the pike group

Military Moves

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Your First Week in Halifax: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore

Landing in Halifax is like stepping into a postcard — ocean views, friendly faces, and that salty Atlantic breeze that somehow smells like adventure. But before you dive into home hunting or unpacking boxes, your first week here should be about getting your bearings.

I’ve worked with hundreds of families moving to Halifax — military, corporate, and cross-country transfers — and this is the insider’s guide I wish everyone had for their first seven days.

Where to Stay: Short-Term Accommodations That Make You Feel at Home

Whether you’re waiting for your posting to finalize, your new home to close, or just exploring neighbourhoods, temporary housing in Halifax is plentiful — but choosing the right area can save you a ton of stress.

Downtown Halifax & the Waterfront

If you love being in the middle of the action, stay near the waterfront. You’ll be close to dining, museums, and the boardwalk.
Popular options:

  • The Sutton Place Hotel – elegant, brand-new, and connected to the Scotiabank Centre.

  • The Muir Hotel – a luxury stay right on the harbour (and yes, the views are unreal).

  • The Westin Nova Scotian – historic charm with easy access to the train station and Seaport Market.

Bedford & Clayton Park

These areas are perfect if you’re here with family and want to explore potential neighbourhoods while staying comfortable.
Check out:

  • Château Bedford – reliable and close to major routes.

  • Airbnbs or extended-stay suites – often better value if you’re here for a couple of weeks.

Dartmouth & Eastern Passage

If your posting is near Shearwater, consider a stay in Dartmouth Crossing or Eastern Passage.
Options include:

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Dartmouth Crossing – easy access to shopping and restaurants.

  • Coastal Airbnbs – affordable and peaceful with ocean views.

Where to Eat: Halifax’s Must-Try Food Spots

The food scene here punches way above its weight. Whether you’re craving comfort food or fine dining, Halifax has you covered.

For Local Flavour

  • The Bicycle Thief – upscale Italian with a waterfront view; locals love it for good reason.

  • The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse – live music, hearty food, and that East Coast pub energy.

  • Waterfront Warehouse – fresh lobster, oysters, and seafood towers worth photographing.

Casual & Family-Friendly

  • Smitty’s or Cora’s – breakfast staples before house-hunting.

  • RustiCo – wood-fired pizza and a cozy vibe.

  • Ela! Greek Taverna – great for groups and consistently delicious.

Coffee & Quick Stops

  • Java Blend – a Halifax institution with locally roasted beans.

  • Two If By Sea Café in Dartmouth – famous for croissants as big as your head.

  • Lucky Penny Coffee Co. – my personal pick for coffee near Quinpool.


What to Explore: Get to Know Your New City

You’ll feel at home faster when you start exploring. Halifax isn’t a “wait until later” kind of city — it’s all about diving in.

1. Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Stretching nearly 4 km, it’s packed with shops, cafés, and attractions like the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. You’ll also find the iconic Theodore Tugboat for the kids (and nostalgic adults).

2. Citadel Hill National Historic Site

Perched above downtown, the Citadel gives panoramic views of the city and harbour. You’ll often hear the noon cannon — it’s tradition, not an invasion.

3. Point Pleasant Park

Locals love it for dog walks and ocean views. The trails are dotted with historic ruins and lookout points.

4. Peggy’s Cove

If you have a free afternoon, take the 45-minute drive to this world-famous lighthouse. It’s breathtaking, but bring good shoes — those rocks are slippery!

5. Dartmouth Ferry Ride

Spend a loonie or two and take the ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth. It’s the best view of the skyline for the price of a coffee.

Neighbourhood Preview for Future Homebuyers

As you explore, keep an eye out for where you might want to settle long-term.

  • Bedford: Great schools and family amenities.

  • Clayton Park: Central, with newer builds and shopping.

  • Eastern Passage: Affordable seaside living.

  • Fall River: Spacious lots and quiet living.
    Each has its own personality — just like the people who move here.

Local Tips for Settling In Smoothly

  • Parking: Downtown parking can be tricky — use the HotSpot app to pay from your phone.

  • Transit: Halifax Transit and ferries are reliable and affordable.

  • Community: Join the Halifax Newcomers Club or Military Family Resource Centre events — great way to meet people fast.

  • Weather: Halifax can go from sunny to sideways rain in ten minutes. Keep an umbrella handy and a sense of humour even handier.

A Personal Welcome

I’ve helped many families start their Halifax chapters — from short-term stays to finding their dream home. The first week here is your chance to explore, taste, and take it all in.

Once you’re ready to talk real estate, I’m here to help you navigate the Halifax market confidently and make this beautiful city your permanent home.

Posted to Halifax? Let’s make your move seamless — from your first call to your first key.

Read

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

Petawawa

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

GAGETOWN

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.
My friends and family would say I live life in the fullest way. An optimist by nature and always open to new experiences. Last minute trip? Concert tickets for tonight? I'm your girl I absolutely love spending quality time with my family, turning the TV off and playing board games, and I truly value the lost art of conversation over a gin or craft beer. I have a passion for home design and I believe in buying local, supporting and investing in our Community and growing our local market. And not to brag but pretty sure if there was a sommelier equivalent for nachos and poutine, I'd make Master level.
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.
The recognition with Royal LePage has come quickly, reaching Diamond level (top 3%) and Top 10 individual agents in the Atlantics consistently since 2014. Selling Real Estate is a form of art. It takes good clear thought, strategy, planning and great instinct. My mission is to Re-define Real Estate, and I've been “doing it” for hundreds of clients since 2012.

Susan Horon

Edmonton

Real Estate Agent
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.