Point Pleasant is one of Canada's finer urban parks, and there's no better place for a walk along the water on a balmy day. This 73-hectare (180-acre) park occupies a wooded peninsula today, but for years it actually served as one of the linchpins in the city's military defense. Look carefully and you'll find the ruins of early forts, plus a nicely preserved Martello tower. (Halifax still has a 999-year lease from Great Britain for this park, for which it pays 1 shilling -- about US10¢ -- per year.) You'll also find a lovely gravel carriage road around the point, a small swimming beach, miles of walking trails, and groves of graceful fir trees. The park is located about 2km (1 1/4 miles) south of the Public Gardens. Take note, though, that no bikes are allowed in here on weekends or holidays; you'll need to use pedi-power.