Dartmouth is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) which consists of several municipalities that were merged to form one larger municipality. It consists of the former City of Halifax, former City of Dartmouth, former town of Bedford, former County of Halifax which includes such areas as Sackville, Cole Harbour, Timberlea, Hammonds Plains and much more. What is often referred to as Dartmouth for real estate purposes often includes areas that are not technically Dartmouth such as Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, Lawrencetown, Lake Echo and Porter's Lake. These areas are on the fringe of Dartmouth and are not included in stats for Dartmouth. For example the population for Dartmouth is quoted as about 70,000 people but this includes only the former City of Dartmouth and not these outlying areas where several thousand people live.
Dartmouth,on the eastern side of Halifax Harbour, was Nova Scotia's second-largest city before amalgamation.
The Dartmouth waterfront has boardwalks that lead east and west from the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal, providing visitors with excellent views of McNab's Island, George's Island and the two bridges--the Angus L. McDonald and the A. Murray MacKay. The Peace Pavilion, a triangular structure representing equality and unity, order and reason, displays stones and bricks donated from around the world. The Dartmouth Events Plaza accommodates a variety of special events, such as the Multicultural Festival and Canada Day celebrations. Dartmouth has the oldest saltwater ferry system in North America.
Dartmouth, long known as the "City of Lakes," has 23 lakes that provide opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing and swimming. Lake Banook boasts a world-class paddling course where regattas are held each weekend of July and August. The Dartmouth lakes are popular in winter for skating and ice hockey. A new fitness trail has been developed, starting at Lake Banook and ending at Shubie Park off the Waverley Road, Route 318. The park has nature trails, playing fields, a campground and a supervised beach. Dartmouth has five other supervised freshwater beaches. Birch Cove Beach on Lake Banook is the most popular. Other lake beaches include Albro Lake, Graham Grove Beach on Lake Banook, Maynard's Lake and Penhorn Lake. The Maritime Old Time Fiddling Contest takes place in mid-July. During July and August, visitors to Shubie Park can take part in the events that make up Shubie Days. Natal Day is celebrated in Dartmouth and Halifax on the first weekend in August. Both sides of the harbour come alive with parades, concerts, and fireworks.
Shopping is not a problem in Dartmouth. Two of the largest shopping malls in Canada are located here, Mic Mac Mall and Penhorn Mall, as well as many smaller shopping malls and strip malls.
Commuting to Halifax from Dartmouth is achieved by two different methods. You can drive your car or take a bus over either of two bridges or you can take either of two ferries that travel between Dartmouth and Halifax. One ferry is located in downtown Dartmouth and the other is located on Portland Street closer to Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage. Both ferries arrive at the same destination which is the Halifax ferry terminal which is located in Historic Properties in downtown Halifax. Both commuting methods are very popular and have there own advantages and disadvantages.
Dartmouth has extensive recreation and sports facilities and programs for all ages. There are two major indoor aquatic centers, Cole Harbour Place and Dartmouth Sportsplex that offer Olympic size swimming pools and much more. Competitive canoeing is very popular in Dartmouth which has won national and international championships as well as Olympic medals in the sport. There are many parks and walkways for the walking enthusiast.
House prices vary in Dartmouth. Houses can be purchased in virtually any price range. See House Prices for more information.
Dartmouth has excellent shopping. There are two major shopping centers including Atlantic Canada's largest shopping mall, Mic Mac Mall. Dartmouth's newest shopping area is Dartmouth Crossing which is set to be one of Eastern Canada's best shopping locations. For more information on shopping in metro click here. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Shopping.
Dartmouth is a vibrant place to live and you should consider it carefully.