The Westin Nova Scotian Blog

Do you want to own a sports car? I certainly do now that I’ve seen 70 Mercedes-Benz 2013 SL 550’s parked at our Halifax hotel.  Mercedes-Benz Canadian Dealers were in Halifax, Nova Scotia last week launching the car and experiencing the city.

On May 12 & 13, Downtown Halifax will host OpenCity to showcase the unique experience of our seaport city. This weekend is a great way to get out and explore this city we call home. A variety of shops, restaurants and Halifax attractions will open their doors to encourage Haligonians and visitors to take part in all the fun, delicious and amazing things our city has to offer!

The TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival is the ultimate summer Halifax attraction.  Take in Atlantic Canada's largest and best known music festival, featuring an unforgettable mixture of blues, jazz, world music, and more.

Combine your musical experience with a rejuvenating stay at our Halifax hotel, an official festival sponsor which is conveniently located steps away from the festivities.

Did you know that Mom’s want to go to Mother’s Day Brunch for Mother’s Day? Give Mom one of the top 4 things she wants this Mother’s Day.

On Wednesday night, Robert Herjavec spoke to an audience of approximately 550 people in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The crowd was a mix of young entrepreneurs, sponsors and seasoned business people.  His message was clear, do what you love and the money will come.  People know when you are not genuine and happy and his motto has been to always be “wonderful” when people ask how he is.

At 8:00 AM yesterday morning, the Azamara docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia on it’s way from New York - to the site of the sinking of the Titanic on April 15^th. The Azamara set sail on April 10^th and is an eight night cruise and it is one of two Titanic Memorial Cruises.

April 15, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax, Nova Scotia played a large role in the days following the disaster. We were the first port city called to help in the rescue and recovery of the passengers and wreckage. In honour of the centennial anniversary, Halifax is hosting several commemorative events during the month of April and continuing throughout the summer months.

The Westin Nova Scotian will be turning out the lights at the Halifax hotel during Earth Hour 2012. On Saturday March 31, 2012 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM Atlantic Standard Time, the Westin Nova Scotian will join million of people around the world by turning out the lights and reducing power consumption.

With Easter around the corner, it's a great time to book the Canada Long Weekend Specials we're offering at the Westin Nova Scotian. Book any two nights at our Halifax Hotel and receive your third night free! This offer is only valid on long weeends throughout 2012.

We're celebrating the launch of the new elite benefits for members of the Starwood Preferred Guest® program with cake and prizes in our Halifax hotel lobby! 

Our Halifax Hotel will be hosting the 2012 Atlantic Canada Wine Symposium (ACWS) on May 27 to 29. The 4th-annual event is the only Atlantic-focused wine conference and is specific to the needs, climate and interests of East Coast grape growers, winemakers, winery owners and wine enthusiast.

The Westin Nova Scotian is offering a special Easter promotion for the long weekend. We are offering 99 rooms starting at $99 over Easter weekend. Stay with us at our Halifax hotel from April 5-7^th and receive this special promotion.

Take part in the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon and experience the Halifax race of a lifetime. This annual Halifax attraction draws thousands to this beautiful maritime city for the weekend's activities. Looking for a challenge? This spring Halifax marathon offers options for children, seasoned athletes, and everyone in between.

With March Break right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to visit Halifax, Nova Scotia. With plenty of family-fun activities, enjoy a Halifax vacation-staycation at the Westin Nova Scotian. Just steps away from our Halifax hotel is the Discovery Centre. They currently have an exciting exhibit, Grossology – the (Impolite) Science of the Human Body.

The Westin Nova Scotian is the proud official sponsor hotel of the 2012 Halifax ComedyFest. Stay with us and enjoy the ultimate weekend of laughter and rejuvenation in the best of Halifax accommodations.

