the pike group

Military Moves

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Family Fun in Halifax: Year-Round Activities

One of the best things about being posted to Halifax is how family-oriented the city is. No matter the weather — and Halifax gives you all four seasons with personality — there’s always something fun to do. Indoors, outdoors, rainy days, snow days, sunny days… Halifax has options for every mood and every age.

This guide gives you a full year’s worth of ideas to keep the whole family entertained.

The Waterfront Walk & Seasonal Activities

The Halifax Waterfront is a year-round hotspot. In summer, you’ll find patios, ice cream, buskers and boat tours. In fall, it’s quieter but still gorgeous. In winter, bundled-up families stroll the boardwalk for hot chocolate and harbour views. And in spring, it’s one of the first places to come alive again after the cold.

It’s an easy, low-effort outing that never gets old.

Discovery Centre (Indoor Fun for All Ages)

The Discovery Centre is a lifesaver for families — especially when the weather decides to turn dramatic. Kids love the hands-on science exhibits, climbing structures, interactive experiments and rotating feature exhibits.

It’s educational enough to feel good… but fun enough that nobody notices they’re learning.

Point Pleasant Park & Shubie Park Adventures

Families love these parks for their wide trails, wildlife, ocean views and space to roam.

At Point Pleasant, you get history mixed with nature. At Shubie, you get lakeside trails and a canal system kids love exploring. Both are perfect for picnics, dog walks and weekend adventures.

You’ll be back often — trust me.

Beaches for Every Season

Yes, beaches are for more than summer here. Nova Scotians walk the beaches year-round, even in winter storms (safely, of course).

Top family-friendly options:

  • Crystal Crescent

  • Rainbow Haven

  • Lawrencetown

  • Queensland

Summer gives you sandy feet and swimming. Fall and spring bring dramatic waves and beautiful walks. Winter offers postcard-perfect views.

Museum of Natural History

This museum is a childhood rite of passage in Halifax. From Gus the tortoise to dinosaur fossils and Mi’kmaq cultural exhibits, it always captures kids’ imagination.

It’s cozy, quiet, and ideal for rainy weekend mornings.

Seasonal Festivals & Community Events

Halifax runs on seasonal celebrations. Throughout the year, you can enjoy:

  • Halifax Buskers Festival

  • Natal Day fireworks

  • Halifax Parade of Lights

  • Winter Carnival

  • Nocturne Art at Night

  • Waterfront concerts

  • Outdoor movie nights

Each season has its own flavour, and families often make these traditions part of their posting experience.

Public Libraries & Kids' Programs

Halifax’s library system is unbelievable — easily one of the best in Canada.

Kids can enjoy:

  • Storytimes

  • Lego labs

  • Craft days

  • Gaming clubs

  • Teen nights

  • Homework help

And parents can enjoy… a moment of peace.

The Halifax Central Library is an architectural gem and an outing all by itself.

Ice Skating, Sledding & Winter Activities

Winter is big here, but it’s fun. You’ll find:

  • The Emera Oval for free ice skating

  • Sledding at Citadel Hill

  • Snowshoeing trails

  • Indoor skating at local arenas

It’s a season that begs you to bundle up and play.

Indoor Play Spaces for Cold or Rainy Days

Sometimes Halifax weather says, “You’re staying inside today.” Luckily, HRM has family favourites like:

  • Hop! Skip! Jump! (indoor play centre)

  • Playdium (games and arcades)

  • Get Air Trampoline Park

  • The Clay Café for arts and crafts

Perfect energy-burners when kids are bouncing off the walls.

Bedford, Dartmouth & Sackville Recreation Centres

The HRM recreation system offers nonstop programming. You’ll find:

  • Swimming pools

  • Gymnastics classes

  • Art programs

  • Family swims

  • Open gyms

  • Sports leagues

Military families love how accessible and affordable these programs are.

Final Thoughts

Halifax makes it easy to enjoy life with kids — no matter the time of year. Whether you love exploring nature, trying new foods, learning something new or joining community celebrations, there’s always something happening. For military families, it’s a city where you can build routines, make memories and enjoy fun-filled weekends without having to plan a major outing.

Written by Sandra Pike, REALTOR®, Royal LePage Atlantic
Helping DND families feel at home in Halifax — in every season.

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Andrea Davis

Comox Valley

Andrea Davis has come home to the Comox Valley for the lifestyle she loves. She started her successful Real Estate career in Ontario while her husband was posted there, Reaching top 6-10% in the regional market place.

Contact Andrea Today

Sales Representative at Royal LePage

Who is Andrea?

