Explore Georges Island

I was excited to learn that Parks Canada and the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS) will be allowing the general public to experience Georges Island National Historic Site.

Located in the heart of Halifax Harbour, this National Historic Site derives its historical significance from its former role in the Halifax Defence System. Georges Island is not currently open to the public, but in response to public interest, Parks Canada and OTANS have worked together to create this event.

“Explore Georges Island” will provide visitors with a rare chance to explore the island, learn about its rich military past and enjoy the spectacular harbour views! -- OTNAS (Link)

Kate and I bought our tickets for Sunday, June 15's 10am ferry.


View Halifax Defence Complex in a larger map

Saturday, June 14, 2008
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm or 2pm start times
Sunday, June 15, 2008
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm or 2pm start times

Arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to departure.

The last ferry leaves from Georges Island promptly at 3:45 pm.

27 May 08

After work today I dropped by a local abandonment with a friend to survey the extent of the damage. It was bad... Far worse than it was several weeks ago. I'd call it an 'open-air' location now as there is not a window left in the building that hasn't been smashed. Vandals have taken to removing the boards from the window just to break the glass and walls and floors suddenly have holes in them.

I've included several pictures.

1. Exterior


2. Interior. That is a rock.


3. Interior. That is a log.

22 May 08

My friend and I took a wrong turn at the Armdale Roundabout and wound up turning around on a street we'd never been on before. We followed this street until the pavement became dirt and found this facility and what I assume to be it's modern replacement at the dead end.

It is assumed that this building and the modern facility behind it have to do with the purification of Halifax's water supply. The modern building is active and machinery can be heard through it's walls.

Added Links

I've added two links to the list on the right sidebar.

Panoramio (from Google) allows you to upload and map your own photos to be displayed on Google Maps and Google Earth.



The System is is a Scottish website featuring photography by TurboZutek and friends, of abandoned places throughout Scotland and abroad. It gives photography amateurs a place to share their knowledge and experiences about Urban Exploration.

Rehabilitation Centre - Photo

Chris (aka TurboZutek) granted my request to display some of the photos he'd taken while at the rehabilitation centre.



Photo c/o Chris @ The SYSTEM: Urban Exploration in Scotland

IIHF World Hockey Championship

My girlfriend Kate and I had the opportunity to check out the final game of the IIHF World Hockey Championship in Halifax. It was the quarterfinal game between the United States and Finland. The game was fast paced and the skill level of many of the players was amazing.

Both Teemu Selanne and Olli Jokinen finished the game with two points as Finland defeated the United States 3 - 2 in overtime to move on to the semifinal game. Finnish goals scored by Tuomo Ruutu (Carolina Hurricanes), Janne Niskala (Nashville Predators) and overtime winner Sami Lepisto (Washington Capitals). American goals scored by Phil Kessel (Boston Bruins) and Drew Stafford (Buffalo Sabres).

• Team Line-ups (pdf)
• Game Summary (pdf)

The enthusiasm of the international fans in Halifax throughout the tournament is something that our city probably won't forget. Over 1000 Latvian fans alone arrived in Halifax for the tournament! Working downtown, I couldn't help but notice the amount of international sweaters around the city. More Latvian sweaters than any other European country, and probably just as many European sweaters as Canadian sweaters. And there was an entire fleet of Skoda IIHF cars in town for the tournament as well!

1. Tied at 2 - 2 with under 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd Period.


2. Face-off in the United States end during overtime.


3. Final score 3 - 2 in favour of Finland. Flag is raised, Finnish national anthem is played.


4. Kate and I following the game wearing Skoda Auto helmets. She looks good, I don't.

Rehabilitation Centre (8 May 08)

I had the pleasure of meeting up with Chris, a UE enthusiast from Scotland on Thursday evening. We collected two other locals before crossing the bridge bound for Dartmouth.

During the course of the evening, we took a ~two hour tour of a county rehabilitation centre abandoned since 2002.

The hospital itself has been open and exposed to weather for years so much of the interior of the building is falling apart. One of the locals fell through a wall into the next room while dodging one of the six million pigeons who now call the deteriorating building their home.

On the outside of the hospital is a mock trailer park, complete with nearly forty trailers, derelict cars and, well, almost everything you'd expect to find in a trailer park. A successful television show was filmed outside the hospital before it was canceled after seven seasons and a movie.

Sadly, I have no pictures to share. Lighting was poor since we arrived at dusk. The others managed to take a couple photos which I hope to be able to post here when they become available to me.