News release

Local Food, Products, Experiences on Halifax Waterfront

Waterfront Development Corporation (to July 2018)

Visitors to the Halifax waterfront will enjoy local, tasty fare and uniquely Nova Scotian products and experiences with a pinch of salt air as Waterfront Development Corporation welcomes an exciting lineup of seasonal businesses.

With 11 kiosks at Queen's Landing Market and four active living options at Sands at Salter, perennial favourites mix with new businesses to create a diverse Harbourwalk. Waterfront Development Corporation issued a request for proposals for the spaces in the fall.

"The Halifax waterfront is an exciting platform for local entrepreneurs to bring their ideas and products to the world," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. "Visitors will be surrounded by new experiences, creating memories by the sea."

At Queen's Landing Market, new tastes include feisty, fresh seafood by Showder Shack, local bacon sandwiches by Canadian Bacon Cookhouse, Port and Starboard Burgers, and Smoke's Poutinerie.

New shops include Lost Cod Clothing Co., the latest Uncommon Group business, offering Nova Scotia wear branded with authentic historical logos, printed on site. The Nova Scotia Summer Shop will retail Nova Scotia products and gear. These new shops are joined by old favourites like BeaverTails pastries, The Battered Fish fish and chips, organic, handmade Black Bear Ice Cream, and fresh fare from Waterfront Pizza and Wraps.

"The ideas generated by these entrepreneurs are inspiring--they showcase some of the best of Nova Scotia," said Colin Maclean, president and CEO of the corporation. "Here on the waterfront, we're working together to drive economic opportunity, enhance tourism, and provide great experiences for all visitors."

Amos Pewter in the Tour Boat Centre will continue to showcase local pewter designs and nearby will be children's favourite, Rosie's Face Painting.

A new pedestrian boardwalk is being built from Lower Water Street, where the former BioScience building was located. It will connect to the Harbourwalk alongside the Queen's Landing kiosks. Additional seating will complement outdoor dining options for visitors.

For those seeking adventure, Halifax favourite the Harbour Hopper is back at Queen's Landing. Destination Cape Breton will highlight the region's best destinations. Nearby, Ambassatours Gray Line is offering a variety of daily sightseeing tours.

Sands at Salter, next to Bishop's Landing, will become a hub for outdoor experiences. Those looking for a different way to explore the waterfront can take a guided Segway PT tour from Segway Nova Scotia along a closed route on the boardwalk from The Cable Wharf to the Seaport Farmers' Market. New vendor, Kayak Halifax, will offer guided tours of Halifax Harbour.

Serving as the site of SandJam Halifax which hosted the 2011 and 2012 FIVB Swatch Junior World Volleyball Championships, people will now find Feel the Burn Beach Volleyball. Beach volleyball enthusiasts can register for summer programs or sign up for semi-private lessons with an elite coaching staff.

I Heart Bikes, offering guided tours and bike rentals, returns with a new shop built out of a recycled 40-foot-long shipping container.

The 2013 event season includes the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Halifax International Busker Festival, The Word on the Street Halifax, and Nocturne: Art at Night, with new events to be announced. Those visiting by sea can enjoy free daytime berthing at over 1000 feet of floating docks. New floats will be installed at Purdy's Wharf.

Businesses are expected to be open by mid-May with a grand opening in June.

Waterfront Development is a provincial Crown corporation developing the strategic potential of waterfronts in Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax and Lunenburg. The corporation fosters waterfronts that drive economic opportunity, enhance tourism, provide experiences and reflect and protect marine heritage. For a list of vendors, visit www.my-waterfront.ca.