Driving, Halifax

Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada that i've been to where wrong way signs are posted along the highway to warn the wrong way traffickers. I guess getting all boozed up and driving down the wrong side of the highway is a frequent occurance for Scotians. Beware of those intoxicated Scotian drivers, having a couple road pops on their way to Moncton for the weekend.

Halifax driving is crazy. There are so many outlying commuinites where people commute from that it creates bad traffic at rush hoursssssssssssss. The city was not planned to take in account this traffic.

Also, Halifax has these crazy lane changes that just pop up out of nowhere without any warning.

There is a high number of one way streets down by the waterfront so keep a look out for the signs.

There are spots along the streets to park so beware of people opening their door to step out of their car.

If you want to park your car, it is a good idea just to head to a pay lot if you are close to the waterfront. It is pretty hard to find parking. Many residents search for ages just to find a spot within a block or two of their home.

The good news about driving in Halifax is that other drivers are generally curtious.

Actually, Halifax is a pretty safe city, standard night-time city rules apply, of course, but on the whole it is a good city. My 'warning' is actually about the drivers - they are incredibly polite. They will stop to let you jaywalk when you are still 3 metres away from actually reaching the curb. This can be unsettling at first, especially since I've lived in Montreal where it's you against the car, and only one will survive :) If you drive in Halifax, be forewarned that the pedestrians have come to expect this treatment, and will step out in front of your car without even looking, so be extra vigilant at all times.