On February 9^th the Progress Club of Halifax hosted their 40^th annual Sport Celebrity Dinner.  The Halifax event is a fundraiser to support two of the Club’s local charities; The Progress Centre for Early Intervention and King’s Meadow Home.  The Westin Nova Scotian has been a proud sponsor of the event for the past six years. 

April 15, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax, Nova Scotia played a large role in the days following the disaster. We were the first port of call for many of the ships carrying survivors and wreckage.

Saltscapes East Coast Expo is hosting its 8th annual show at Exhibition Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia on April 27th, 28th & 29th, 2012. The expo is one of the fastest growing consumer shows that highlights the best of Atlantic Canada.

We’re just weeks away from the Annual Savour Food & Wine Show here in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This event is a showcase of Halifax restaurants, wines and beverages.

Our Sales & Catering team at our Halifax hotel had a surprise visit from a wise old soul last Wednesday. Yoda, of Star Wars fame, showed up just as we were about to start our meeting.  He was bringing exciting news from Velocity Entertainment and Marina Atwell.

The countdown is on for one of Halifax, Nova Scotia’s big events – The Halifax ComedyFest. The four day event is just over 3 months away! Many of the Halifax events will take place at different establishments in the downtown core from April 25^th to 28^th 2012.

Motorcycle enthusiasts of every level will discover something unique from the latest in accessories to unique touring destinations. Join us in February in Halifax Nova Scotia for the Halifax International Motorcycle Show presented by Joe Rocket Canada and produced by Bikerboy Powersports Ltd.  This is the first show of its kind east of Quebec and will showcase everything new for the 2012 riding season.

Planning to visit Halifax, Nova Scotia this winter and looking for fun adventure? Halifax and Nova Scotia offer a variety of different winter activities.

Laugh & be merry this Holiday at Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club, located in our Halifax hotel. With weekly comedy shows, this is the place to celebrate the festive season.

When the Titanic’s maiden voyage ended, the story of the liner’s connection to Halifax began. April 15, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and Halifax, Nova Scotia will be hosting a 100th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony.

On April 10, 1912, the RMS Titanic left Southampton for its journey to New York City with 2 223 passengers. Only 4 days into the sail on April 15th, the Titanic collided with an iceberg and sunk approximately 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland.

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Christmas with your loved ones? Join your family & friends this holiday season for a new tradition unlike any other. Attend The Waterfront Christmas Market at Bishop's Landing from December 8^th to 11^th in Downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Halifax Hotel Fear Factor Winners: Guido Kerpel & John Wilson

Congratulations to our Employee Fear Factor Challenge winners - Guido Kerpel & John Wilson! The reigning champions won the competition for the second time at our Halifax hotel.

Join Halifax Nova Scotia in celebrating this festive season and the spirit of the holidays for the 16th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights. The Chronicle Herald Parade of Lights is on November 19, 2011 and brings over 100,000 spectators to Downtown Halifax.

Join Halifax Nova Scotia and the celebrations for the 2011 Halifax Pop Explosion. Halifax events are planned from October 18 to 22, 2011 throughout Halifax. There will be over 150 bands, 18 venues, 5 days and over 17, 000 fans joining in on the festivities.

Halifax Nova Scotia is home to many local & talented musicians. Join us this November to celebrate the Men of Song with Symphony Nova Scotia at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

Join Halifax Nova Scotia in celebrating the birthday of Alexander Keith. Every year on October 5th, Halifax unites in the celebrations of this historical figure and of course, the product of his creation. Every 1 in 3 beers sold in Halifax is an Alexander Keith's and we're proud of our history.

April 15, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax Nova Scotia will be hosting a 100th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony in April 2012 and acknowledging the events and tragedies of 1912 during the Titanic 100.

The Atlantic Film Festival is a ten-day celebration held every September in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is currently underway! The celebrations highlight film, music and video from Atlantic Canada, across Canada and around the world.

Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis opened their doors for the soft-opening Tuesday night with the new menu & concept for our Halifax hotel guests. Our guest have the opportunity to try the new sustainable dinner menu provided by the innovative & creative restaurant.

elements on hollis has extended their recipe contest & changed their prizes! Check out the updates!

Our Halifax hotel, the Westin Nova Scotian is preparing for its annual employee Fear Factor Challenge. This horrifying challenge encourages hotel staff to take part in this contest based off of the show Fear Factor.

The Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis will be opening in September 2011 and will be located in our Halifax hotel. The restaurant will feature a 50-mile diet menu with ingredients from local farmers, producers and markets. To kick off the launch of the new restaurant, elements on hollis is having a recipe contest where your food masterpiece could be part of our new local, fresh menu!

Sands at Salter, an outdoor leisure space on the Halifax Waterfront designed for the upcoming 2011 SWATCH Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Junior World Championships. The kick off to this space is this Sunday August 21!

Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis is launching in September 2011 and will be located in our Halifax hotel, the Westin Nova Scotian. The design of the space and the concept are now starting to show signs of a new, innovative and locally focused restaurant.

The Canadian Olympic Committee is doing their first-ever "Olympic Heroes Tour" that will feature 7 Olympic medalists and 2 Paralympians. The tour was developed to spread Olympic spirit and inspire personal excellence throughout Atlantic Canada.

Credit- 2011 Olympic Hall of Fame

The annual Halifax Comedy Festival is about to begin! The festival will run from April 13-16 and is gearing up to be the funniest and most entertaining fest so far! With comedy shows and events being held at various locations throughout the city, Halifax will get a chance to experience laughter at its finest.

Thursday night, our Westin Nova Scotian Sales & Catering team hosted a happy hour (actually two fun-filled hours) for our friends at Destination Halifax and the World Trade & Convention Centre. We partner with both DH and WTCC to promote the Halifax meetings and conventions industry so it was high time they came over to ‘our house' for a sociable!

Photo courtesy of Savour Food and Wine Show 2010

Are you looking for an incredible culinary experience that showcases Nova Scotia food and beverage? Well, you've come to the right spot! Tonight is the 8th annual Savour Food and Wine show that is being held here in our Commonwealth Ballroom.

The Savour Festival is a month long event held throughout our beautiful province. Events showcase the culinary capabilities of many chefs and foodies, along with our fabulous wineries and sommeliers. The moth long festival ends each year with the Savour Food and Wine Show. There will be over 60 restaurants, chefs, and sommeliers showing off the best they have to offer.

Wine...Chocolate...Wine...Food...Wine...SAVOUR! This month is all about indulging. It's cold outside, warm inside, comfort food keeps calling my name. I don't think I'm alone, at least the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia agrees that there are more people like me around town. RANS members have created signature events to be enjoyed in February:

‘Decadence' Wine & Chocolate pairing evening was on February 3rd .

I attended the ‘Rare & Fine Wine Tasting' at Windows in the World Trade & Convention Centre on Friday night. I was so excited to taste expensive wines that aren't always available in Nova Scotia, and are not in my price range! To see a list of the night's wines go to http://www.bishopscellar.com/news/rare/. The best of the reds were: Chateau Teyssier Le Dome 2007, Bordeaux, France ($185), Marques de Caceres Gaudium 2004, Spain ($82.00), Brancaia Il Blu 2007, Tuscany, Italy ($78.50). We tasted the Marques de Caceres Gaudium first and it was actually our favourite when we made our way back to it at

The day has finally come- it's Febraury 11 and the Halifax 2011 Canada Games have arrived. The city is bustling with all the teams arriving, visitors checking out the city, and the volunteers rallying to make this Canada Games the best one yet!

We are a proud sponsor of Team Nova Scotia and we are also hosting the VIP's of the event- former athletes, politicans, speakers, and distinguished guests. The Harbour Suites, one of our Halifax conference rooms, is buzzing with volunteeers with the VIP's.