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Public Gardens Park
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28 reviews for Public Gardens Park
28 reviews in English
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Review from Jill M.
5/18/2012
I love the Public Gardens. Love love love.
In keeping with the 'Yelpspiration' theme for today, it's a great place for a first date. Meet up, grab a coffee together from the Uncommon Grounds or maybe a delicious Sugah ice cream. Then head to the back, where you can actually sit on the grass. Toss a frisbee around or perhaps sit at one of the tables with a checkerboard painted on it. If you're on a date with a nerd like me, a travel-sized Scrabble game will win you major bonus points. Then stroll around the grounds getting to know one another.
Like Ben B. said of Citadel Hill, if the date goes well you're in a prime location to move on to drinks or dinner. If not, you have an easy exit.
I know the grass thing bothers some people, and I have found it annoying in the past. But the grounds are so beautiful, I understand why they want to preserve them, and there are tons of benches to sit on. The perfect spot to snoop on wedding parties and prom-goers come Spring!
I know the no dogs policy bothers some people as well, but I appreciate it. I know, I know, YOUR dog is LOVELY. But they aren't all lovely, and I've had more than my share of nerve-wracking experiences in Point Pleasant Park to know that not all pet owners are responsible. I understand that for the sake of the flowers and the old people who enjoy the gardens, it's a good thing.
Basically, the Gardens provide sort of a more leisurely, refined experience than Point Pleasant Park where anything goes (except, god forbid, riding a bicycle at a convenient time) and I like having both in my neighborhood.Listed in: Yelpspiration Reviews
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Review from Dee L.
South End, NS
5/24/2012
For me, The Public Gardens are synonymous with coming home. It is the first place I visit when I'm on holiday in Halifax, and I spend a lot of time there during my stay. When I was a university student, the Gardens were a peaceful refuge, a place to relax and get some perspective on life. When I discover that a client or friend will be visiting Halifax for the first time, I always include it in my top 10 of places to see.
I have read some of the other reviews and realize my perspective might be different from that of most people. When I was a child and we visited the Gardens, it was an unspoken understanding that it was a public place, a special place, and that, while having fun, we should also be respectful of the environment we were in and of the people around us. We are talking about a Victorian Garden that is carefully maintained and shared by the community. It is not your back yard. For hiking, biking, and dog walking, consider Point Pleasant Park. I don't think anyone minds people crossing the grass in order to take photographs of the flowers or their friends, but for lounging, frisbee, and general "hanging out", do take advantage of the large area designated for this.
My biggest pet peeve - which might fall under the "This is not your back yard" category - is people allowing their children to run completely amok. I am tired of seeing adults allow - or worse, encourage - their children to chase the ducks around, screech at the top of their lungs, yank up flowers, and climb the trees, trellises, and statues. I have seen children snap pieces of trellises they were climbing as Mommy or Daddy positioned themselves to capture the moment for posterity. You'd think upon hearing the first crack of the wood, they'd get down - fast - and make a beeline for the exit. But no worries, it's not *their* property, so they just keep climbing. And breaking. And generally making a bloody nuisance of themselves.
Fortunately, what's wonderful about the Public Gardens far outweighs these pet peeves. So much can change from one week to the next - trees in bloom, new foliage growth, unique varieties of flowers being planted in the beds. I love spotting the odd squirrel when it races from one tree to the next, or comes upon a bunch of spilled popped or bread crust on the path. I love the gnarled branches of the Camperdown Elm trees, the resident goose, the Japanese maples, and the faint scent of lavender that can be caught on misty days when you enter through the main gate. I love that at least one of the groundskeepers does a mild version of guerrilla gardening, planting vegetables here and there in the flower beds. It's nice to be able to pop into the Uncommon Grounds cafe for a coffee on a chilly day, and the Just Us cafe is a stone's throw from the Gardens. The new washrooms are a huge, welcome improvement, and it's great that they are wheelchair accessible. The Sunday concerts held in the gazebo during the summer are a nice draw, too.
All in all, this lovely place is special, and I highly recommend a visit! -
Review from Ashley L.
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Is it just me or does the Public Gardens feel warmer than any other part of Halifax on a mild day? This makes me happy.
The gardens is one of my favourite places in Halifax - and I have a lot of favourite places - but this one is at the top. I love the ducks, the smells, its downtown placement and the fact that it has the power to brighten people's faces even on the darkest of days. It's a little piece of heaven in the middle of hustle and bustle of the city.
I wish I could become a duck and live there in the summer...Listed in: My Day Off Checklist
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Review from Erin P.
