Halifax has been all about its pyrotechnic displays this year
(Canada Day, McCartney, KISS, tall ships festival), so for Natal Day’s
fireworks bonanza you may want to spice up your viewing platform. “I’m
on a Boat” jokes aside, watching Saturday’s show from a T-Pain-free
boat gives the best view of any bridge-based show. Here are a few
options—from full-out service to a simple ferry ride—to float your,
um, boat. –Holly Gordon
The Tall Ship Silva
Halifax Waterfront, $20 for adults, $10 for kids
This cargo ship-turned-tall ship is hosting a fireworks cruise
Saturday from 8:30-10:30pm. The on-board pub will be open, and the
spacious deck will serve as your theatre for the show.
New Dawn Charters
Cable Wharf, Halifax Waterfront, $15 plus tax
“We set our boat up in the middle of the harbour, so people get the
best view of the fireworks,” says Andrea MacDonald, owner of New Dawn
Charters. Enough said, really. The boat leaves at 9pm for the 90-minute
tour. There aren’t drinks or food provided, though, so feel free to
bring your own.
Murphy’s on the Water
Halifax Waterfront, $19.99
Murphy’s has a school of boats setting out for the show, so take
your pick: the Mar, the Haligonian III, the Harbour Hopper, the Summer
Bay and the Peggys Cove Express (the Harbour Queen is sold out
already). All boats leave at 9:30pm.
Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry
Halifax Waterfront, by Murphy’s on the Water, $2.25
This guy is only two bucks and 25 cents. No joke. You can grab one
on the Halifax side at 9:45pm, which gets you to Dartmouth just before
10pm. Stay on board (don’t forget to ask for that transfer!) for the
ride back at 10pm, and enjoy the show!
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2009.