Halifax excursions

[Kansas Lady]

Our group of 10 on Carnival Victory is interested in doing both a whale watch and Jonathan's 4.5 hour tour to Peggy's Cove. Any idea if we can work in both? Does anyone know about the whale watch - what time does it leave? We will be going September 8th. Any idea what % of the time they see whales?

 

We will be in port from 7am to 6pm but if the whale watch is right in the middle of the day we might not be able to also do another 4.5 hour tour. We welcome any suggestions/ideas.

[Grandmaof4]

I heard that if you don't feel like going on an excursion that the area around the dock is great for shopping and eating. Anyone have any info on that? Is it within walking distance of NCL docks?

[Host Caroline]

First I doubt you will have time for whale watch and Peggy's Cove. The Cove is pretty touristy and the whales are iffy.. I'd pick one and stay in Halifax for the rest of the day unless these are ship tours.

In Halifax near dock you can: pick up a harbor cruise, visit Maritime Museum, have great seafood lunch, walk up the street to the Citadel etc. It's really a nice area, all along the dock for about 1/2 mille along the harborfront.. This is a lovely city and a great place to just spend the day enjoying the local scenery. The harbor cruises are a great deal.. If the Bluenose II is in port recommend you try to get res on it for a harbor cruise!

[c breeze]

Our group of 10 on Carnival Victory is interested in doing both a whale watch and Jonathan's 4.5 hour tour to Peggy's Cove. Any idea if we can work in both? Does anyone know about the whale watch - what time does it leave? We will be going September 8th. Any idea what % of the time they see whales?

 

We will be in port from 7am to 6pm but if the whale watch is right in the middle of the day we might not be able to also do another 4.5 hour tour. We welcome any suggestions/ideas.

 

This would not be a personal as Jonathan's tour, and I am not sure if you actually go on land to see Peggy's Cove, or just view it from the water, but here is a tour that might meet both needs:

 

Lobsters & Lighthouses

A guide will meet your group in the cruise ship pavilion. Guests will be paraded on a short stroll approx. 7-9 min. to the Tall Ships Quay where they will board onto the Peggy’s Cove Express. As we pull away from the dock and head out into the Great North Atlantic guests will enjoy a brief commentary on the Halifax Harbour and get prepared to help the captain and crew pull up the lobster trap. The captain will educate the guests on lobster fishing in Nova Scotia and the life cycle of a lobster and other crustaceans. Guests will have a hands on real life experience of holding a live lobster.

 

Upon releasing the traps back into the ocean the Captain will make his way towards the first of three lighthouses guests will view on the trip. The captain and crew will educate guests on the importance that lighthouses play in the mariner boating trade in Nova Scotia.

 

After the tour guest will enjoy a Maritime Lobster feast in Murphy’s restaurant. Our guide will demonstrate the proper way to crack open a lobster, which is an experience in itself. The meal includes a 1.1/4 lbs lobster accompanied with traditional potato salad, coleslaw and hot butter. Our chef will prepare his homemade deep dish valley apple crisp for dessert. Coffee, tea and ice tea is included.

http://www.murphysonthewater.com/Shore.php

[artvlay]

Does anybody have a suggestion who to contact to have someone take our group (6 people) around to places like Peggy's Cove and the Titanic Cemetery?

 

Thanks

[Terpnut]

Does anybody have a suggestion who to contact to have someone take our group (6 people) around to places like Peggy's Cove and the Titanic Cemetery?

 

Thanks

Like many others, we just did a tour with Jonathan of Yourcab tours (http://www.yourcab.ca). He was very nice, was reasonably priced and did a very good job. He can probably customize your itinerary and desired length to your needs. Just be sure HE does the tour. :)

[Maraprince]

KANSAS LADY,

 

You could also take FRED -- the free bus offered by Halifax that makes stops as it picks up and drops off tourists and locals. You get FRED right inside the dock area. Just ask one of the local information people what the schedule is. It will give you a good overview of the city and you can reboard according to the schedule.

[vickila]

We used Jonathan of www.info@yourcabco.com and found him to be wonderful. The tour was 6 1/2 hours long. We took the minivan, but he also has a 15 passenger. It was personable and fun. He does other tours of Halifax and is very knowledgeable and willing to deviate from the standard itinerary if all are in agreement. A beautiful day with no stress. Highly recommended.

[Terpnut]

BTW, for whale watching, try to get out on deck and spend some time outside. While you cannot count on anything, we did see plenty of whales and dolphins between Maine and New Brunswick, and to/from Nova Scotia. We saw more whales and dolphins than we did last summer in Alaska. Most of them were a distance off, but sometimes they would pop right up within a few hundred yards of the ship! Patience and persistence is definitely rewarded!

[zukecruiser]

KANSAS LADY,

 

You could also take FRED -- the free bus offered by Halifax that makes stops as it picks up and drops off tourists and locals. You get FRED right inside the dock area. Just ask one of the local information people what the schedule is. It will give you a good overview of the city and you can reboard according to the schedule.

 

Does FRED go to Peggy's Cove, looking for alternative way to get there other than the ship's tours.

[Terpnut]

Does FRED go to Peggy's Cove, looking for alternative way to get there other than the ship's tours.

No, FRED is a local bus service for downtown Halifax. Peggy's Cove is way outside of Halifax.

[c breeze]

Does FRED go to Peggy's Cove, looking for alternative way to get there other than the ship's tours.

 

 

FRED is a downtown shuttle:

http://www.halifax.ca/metrotransit/fred.html

 

Check the link "Living in Halifax" for lots of useful info.

[saileraway]

What about the Hop On Hop Off Bus. I've searched the Atlantic tours website but can not find the link to make a reservation. Thanks.

[c breeze]

What about the Hop On Hop Off Bus. I've searched the Atlantic tours website but can not find the link to make a reservation. Thanks.

 

You can hop on and off FRED, and it is free! However, there is no tour guide or explanations along the way.

 

Double Decker Tours will provide hop on hop off tours with a guide.

 

http://www.doubledeckertours.com/

[K8sMom]

Does anyone know anything about the double decker "Hop-on Hop-off" buses in Halifax. None of the web sites I have tried seem to work.

[Big Al B.]

I contacted someone at the bus site and was told that they don't know for sure if they will run. She said that last year they only ran on days when a ship was in port and were actually ship's excursions. Supposedly, you could purchase tickets at the pier (space available). Her comment was that they would "probably" do it again this year.

 

The FRED website only has information on last year's buses.

[lannp]

The Fred bus runs through the summer months and into the fall. I called and asked and it's not scheduled before July.

Last October friends were able to buy Hop on/hop off tickets in the terminal as they exited the ship.

[Celhubb]

I heard that if you don't feel like going on an excursion that the area around the dock is great for shopping and eating. Anyone have any info on that? Is it within walking distance of NCL docks?

 

I live here in Halifax. The Ship dock downtown and yes, there are lots of great places to eat and shop.

[NSgal]

For tours, you can also check out Ambassatours by Gray Line. They have a Titanic tour, Peggy's Cove, as well as many others. They also offer self-drive options.