7/3/2011 1 photo
Generally speaking I love the Gardens.
Well maintained, and gorgeous. My first visit there this spring left me forgetting I was in the middle of a city. I love the elegance of the main gates, and the history behind the park itself. It is also the largest, well maintained Victorian Garden in North America.
Now, what I don't enjoy: it is, essentially, a park however one is not allowed on the grass? Sure I understand that high amounts foot traffic can be damaging to the growth of the grass. However, what is the harm in someone wanting to sit under a tree, on the grass to read for a few hours? Ok, so there is a small section at one end of the garden where being on the grass is OK. I just don't understand why the grass is so off limits.
Also, no bikes? No jogging? No dogs? On a recent visit I saw a lady walking her bike through the gardens. At no point was she on it. She was walking through, taking the scenic route, as she wanted to get to a street on the other end of the park. She was stopped and told she had to leave immediate as bikes were not permitted. Seriously? Really Halifax? Are all these no-nos really necessary? No playing on the grass - you're basically saying no kids.
Beyond that, I do enjoy having the Gardens in our backyard. It is a little oasis away from the hum and buzz of downtown Halifax. -
Review from Laura S.
Halifax, NS
11/18/2010
This is a staple on all the tourist brochures for must-sees in Halifax, and it certainly hosts a visual treat of color, design and nature. But when it comes to use by the locals, I find the Public Gardens restricted in what it offers us other than a small cluster of cute trails and a few benches.
And I mean "restricted" literally. You're not allowed on the GRASS, you're not allowed in the veranda, you're not even allowed to set up an easel to paint, outside of the ONE allotted day per year! It's like a stuffy living room with expensive furniture and perfectly vacuumed carpet. It's pretty, but you're never allowed to enter. -
Review from Ben B.
1/17/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Boo. The Public Gardens make me grumpy. I know that when I'm there I should be skipping through the gravel stone paths with baby birds tweeting (the old-fashioned way) around my head while the squirrels wave hello as I lead into a fantastically choreographed musical number. But I can't and I won't.
Yes yes yes...the gardens are absolutely beautiful, I love the history of the place, seeing the grandiose gates fills me with pride, and all the pieces of the outdoor space puzzle are in the right places, but the restrictions that keep people from enjoying such a gorgeous public space are frustrating.
Did you know that you're actually not allowed on the grass? Or that you're not allowed to run or jog even if you keep to the paths? Or that dogs aren't permitted even if well-behaved and on a leash? Or that you'd be asked to leave if you had the audacity to bring a picnic?
See? I should be looking at the flowers but I can't stop focusing on all the things I'd love to be able to enjoy inside the fence. Call me when I can have a gourmet cheese and cheese alone picnic with my puppies and I won't be so crotchety. -
Review from Rosalyn A.
Halifax, NS
10/5/2011
Its beauty should be enjoyed...but not from a distance! I LOVE PICNICS and not being able to picnic makes me sad. It makes me mad that you cant truly enjoy this park. It would be such a great place for people to go on their lunch breaks to sit and chat. I will volunteer to clean up after them just let them enjoy!
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Review from Candice W.
St John's, NL
10/11/2010
These gardens are beautifully maintained and serve as an incredible retreat from the busy city, just off Spring Garden. For some reason every time I've visited Halifax, I've neglected to visit here (perhaps because I've been too busy scouting out the perfect pub to call home).
But you really shouldn't pass up the chance to see it -- even the gates at the entrance to the gardens are gorgeous: tall, iron and dominating the street. Even in mid-October the flowers are in full bloom like a rainbow: carpet beds, perrenial beds, and annual beds. Even tropical beds were introduced for educational purposes, and I was startled to find a giant cacti in the middle of one of the foothpaths.
There are several statues featuring Roman goddesses as well, and a huge Nymph Fountain that was erected for Queen Victoria in 1897. A model Titantic sits in the middle of the pond. You hardly feel like you're in the city anymore after strolling through here.
Pack a picnic, and come spend the day inside! You might even be lucky enough to catch some live entertainment. A friendly park worker informed us that the gardens should be open until November this year, due to the favourable weather. -
Review from David H.
Halifax, NS
4/12/2011
I found Debbie Mosher's review useful. Nonetheless, I feel that the biggest two criticisms remain: that it's closed in the winter, and that you are not allowed on the grass. (Also, that it's closed at night.) EVERY European city manages to do it, so why can't we do it too? It makes a city so much more social if there is a nicely maintained and busy public area that is accessible to everyone all the time.
