Things I learned when I moved to Halifax

Do you drive a standard car? If so, you might want to consider reinvesting. Halifax is a hilly city. Actually, the downtown core is one steep hill. It is difficult to navigate if you’re driving stick.

While rare, it’s important to know that they’re out there. Below is a map listing all the bed bug reports in the city. Just a list of places to avoid. For an interactive version of the map see below, or click here. (Courtesy: Ameya Charnalia and Allie Darwin. Unews.ca)

The winters here are pretty good, not super cold, though I admit I am from Ottawa. In Halifax we didn’t have snow this year until mid-January (the above picture was taken on January 16.) Having said that, we’ve been dumped on ever since. Spring is mild as well; it rarely gets above 10 degrees. According to Living In Canada, the average high daily temperature in Halifax only rises above 20 degrees for two months: July and August.

Sidewalks, and more specifically snow plowing the sidewalks, is a contentious issue in the city. The city has received more than 1,500 complaints from residents about the streets and sidewalks so far this year. Last year the number was more than 2,000. It is safe to say snow plowing in this city needs improvement.

There are more bars per capita in Halifax than anywhere else in the country. This city is a haven if you like the suds. Bars are great for meeting people, so if you don’t know a lot of people here, go to a bar and meet some friends.

There are around 30,000 university and college students in the city of Halifax, so naturally, there are parties galore. If you are into that sort of thing, great. If not, get used to it. The parties are here to stay. The influx of students during the winter months means the summers are quiet here when the students are gone for the summer months.

It rains here. A lot. So bring a raincoat. In the winter, there tends to be a combination of rain and snow that makes it sloppy and slippery all the time. You should be prepared to fall as you long for the fall. (Photo: Kashmala Fida)

Halifax is a student town. It is also a tourist town. During the summer months, thousands of people flock to the city to see the sights and hear the sounds. So if you’re excited to answer the question “How do I find Barrington Street?” while standing on Barrington street, then Halifax is for you.

Donairs are a Halifax delicacy. They were even sort of invented here. If that’s not a real heritage moment, it can’t be far off. Halifax does it better; It has changed the game. Pass the sweetened condensed milk.

Rats and pigeons love Halifax more than you will. I didn’t realize how prevalent these animals are. I guess it has something to with the salty air. Also, you might see a seal roaming the streets once in a blue moon. (Photo: Kashmala Fida)