Below is a short and tentative list of opportunities. Updates will be announced as plans are finalized and the conference draws closer.
Tuesday Options
Dragon Boating on Lake Banook
Just across the harbour from Halifax in the community of Dartmouth, Lake Banook is home to several paddling, rowing, and dragon boat clubs and is an international sprint canoe and sprint kayak competition venue. It’s also part of the historic Shubenacadie Canal system that runs from Halifax Harbour to the Bay of Fundy. Don’t worry if you don’t know your K1s from your C15s, dragon boat is a safe and fun way for beginners to get out on the water and experience a unique part of the region’s sporting heritage.
Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus in Truro, NS
The former Nova Scotia Agricultural College joined Dalhousie in 2012, becoming Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture. Participants will travel to the Truro campus (~45 min drive from the Halifax campus) for the day. We will meet in a demo garden to sample soil from two cover crop rotation trial areas and then identify arthropod types and abundance. Participants will also visit the demo garden corn plot, the demo garden cover crop, and the rock garden.
George’s Island
George’s Island, a Canadian National Historic Site, is located in the Halifax Harbour. Tours allow visitors to explore the Fort Charlotte ruins and tunnels, and admire the views of Halifax! George’s Island is also known for its population of garter snakes, including a relatively high frequency of melanistic snakes.
https://www.ambassatours.com/toursexperiences/visit-georges-island
Self-Adventure around Halifax
Because we are situated in the downtown core, we will plan options for self-adventuring around the city. This could include booking a tour on the amphibious vehicle (the Harbour Hopper), self-guided walks through one of the city’s historic cemeteries, touring Citadel Hill, strolling through the Public Gardens, etc.
Saturday Options
Tidal Bore Rafting
Come ride the world’s highest tides as the bore travels down the Shubenacadie River from the famous Bay of Fundy. A truly unique experience, participants will ride in zodiacs surfing and smashing into the standing rapids that result from the tide. Basically, a roller coaster on the river. White water rafting thrills, with mud instead of rocks.
https://www.tidalboreadventures.ca
Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Reserve (High Head Trail) + Peggy’s Cove
For those who prefer hiking, we are planning a day trip to the Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Reserve. Bill was a professor in our department, and internationally renowned ecologist, and long-time volunteer with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The High Head trail (moderately strenuous) leads along the rugged coastline with stunning ocean views. We will include a visit to the famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove.
Lunenburg + Blue Rocks + Peggy’s Cove
For those who prefer a more leisurely outing, we are planning a coastal sight-seeing day! This trip will include Lunenburg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Blue Rocks (a tiny picturesque fishing village) and the famous Peggy’s Cove.
https://novascotia.com/explore-by-region/south-shore/lunenburg/