It's a nice park in the best possible location, but the city's stubbornness means that we only get to benefit from it a fraction of the time. That's what keeps disappointing me. -
Review from Katrina N.
2/16/2010
Super-Victorian.
In my 3 nights in Halifax, I spent more time at the public gardens than at any other attraction.
The space has been nicely restored follwing the devestation of Hurricane Juan in 2003, and is kept-up beautifully by full-time staff.
The park sports ponds and fountains, beautiful statuary, manicured lawns, bright flower beds and mature trees. I also enjoyed the two swans and dozens of ducks residing within the park's gates.
The concept of a "public gardens" is very Victorian. This particular park has its roots way back in the 1830s! Seeing as Seattle wasn't even founded until the 1850s, we have nothing like this in my home town. Maybe that's why this park seemed so especially... special to me. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/10/2009 1 photo
They kept paradise and refused to put up a parking lot.
That is, in my mind, the best way to describe the Public Gardens Park in Halifax. It is rare, in any city, to find a beautiful, well kept park with so much care put into it. This East Coast treasure is parked right downtown Halifax and offers a garden of Eden to the general public. Its century old iron gates are a beautiful way to enter into this amazing paradise, where you can walk past ducks in a pond, smell the flowers, and from time-to-time, hear bands playing in the gazebo. Their staff work hard on keeping this place clean and it shows. I have never walked into Public Gardens and have it not look brand new. So whether you are a tourist and want to see a beautiful, Halifax garden, or a busy office employee who needs to de-stress on your lunch break, this little Eden is perfect for you. -
Review from Laura P.
4/16/2010
"The Hills are alive.... to the sound of music...."
Do you know this song? If not, well, its of epic and proclaiming nature. And its the tune I hear in my head upon the seasonal opening of Public Gardens' gates.
Its a peaceful place for a gander amongst city streets. Public Gardens provides locals and visitors a downtown experience with botanical scenes, smooth waters and an overall inner oasis. Its the perfect little retreat away from the hustle and a common ground for all types in the community to enjoy.
Summer is on the way, and the Public Gardens are a must. Step inside its iron gates and get lost in paradise 2.0. Shwing.Listed in: A Breath of Fresh Air
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Review from Mike B.
3/30/2011 76 Check-ins Here
The Halifax Public Gardens is my favourite place in the city to go. So for five months of the year, I wander the city like a lost puppy with nowhere to go anxiously waiting for the gates to open and my feet to walk their sandy paths.
Most people come here because of the gazebo in the centre of the park. Surrounding it are benches that are often filled with people sitting and relaxing. This area of the park is probably my least favourite section though. I prefer to either sit at the pond on the north side of the park and watch the ducks or under the tree in the north-east corner with its limbs hanging downward. I'm not good with the names of plants but perhaps this is an umbrella tree? It's very protective and fascinates me.
Once June hits, the flowers are in full bloom and the park is just marvelous to look at and pass through. I enjoy spending my afternoons here reading, watching the ducks or hoping to catch a glimpse of a turtle. I'd say I have well over a thousand photos taken within the walls of this fenced paradise.
Some might criticize the park for its lack of true nature. Since it's essentially a man-made park with everything planted to perfection, it's hard to argue that but I doubt such a natural setting can occur in the middle of the city. It's a nice peaceful alternative to the rest of the downtown without having to travel outside the city.
I also can't argue with their rule of staying off the grass. I think this park is mostly made to please the eyes rather than to actually use. Activities such as frisbee and tanning can be done literally across the street on Citadel Hill, although there is a patch of lawn on the west side of the park that does allow it.
I anxiously await the park to open for me to enter and take in the sights and sounds of this utopian victorian park, to have treats and gelato from the little house on the Spring Garden side, or to simply walk through as a shortcut on my way to work. Until then, I find myself wandering the perimetre of the fence, longing for the paths to once again touch my feet. -
Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
11/16/2010
Had to get in one last trip this year before the Gardens closed their gates for the winter.
This Victorian garden breaths life and beauty into an otherwise drab part of Spring Garden Road. From beautiful statuettes to colorful botanicals, this location is like Halifax's own Garden of Eden (without snakes or apples of course)- a garden paradise!
If you feel the need to unwind after a crazy day of work or classes, this spot is the perfect place to find comfort and relaxation: take a seat at one of the benches and enjoy a java, or stroll along the paths and admire the appealing florals (though I should warn you, stay on the paths- security will be on your case should you venture onto the Garden's immaculately-groomed lawns!!)
