Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Halifax climate is defined by its proximity to the ocean, which keeps the city milder in winter considering its latitude and cooler in the summer. Summers are pleasant, with average highs in the mid-70s (23C), and cool-ish nights. Due to the ocean, it can take awhile for summer to ‘arrive’, with August being warmer than July and September warmer than June. Northern latitude and Atlantic time zone translates into late sunsets in summer.

Fall is a lovely season, and tends to hold on until the end of October. Winters can be very cloudy and wet, with plenty of snow and also lots of ice and rain, with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Average highs in January are just below freezing, and lows are about 18F (-7C).  Runners should be prepared with proper clothing and Yaktrax. Spring can be frustrating, as the ocean keeps temps cool and skies overcast. One should always be prepared for clouds and rain in Halifax.

Halifax is a compact city and most of the hotels are located in the business and tourist district downtown, east of Robie St., between Cogswell St. and South St., north-south. Signature harbor hotels include the Westin Nova Scotian and the Marriott Harbourfront.  The Lord Nelson is one of the older, more historic hotels. Newer, chic spots include the Cambridge Suites. There are also traditional chain hotels such as Delta, Residence Inn, Hampton Suites, and so on.

In downtown Dartmouth, there’s a Holiday Inn with nice views of the water and the Halifax skyline.

Running Room is the signature running store in Halifax, with locations downtown along the Spring Garden Rd. commercial corridor and to the north in Bedford in the Sunnyside Mall. Group Runs Wednesday 6:00 p.m. & Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Aerobics First. The other indy running store in Halifax. Turns into more of a winter/ski apparel store in the winter.

MEC is a broader outdoor apparel store that also has plenty of running gear. Sort of like the REI of Canada.  Group Runs: several events each week, including most Thursdays. Schedule

Scotiabank Bluenose Marathon. May. Premier event with marathon, half, 10k, youth run.

Maritime Race Weekend. September. Races of four distances. Really fun weekend for runners.

Epic Canadian Race. Unique event on July 1. There’s a version of this in Dartmouth.

Sole Sisters Running Event. June and October. Popular all-womens races.