with the hustle and bustle of people and cars, it may be hard to believe that you’re just a short drive away from some beautiful views. Views that you might just fall in love with. What better summer […]
Crystal Crescent is the non-judgemental nude beach you were made for
This story was updated in June 2023. It was first published July 15, 2022. Skinny dipping. Washing your birthday suit. Taking a midnight swim. Going for a strip ‘n’ dip. Bathing in the buff. Swimming naked has many names, and many meanings. People consider it an exhibitionist endeavour, fringe fad or impulsive action to challenge […]
Take an ice cream bicycle tour of St. Margaret’s Bay this summer
Of Nova Scotia’s many charms, my favourite might well be the province’s fondness for ice cream. I’m not talking about the Instagram-worthy waffle cones you’ll find for $8 on Spring Garden Road and Halifax’s waterfront—no, my heart holds a special place for the other kind. I’m talking about the side-of-the-road convenience stores you’ll find from […]
Dig into the ultimate sandcastle competition
If you’re not careful, it can feel like an act of futility: Since the end result falls under the old adage that nothing good can last, why exert yourself? Why lug the pails full of sand only for the tide to wash it away? For 43 summers now on a beach in Nova Scotia, there’s […]