If the botanical gardens don't tickle your fancy, head over to the charming little duck pond (I always enjoy coming early in spring when there are newly hatched ducklings, then returning to see how they've grown- it's a beautiful thing to behold). There are all sorts of sights and sounds to appeal to the senses at the Public Gardens -
Review from Mary B.
9/2/2008 3 photos
So very very lovely. The Halifax Public Gardens are one of the last formal Victorian public gardens in North America. Located right next to the downtown area the garden makes for a perfect respite from urbanity and takes you into a world that could be part of Alice in Wonderland.
The grounds are perfectly maintained which is a testament to the grounds workers and the good people of Canada that follow the direction to not walk on the grass. Bursts of color pop out from everywhere and are complimented with tasteful statues and fountains. I was worried that since we were visiting at the end of the summer that there would be few flowers still around but that was so not the case. Just amazing.
This isn't the kind of park you'd go to play football or frisbee, or even spread out a blanket for a picnic - head to the Common for that sort of thing. It's more of a place to stroll, cane in hand, with your honey or bench it up for some duckwatching.
About those ducks - don't feed them! If you get caught doing so you can apparently get slapped with a hefty fine - Haligonians are serious about healthy ducks.Listed in: Livin' it up on AST
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Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/10/2010
I'm about to commit heresy, and you're here to see it in print: I don't get all the fuss about the Public Gardens.
Now, maybe that's because me and gardening have never been fast friends. Truthfully, I've always had a black thumb, no matter how hard my mother tried to train me up right.
So when I go to the Public Gardens, I'm not so interested in all the species of plants on display, but instead I'm looking for a great picnic site. The Public Gardens is many things, but a picnic site it's not. In fact, you're not allowed on the grass at all! I've been chased out of the park twice - once, several years ago, I tried to catch some rays on my lunch hour and a security guard had to move me along. Thinking I had been shuffled off because I looked like a transient, I tried a couple of years ago to pack the cooler and drag the kids out for a picnic. We ended up walking to the Common instead.
The Gardens are definitely beautiful. And you can't forget about a visit to the duck pond - most times of the year, you can find a hatch of ducklings following their mama about the pond. As for anything else? Meh. I'm underwhelmed.
You can have your Public Gardens. I'll take the Common any day. -
Review from Annie C.
Kingston, ON
12/22/2010
Even after hurricane Earl last August, the Halifax Gardens looked charming as can be!
Maybe I was especially charmed because I didn't have the gardens on my "must do" list and sort of bumped into them by chance. Set in the middle of the city, the gardens are a great little stopping off point between the older and newer sections of the city.
Either way, great little cut through full of my two favourite things: kids and dogs. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/30/2009
Meh, for me it's only a short cut.
That's really the best thing I can say about the Public Gardens...it can shave about a minute off the walk home occasionally.
I think my indifference for the Public Gardens might have something to do with the really annoying and overzealous security who love to yell at you if you take one step off the path onto the grass. It's all a little silly if you ask me. If a duck can have a trot on the greens, why can't I?!
I'm also not a huge fan of "staged nature." If I'm in a garden I want it to look like a garden, there is something too pristine and perfect about this place for me. I know it seems strange to criticize something for looking too good, but for me it's a genuine factor.
I'm sure a lot of people will love the Public Gardens, but it's just not the kind of park I care to spend any time in. As a matter of fact, I'm far more fond of Victoria Park, located just across the street. -
Review from Greta K.
1/16/2009 5 photos
This was one of the highlights of our time in Halifax. The gardens were absolutely amazing and I thought they definitely surpassed the Boston Common in our city.
This is just one of the gems of the surprising city of Halifax. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 4/15/2010
Just wanted to let you all know that the Public Gardens opened (early!) yesterday Wednesday, April 14th!
Not quite fully operational yet in terms of the beautiful gardens that we've all come to expect but hey, it's the first sign that we may be over winter. (wrap wrap -knocks on wood)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/21/2009
The Halifax Public Gardens is a beautiful Victorian style park located right in the middle of… Read more »
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Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/7/2009
Halifax's Public Gardens are a true treasure - a Victorian garden, over a century old, in the heart of downtown Halifax.
The gardens are something of an oasis for locals, many of whom take advantage of the peace and quiet to enjoy a relaxing lunch break - either a "paper bag special" or something picked up at one of the many nearby takeouts on Spring Garden Road.
Tourists enjoy the winding paths and exotic flowers, all carefully tended, and kids can watch the ducks and swans in the Gardens' small pond and stream.
