Halifax

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

This small book packs in a full measure of practical information and an
incredible amount of lure and sizzle in the form of dozens and dozens of
tiny but cheerful color photos.

Perhaps the key criteria for a useful tourist guide are structure and
organization. Because the users of a guide are, presumably, new to the
area, confusion in the presentation of information is the greatest sin.
This book avoids that error by establishing a firm framework for data
and practising strict adherence to it. Hence the text is clear and
clean, direct and orderly. The downside of this approach is that the
city is seen as a mosaic of distinct areas rather than an organic whole,
but that’s a luxury best reserved for residents. Visitors need clearly
delineated patterns, and on that point this work delivers.

Sections of concise, fact-studded text accompanied by maps and a myriad
of small color photos cover the history of Halifax and explore Citadel
Hill, the downtown area, Spring Garden Road (public gardens), and the
historic south end. Other sections accompany the reader on a ferry trip
to Dartmouth and on local excursions outside the city (Peggy’s Cove,
Chester, Mahone Bay). Dining, accommodations, attractions, and
activities are listed and described briefly.

If Halifax is your vacation destination, this guide should be taken
along.