Halifax Sightseeing
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
This star-shaped citadel, a 19th century British fortification, is one of the most visited National Historic Sites in Canada. You'll first encounter the Citadel's pipers and drummers, along with the Halifax Town Crier, as they greet all cruise ships dockside with an award-winning cruise arrival program. Be sure to ask on board for shore excursions like "Soldier for A Day" and "The Queen's Shilling" and experience life as it was in the 1800s. Or simply arrive in time for the noon gun, followed by lunch in the soldier's library. The Citadel, atop a hill overlooking the city, is about a 20 minute walk from the Halifax Cruise Pavilion. As your ship departs the Halifax port of call, the sound of the pipes will beckon you to return again.
Historic Properties
Stroll in the footsteps of privateers - licensed pirates who stored their booty in these warehouses. Restored and redeveloped in the early 1970's this area is now the home of colourful shops, pubs, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. It's only a stone's throw from the oldest saltwater ferry service in North America, and the departure point for many of the city's harbour tours.
Memory Lane Heritage Village
Located in Lake Charlotte, along the Seacoast Trail’s Marine Drive Nature Route, Memory Lane depicts life in a rural Nova Scotian village from 1940-1950. It was a decade of transition when roads, electricity, and new technologies were changing rural life forever. The village features restored buildings, costumed host, cookhouse meals and local handmade crafts for sale.
Pier 21 National Historic Site
Steps away from the cruise ship terminal is Pier 21 - " Canada's Ellis Island". From the 1920's to the 1970's, Pier 21 was Canada's 'front door' to over one million immigrants, wartime evacuees, refugees, troops, war brides and their children. Experience the history of this national historic treasure which has been transformed into a testament to Canada's profoundly emotional immigration experience. Genealogy enthusiasts will marvel at the resource information and library facilities on site.
The Public Gardens
One of the finest original formal Victorian Public Gardens in North America, and an excellent spot for Halifax sightseeing. Enjoy sparkling fountains, historic statuary, a natural pond system teaming with bird life, and concerts in the red roofed gazebo. Open May to October, winding pathways lead past magnificent trees & shrubs and colourful flower beds in this 17-acre garden. Located at Spring Garden Road and South Park Street.