The gardens are also a great place for seniors - my mother always enjoyed a Sunday trip to the Gardens for ice cream and a live concert from the bandstand. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/19/2009 4 photos
There is probably nothing more delightful than wandering through these Victorian Gardens from late May through November, although,naturally it's more spectacular in the height of summer with flowers in bloom everywhere you look and graceful ducks and swan gliding effortlessly across the ponds.
Nothing is lovelier than Sunday afternoon concerts...unless, of course, you're like me and love to watch all the bridal parties being photographed here.
I only wish that they would label the various plants so that I know exactly what I'm thoroughly enjoying at any given moment. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/13/2010 12 photos
In no time flat, those gorgeous wrought iron gates are going to open and the park will be welcoming all to enter.
I stood peering over the fence yesterday, watching the ducks in the pond and marveling at just how lovely this downtown treasure really is. It's too bad that for so many months of the year the park is closed. I'm sure it has to do with the city not being able to afford the winter upkeep, but I can't help my desire to go on a snow filled walk across the lovely grounds during the winter months.
In the spring and summer, I love to sit on a bench and enjoy my lunch. If you walk to the furthest end of the park away from the main gates, you will find a large patch of grass designed for rolling and lying about. Don't even try to go on the grass elsewhere in the Public Gardens, or else one of the attendants will motor over to you and sternly ask you to step away from the green.
Blossoms abound, along with lovely trees and gorgeous waters. In the gazebo during the warmer months, if you're lucky you'll find old folks playing music and entertaining people sitting on the spectators' benches.
This truly is a Halifax treasure. Spend as much time as you can here. Life is too short to not stop and smell the roses.Listed in: Random Fun
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Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
3/17/2010 1 photo
It is almost time... We know summer is coming when the Gates open to the gardens. This is a favourite hot spot of mine when I am downtown. There is nothing like walking through the garden and sitting in those hard benches eating and ice cream while the pigeons dive bomb you because someone is feeding them. GOTTA LOVE IT. But this is a part of the gardens.
June is a busy month as it is grad time and everyone takes advantages of the beautiful gardens and bridges that you are able to take pictures on. Some of the trees at the garden when in full glory are just beautiful.
Like other have said it is a sin that is is closed in the winter it would be nice for the city to be able to set up a skating rink or something in there for all to enjoy. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/3/2010
The Public Gardens are located between Spring Garden and , spanning . Even though they are "public" gardens, the gates are only really open to the public for a few months of the year, but when they open I can't wait to go visit. The gardens aren't as private as other parks in the city, there are always people walking the paths. Most people just using the grounds as a shortcut through the surrounding streets, but I don't blame them, the view is great and totally worth a small detour.
Many people go to the Public Gardens with a purpose; it's a great place to walk your pets (dogs, cats, hamsters, etc.) and the beautiful background makes it one of the most popular place in this city to take pictures of special events like proms or weddings. Since I don't have any special events to commemorate, I like to grab a coffee and read/relax on the benches that are situated along the path. This is a great place to get some quiet from the bustle on Spring Garden, and as the weather gets warmer it will only get nicer.
Hot Hint: Bring your own bread to feed the ducks in the duck pond, just be careful because they aren't scared of people so they may come right up and try to bite you.Listed in: Night Moves
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Review from Alena B.
5/20/2011
This place is BEAUTIFUL. I had a lovely time here exploring the gardens in Halifax on a lovely June day. What a beautiful place to live near...the citizens of Halifax are lucky! There is plenty to see and do and explore in this huge park. If you are in the area it's worth a look-see
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/9/2009
One part city park, one part Victorian garden, the Public Gardens is an iconic spot in Halifax, and is packed with tourists accordingly in the summer. Not an issue, in my mind; as many people as possible should be out enjoying this free space. While vacationing in Halifax (before I called it home) I spent a few lazy afternoons sitting on park benches reading, knitting and people watching. Count yourself lucky if you have a commute which takes you through the gardens. I adjust my walking path to meander here whenever possible. Such a bummer that it closes for the winter!
If I had to name one complaint it would be the restricted use nature of the Gardens. I'm not too fond of 'keep off the grass' signs, and this place is clear about the fact that benches are for sitting, while grass is for looking *only*. That's just underutilized grass, in my opinion. The positives outweigh the negatives though, so I forgive it.
One thing I have yet to do but will definitely take advantage of next year is their free tours. I wish more of the botanical specimens were labeled, but I imagine a tour would enlighten me to a few new species.
Keep in mind that bikes are not allowed, and mind your fingers around the swans... -
Review from Aaron B.
Wilberforce, ON
7/7/2010
Beautiful gardens! It was foggy and misty when we visited and it was still an excellent time and an enjoyable walkabout.
