This article was written by Nancy Prager-Kamel, the Chairwoman of the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States.

We erroneously assumed that a sister Trademark Wyndham Hotel in Halifax would be held to the same high standards as the one previously visited in St. John‘s. We were massively disappointed when we finally found the hotel on the very outskirts of Halifax, residing on the precipice of the highway, resplendent with disinterested staff, much noise, and no charm!

Fortunately, we were adventurous and spent very little time there. As we had booked this hotel for four days, we made sure that they were all spent out of the hotel and in downtown Halifax so we could enjoy the many treasures that are to be found there.

Suggested Activities to Keep You Out and About

Halifax Boardwalk: Home to many small eateries, shops, clothing, food and handicraft, these unique boutiques brought us back to downtown Halifax several times during our short stay. Foremost among them is a most amazing store, Liquid Gold Halifax (1470 Lower Water Street), selling bottles drawn from barrels of olive oil blended with an entire range of spices, herbs and mixtures. Each of them is unique; I’ve never seen these products anywhere else and I am an admitted “foodie”!

Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry: This ferry is the second-oldest saltwater ferry in the world.

Dartmouth: Explore Halifax’s sister city just across the water.

Halifax Seaport Market: This is one of everyone’s favorite things to do here. Located in between the harbor boardwalk and Pier 21, the market is one of Canada’s oldest, housed in a stunning new glass-sided building with amazing harbor views. If you’re looking for a more boutique market experience, head to the old Brewery Market on a Saturday morning. Just as nice, but smaller, it’s a hidden treasure where locals like to go.

Fisherman’s Cove: Colorful shacks and ice cream shops share the docks with lobster fishermen and fish distribution factories. Walk along the boardwalk and you will discover MacCormack’s Beach – one of Nova Scotia’s smallest provincial parks.

Peggy’s Cove: This is number one on most people’s must-see lists, dotted with many art and handicraft shops. The adventurous – not I – climbed out on the big boulders overlooking a precipitous drop to the ocean; quite dramatic! If you’re in the city even for a short time, you ought to see the stunning scenery and crashing waves at the most photographed lighthouse in Canada.

The next day we traveled further southeast beyond Peggy’s Cove to a UNESCO site—the town of Lunenberg with many UNESCO restored early 19th century homes in bold and beautiful colors.

Boasting panoramic views of Lunenburg’s historic waterfront and the Rum Runner Inn and restaurant is located across the street from the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in the center of Old Town Lunenburg.

Our favorite lunch and dinner was found in the Dockside restaurant which is located across from the monument honoring those that had died at sea, looking down on the fishing ships as they enter the harbor.

The entire menu was created from the fresh seafood literally delivered to their dock with the high-quality options of chicken and beef. We enjoyed the finest clam chowder we have ever tasted and returned for two of our four Halifax (Lunenberg) dinners. This restaurant runs a small attached Inn in case you indulge in a bit too much of the delicious local vino!