Apart from being Nova Scotia’s biggest municipality, Halifax is also one of the most interesting historic places to visit in Canada. Plus, you also get to enjoy breathtaking views, scenic rides, and amazing seafood while there. While we can’t deny that Halifax has tons to offer, it’s equally important to acknowledge some interesting facts about this bustling Atlantic Ocean commercial port. After all, Halifax did not become a fantastic must-visit historic destination out of thin air.
Common Hali-Facts You May Not Know
- The Best Place to Explore the Atlantic Ocean’s Natural Beauty
Did you know that Halifax hosts most of Canada’s 202+-kilometre shoreline? With more than 150 kilometers of stunning coastal views, stretching from the South Shore (Hubbard’s) to the Eastern Shore (Ecum Secum), Halifax is the place to be if you want to soak up some sand and extraordinary landscapes. For instance, the Cabot trail is famous for its scenic coastal drive and a one-of-a-kind hiking trail across Cape Breton Island.
- The Name’ Halifax’ is Older than you Think
Chebuncto was Halifax’s initial name. Records show that its name changed to Halyfax in 1091. More than that, in 1749, the town became Halifax, after the second earl of Halifax, George Montagu-Dunk. That was after he found his way there, along with 2,500 British settlers, with the goal of establishing a permanent British settlement. Central Florida’s Halifax River was also named after him.
- One of Canada’s Five ‘Smart Cities’
As a recognized international city, Halifax also ranks as one of five ‘smart cities’ in Canada. That’s because it hosts seven renowned tertiary education institutions, including the University of King’s College, Dalhousie University, and Saint Mary’s University. An interesting statistic is that Halifax has 81 post-high school students per 100 people per capita. That’s three times the whole of Canada’s average. The city also has up to eight major hospitals and is Canada’s second-biggest scientific research center.
- Home to the Largest Man-Made Explosion before Hiroshima
Another important fact that greatly impacted current-day Halifax revolves around the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Many already know about the French cargo ship, SS Mont Blanc, that collided with an empty Norwegian ship, leading to the demise of 2,000+ people and injury of scores more.
However, an overlooked fact is that many homes, including the 750 destroyed during the explosion, were rebuilt using hydro stone, a fireproof material. Thus, the name Hydrostone.
- The Origin of Modern-day Hockey Rules
We all know you cannot talk about hockey without considering the Great White North. But did you know that Halifax is where the first official rules of hockey were made, as well as the game’s first few sticks? Well, the odds were in Halifax’s favor since ice rinks have been a thing in the town since way back in 1863. That’s when the Emera Oval, located on the Halifax Commons, was opened.
What’s more, the popularity of the game led to hockey online betting after online sportsbooks were legalized in 2004 and single-bet wagers in 2021. However, bettors must be careful to bet only on licensed sportsbooks. As BettingTop10.ca recommends, factors like competitive odds, various betting markets, top-notch security and secure banking options are some of the factors that play a crucial role in selecting a good sports betting site.
A Top Destination in Canada
We all know that Canada has pretty amazing tourist destinations, and Halifax is at the top of the list. Whether you just want to enjoy the town’s unique position, its intriguing role in North American history, or its mesmerizing coastline views, Halifax has something for everyone.