“When my husband retired, after 25 years in the Canadian Military, it was a short conversation to decide where to move with our family. Out of all the places we lived, the Comox Valley has always been the place we considered home.” For most people their home is the biggest investment of their life. Andrea knows the details that reduce the risk and understands the stress of moving. She focuses on finding clients the right home. Repeat business and referrals are the foundation of her business. She makes a donation for every sale to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Her work ethic will move you. In 2018 Andrea was excited to make Directors Platinum which is top 5% in her marketplace.

Jane Furter Broker, B.A. (HONS)

Kingston, Ontario.

RRP- REGISTERED RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Contact Jane Today

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Jane Furter Approach

Welcome to beautiful Kingston, Ontario.  Buying or selling a home is a big decision and you need an experienced professional to guide you through the process. When you work with me, you can count on personal, attentive, patient service, excellent knowledge of the area, great negotiation skills and expert selling strategies.

Jennifer Turcotte

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Real Estate Broker RE/MAX

Contact Jennifer Today

REAL ESTATE BROKER RE/MAX

Jennifer Approach

Jennifer brings to the table a strong background in sales, marketing and negotiation. Emphasis on extraordinary service producing outstanding results is the backbone of her business and this philosophy has served her clients well over the years. Because of the unparalleled service provided by Jennifer, clients return time and again and also are happy to refer their family and friends. You can always be assured that your real estate needs will be met and exceed when Jennifer handles your real estate transaction in Petawawa, Pembroke, Deep River, Chalk River and beyond!

Adam Mills

OTTAWA

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

4-3101 STRANDHERD DR, OTTAWA ON K2G 4R9

Contact Adam Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Adam?

Adam Mills is an energetic, dedicated and approachable professional who strives to assist his clients in fulfilling their real estate dreams. He provides expert and timely guidance and aims to build long-lasting and professional relationships.
With an honours bachelor of commerce degree, specializing in marketing, Adam’s creativity and ingenuity create positive results. His goal is to maximize your return on investment in a timely fashion.
For Buyers: Adam’s comprehensive market knowledge and strong negotiating skills will ensure you find a home that meets your needs and wants at a great price.

Karen Syroid

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The Real Estate industry is one big misunderstood paradox for most people. It's a Universal language; everyone speaks it - and yet there are still so many questions surrounding it. In my previous experience as a Real Estate consumer, not knowing what questions to ask I realized the process needed work.

Contact Karen Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Karen?

My career prior to choosing Real Estate was pretty darn awesome, spanning 10 years of people and relationship management in both Private and Public sectors. In my District Sales Management role I managed 6 talented leaders spanning 3 provinces and 160 sales staff, and was awarded Top District Manager and Top Talent Retention for Canada and the US. Travelling for a living was exciting but starting a family was a personal goal and priority. After proceeding to work in a Management role with the NB Government, including leading and negotiating a National contract on behalf of the Province, it was time to put my professional skillset to work in the Real Estate sector.
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My husband would consider me a risk taker but I would argue a calculated one. Did I leave a fulfilling, Full Time, permanent and pensioned career with the Government for the unknown? I sure did but you'd better believe it was a 5-year move in the making and it came with a solid business plan - and as they say, with great risk comes great reward. Our daughter Kate was born in 2017 which has been the greatest reward of all, and I'm proud to be instilling in her the values I was taught growing up; that women are smart, powerful, resilient, independent, inspirational...they can have a strong work ethic and a fulfilling career, AND be the nurturing, soft place to fall that children need.
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Susan Horon

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Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Contact Susan Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Who is Susan?

Susan can be described as an energetic and caring professional. Her moral code is to treat every client as she would want to be treated. This means you can expect respect and attention to detail. Value for the time and effort you are investing with her. After 17 years as a full time real estate agent her wealth of knowledge in the industry is a valuable asset to any form of Real Estate, especially relocation. She is a lifelong resident of Edmonton and has a strong grasp of each community in and around Edmonton. She knows what these areas have to offer and how to translate that into a wise real estate investment for you. Your house needs to be a home, but also needs to be a smart choice for your future. As we know in relocations, tomorrow may bring more change and she is always thinking resale not just a quick sale. She has plenty of experience with Military relocations. These situations require dedication, sense of urgency, patience, a strong grasp of the protocols required and the ability to guide the client appropriately. She understands the stress a relocation has on a family and will make every effort to relieve as much of that stress as she can. Her goal as your agent is create long lasting relationships with you through trust and proven commitment.

Susan is a proud supporter of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation helping many women and children across Canada face life’s adversities. Susan was the past chair and governor of the Edmonton Realtors Community Foundation which has given back over $3 million to the grassroots charities in the area. She cares about her city and donates time and money to improve it. Susan is honored to be an educational trainer for Royal LePage Noralta, teaching new agents how to be successful in their career. Previously Susan worked 19 years in the dental industry. She has brought with her to real estate the strong ethics and high standard of service she learned in that previous career. This has all translated in to success as a top producing Real Estate professional.