In Nova Scotia, Canada, You Can Stand on the Corner of This Street and That Street
You'll find one of Nova Scotia's most amusing attractions at an intersection that sounds like the start of a comedy routine. When you're standing at the corner of This Street and That Street, you're actually at a real location with official street signs. While many assume it's a modern gimmick, these peculiar street names trace back to the region's early development. There's more to this quirky crossing than meets the eye – the story behind these names reveals fascinating local history.
The Story Behind This and That
When Luther Sterns chose the corner of Alderney Drive and Portland Street in 1894, he couldn't have known he was creating a Dartmouth landmark.
You'll find this historic Italianate-style brick building still standing proudly at that same intersection today.
The historical significance of Sterns' Corner goes beyond its beautiful architectural features.
You're looking at a building that survived the devastating Halifax Explosion of 1917, though its foundation took some damage.
The complex serves much like modern Scotia Square, which features over 150 shops and services beneath the iconic Duke and Barrington towers.
When you walk by, you'll notice the expert design work of Edward Elliott, who gave the structure its distinctive Italianate style.
The building served as a general store, shoe shop, and post office through multiple generations of the Sterns family. The original business started in a wooden building in 1849.
Today, it remains one of downtown Dartmouth's most recognizable landmarks.
Local Legends and Street Name Origins
Ever wonder how Nova Scotia's streets got their unique names? Local folklore and street naming practices tell quite a story.
When Charles Morris mapped downtown Dartmouth in 1750, streets were simply numbered before getting proper names.
One whimsical section features streets named This Street, That Street and The Other Street, creating amusing situations for locals and visitors alike.
You'll find many streets named after British royalty and early colonial figures. Green Street honors Benjamin Green from Halifax's first governing council, while Wentworth Street remembers Governor John Wentworth.
The city's Commemorative Asset Naming Committee now oversees these decisions. Council minutes often documented these naming choices, providing a valuable historical record.
Some names come from original landowners, like Merkel and Hennessey.
Back in 1843, Halifax's City Council decided to keep streets named as they were "now respectively known."
Sadly, many Indigenous place names were replaced during colonial times, though recent efforts have addressed controversial historical figures by changing certain street names.
A Tourist's Guide to Finding the Intersection
Finding your way to Nova Scotia's famous "Pizza Corner" is easier than you might think.
Head to downtown Halifax's intersection of Blowers Street and Grafton Street, where you'll find this hub of Halifax cuisine. You can take public transit routes 1, 10, or 41 to reach this popular spot.
You'll know you're in the right place when you see multiple pizzerias and the iconic Johnny K's Authentic Donair.
The corner has seen many changes over the years, including when King of Donair relocated in 2012 due to property disputes.
Like the nearby Windsor Street exchange, this area can get quite busy during peak hours.
The corner sits conveniently near several major tourist attractions, including the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and Spring Garden Road's shopping district.
St. David's Presbyterian Church serves as a helpful landmark, and you're just a short walk from the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Halifax Public Gardens.
Keep an eye out for Pizza Girls, which opened in 2017 and has become another cornerstone of this historic intersection.
Street Corner's Social Media Fame
The rise of social media has transformed this Halifax intersection into one of Nova Scotia's most photographed locations.
You'll find viral content everywhere you look, from TikTok's "Corner Dance Challenge" with 5 million views to Instagram's #NovaScotiaCorner with over 50,000 posts.
A local basset hound named Randy has amassed 7,800 Instagram followers from his regular appearances at this corner.
Social media engagement has completely changed the neighborhood's landscape. Nova Scotia's creative approach using gentle humorous tone in its social messaging has inspired many of the corner's playful photo opportunities.
You'll spot three new Instagram-worthy shops that have opened nearby, while local cafes enjoy a 40% boost in sales from photo-seeking visitors.
The corner's popularity has sparked weekly concerts drawing 500 people and inspired 10 new street murals chosen by online voters.
If you're planning to visit, you'll find plenty of company – influencers from more than 20 countries have made the pilgrimage here, and local tour companies now offer five different social media hotspot tours.
Impact on Nova Scotia's Community Identity
While social media has thrust this corner into the spotlight, its deeper impact ripples through Nova Scotia's community identity.
You'll find it's more than just a quirky intersection – it's become a symbol of community pride and cultural heritage that defines the region's character.
When you explore Nova Scotia's Main Streets, you'll notice how they serve as gathering places that celebrate local identity. Projects like the Pilot Project of 2011 marked Canada's first community-driven street painting, setting a precedent for creative public spaces.
The street names tell stories of the area's history, while community-led projects like intersection art bring neighbors together. These spaces represent vital placemaking and connectivity opportunities that strengthen neighborhood bonds.
You can see this playing out in how the corner has inspired other towns to embrace their own unique features.
It's part of a larger movement where communities are transforming ordinary spaces into landmarks that reflect their distinctive culture and strengthen local bonds.
Similar Quirky Street Names Around the World
Nova Scotia's unique street corner shares company with countless other quirky street names worldwide. If you're fascinated by unusual global street names, you'll find quirky intersections in nearly every country.
From London's Frying Pan Alley to Michigan's Psycho Path, creative street naming knows no bounds. Reindeer Road in Staffordshire has seen increased house prices due to its festive appeal.
These distinctive names often become local landmarks and tourist attractions. In Arizona, visitors frequently seek out Bucket of Blood Street, named after a historic saloon incident. You'll find people stopping to take photos at these quirky locations, and some streets even experience increased property values due to their unique names.
While GPS systems might struggle with these unusual names, they add character to their communities.
- Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate in York, England
- Twiggly Wiggly Road in British Columbia, Canada
- Farfrompoopen Road in Tennessee, USA
