Halifax is one of Canada's oldest cities offering an impressive array of entertainment,
museums, galleries, historic sites, fine restaurants, colourful gardens and a lively nightlife.
Walk the waterfront or take a stroll in the Victorian-style Public Gardens, take the ferry
to Dartmouth for a cheap but scenic view of the harbour, or take a more extended boat tour, dine on
cuisines of the world, from casual to pricier haute cuisine. Halifax also has a very diverse and rich music scene;
live blues, rock, jazz, country, and more can be heard in bars, pubs, and restaurants most nights of the week.
While in Nova Scotia extend your stay to visit areas outside Halifax, such as the famous Peggy's Cove,
the scenic South Shore, spectacular Cape Breton. Late May/early June is apple blossom time in the
Annapolis Valley. Visit some of the beautiful Valley towns such as Wolfville (1 hour from Halifax by car) or
Annapolis Royal (2:15 hours from Halifax) and stay in unique country
inns and , visit local wineries. View the Nova Scotia Tourism website for more information. Extend your stay in the Maritime Provinces and plan side trips to
New Brunswick and/or
Prince Edward Island as well, each offering beautiful scenery and much more.
For more information on travelling to Halifax, within Halifax, or travelling in the Maritime Provinces, go
to our "Travel and Accommodation" webpage.
Conference Activities
First-timers' Welcome Reception
From 5 - 6 p.m. there will be a First Timers' Welcome Reception
at the Victory Arms Pub in the Lord Nelson Hotel
Opening Reception
All delegates are invited to attend the Opening Reception at 6:30 p.m. at the
historic Citadel just a short walk from the Lord Nelson Hotel (the conference hotel).
There will be a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres
will be served.
Sign up dinners will be arranged during free evenings (Monday and Wednesday) for those who are interested in checking out Halifax’s best cuisine in the company of other conference attendees. Sign up for these at the Registration Desk located in the Upper Lobby, Lord Nelson Hotel.
Morning Walks - Explore Halifax on Foot
Wednesday May 28
7:00 a.m.– 8:00 a.m.
Halifax Waterfront
Walk through downtown Halifax and along the waterfront and experience a bit of history along the way. A good cardiovascular workout will be had on the return walk up the hill.
Friday May 30
7:00 a.m.– 8:00 a.m.
The view from the Citadel
Walk around the perimeter of the Citadel which affords panoramic views of the city and its famous harbour.
Note: Walks leave from the lobby of the Lord Nelson Hotel at 7 sharp.
Closing Banquet and Awards
The annual banquet will take place at Pier 21, "one of Canada's seven wonders". This is the
place where one million immigrants landed between 1928-1971. Perhaps some
of these were your parents or ancestors. Attendees will have an opportunity to
explore this facility before the banquet. Visit the Pier 21 website at
https://www.pier21.ca/ to learn more about this facility.
The banquet itself will take place in the Kenneth C. Rowe Heritage Hall.
Lobster will, of course, be a featured item on the menu.
For more information on the banquet facility visit https://www.pier21.ca/rentalservices
Reception and tour of Pier 21, 6:00 p.m. ; Banquet, 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
First bus departs from the Hotel for Pier 21 at 5:45 p.m.; a 2nd bus will leave at approximately 6:15 p.m.)
Local Events
If theatre is your thing, take in a production of "The Producers", staged by Canada's oldest
professional theatre, Neptune Theatre, and running from Apr 15, 2008 - Jun 1, 2008. You'd better reserve
early for this one. Visit Neptune's website
If you prefer classical music, the Scotia Festival of Music, which brings in world class musicians,
is a two-week chamber music festival that takes place May 25, 2008 - Jun 8, 2008. For more
information visit their website
If listening to an Irish tenor appeals to you, Daniel O'Donnell in Concert May 30, 2008 at the Metro Centre. Concert is at 7:30 and cost $50. Click here for tickets and more information.
If stand-up comedy is your schtick, you may want tickets to hear Derek Edwards May 30, 2008 at the Rebecca Cohn auditorium. Tickets are $37 and the laughs start at 8. Click here for tickets and more information.
