As the ships depart their berths, they will line up behind the Bluenose II who will be sailing out of the Harbour on a southerly route. The Bluenose II will alter course back into the Harbour to reach the Ives Knoll buoy, just north of McNabs Island, for 12:00. The parade will then pass along the Dartmouth shoreline all the way up to Alderney Landing, after which they will alter course across to the Halifax side of the Harbour, in the vicinity of the Casino, and head south along the Halifax waterfront.

The Parade will advance at a speed of approximately 6 knots, during which official salutes will occur as the ships sail past the HMCS Sackville, the official saluting vessel for the parade. The ships will continue along the waterfront sailing between George’s Island and Halifax Seaport and then continue on past Point Pleasant Park. 

Spectators will find that any location along the Halifax or Dartmouth waterfronts will provide an excellent view of the Parade, which is expected to run for approximately two hours. Spectators along the Halifax waterfront will find great views of the Parade from Purdy’s Wharf all the way south to Tall Ship’s Quay, and further on at Point Pleasant Park. On the Dartmouth side, from Alderney Landing to the Woodside Ferry Terminal, you will find the views to be spectacular! It is recommended that you arrive early as it will be more difficult to ensure a good viewing location closer to the Parade’s starting time.

For those fortunate enough to view the Parade of Sail from the water, organizers have designated special pleasure craft loitering areas to ensure the safety and security of all vessels in the Harbour during the Parade. Spectator vessels will not be permitted within 200m (600 ft) of vessels participating in the Parade, nor will they be permitted to sail along with the fleet. Patrol craft will be stationed along the parade route to ensure orderliness and to attend to any incidents, should they arise. Halifax Regional Police officers will be onboard the police patrol craft “Garret Cotter”, which will be equipped with an all-round flashing blue light. There will also be numerous other police boats and personnel on the water.

Hopefully wind conditions will be favourable and residents and visitors alike will be able to see these vessels in full sail as they leave Halifax for their next ports of call.