What you need to know about Tall Ships 2017 in Halifax

Here are a few tips to make the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta as enjoyable as possible when the vessels are berthed in Halifax.

The city's four-day festival will run from Saturday, July 29 to Tuesday, Aug. 1.

The bulk of the events are scheduled for the first three days, and there will be a Parade of Sail on the fourth day.

1. Transportation

Parking will be tight due to an influx of visitors and ongoing construction on both sides of the harbour. Some waterfront lots will be closed for programs and performances.

The Waterfront Development Corporation's Corrine MacLellan said a shuttle will be running on a continuous loop from Citadel Hill, beginning at 10 a.m., to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Lower Water Street, from Saturday to Monday. The shuttle ends at 4 p.m. daily.

As well, a number of Halifax Transit routes stop along the waterfronts of both Halifax and Dartmouth.

Once you are on the Halifax waterfront, there is a slow-moving "hop-on, hop-off" trolley that runs up and down the waterfront area. Some of the stops include the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Province House on Hollis Street, and the Westin Halifax Hotel. The trolley is free.

2. No boarding fees, but bring your ID

The tall ships will be open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday through Monday and there is no fee for boarding any of the ones participating in the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta.

However and this is important the international ships require photo identification to board. The security measures are in line with boarding an airplane, said MacLellan.

3. Washroom options

There will be portable toilets along the waterfronts on both sides of the harbour. There is also a public washroom at the Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre at the foot of Salter Street.

4. Where are the best views?

One of the best ways to view the elegant tall ships is from the Halifax Transit ferries criss-crossing the Halifax Harbour. It costs adults $2.50 and $1.75 for seniors and children.

Or take a water taxi, based at King's Wharf on the Dartmouth side. The rate is $5 a person, per harbour crossing. The destination on the Halifax side is Bishop's Landing.

As well, the floating boardwalk that connects much of the Halifax waterfront has opened to provide more viewing space. The Waterfront Development Corporation says their staff have been instructed to move people along the passageway if it gets too congested.

5. Food and drink

Water and food for sale will be plentiful in the area. Along with regular food vendors, local Nova Scotia food will be served at special kiosks.

6. What events will I have to pay for?

Much of the entertainment is free, including pop-up concerts, day-long pirate animation performances at the Alderney Landing pier on July 29, Parks Canada heritage programs, entertainment at the CBC main stage at the foot of Salter Street and play areas for children with bouncy castles.

• Tickets are required for all Georges Island events and can be purchased at Ticket Halifax.
• McNabs Island tickets can be purchased through Murphy's.

7. What else do I need to know?

For details about transportation to Georges and McNabs islands, food concessions and security protocols, visit the Tall Ships 2017 homepage.