Attractions

The Citadel and surrounding area

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is the most striking legacy of the military history of Halifax, a city that has played an important strategic role in the defence of the East Coast ever since it was founded in 1749. In summer, students dressed and armed like soldiers of the 78th Highlanders and the Royal Artillery perform manoeuvres within these walls. The site also includes a military museum.

Right in front of the Citadel, towards the port, stands one of the most famous symbols of Halifax, the Old Town Clock, with its four dials. Stretching southwest of the Citadel are the lovely, verdant Public Gardens, cover an area of 7 hectares. The Public Gardens are adorned with stately trees concealing fountains, statues, charming flowerbeds, a pavilion and little lakes where ducks and swans can be seen swimming about.

Downtown Halifax and the Port

In downtown Halifax is the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, four storeys of modern exhibition space containing the most remarkable art collection in Nova Scotia. The permanent collection is devoted to both popular and contemporary art.

The buildings and old warehouses along the Halifax pier, the oldest of their kind in Canada, have been renovated and now form an attractive and harmonious architectural grouping known as Historic Properties. Numerous shops, restaurants and cafés have set up business here.

The Bluenose II is a replica of the most beloved ship in Canadian history, the Bluenose, which is featured on the Canadian ten-cent coin. This ship sailed the seas from 1921 to 1946. Its successor, Bluenose II was built in Lunenberg in 1963, and often sits moored in Halifax Harbour throughout the summer.

Looking right out onto the harbour, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic presents a wonderful exhibition that offers a comprehensive overview of the city's naval history. Visitors will find an assortment of historical artifacts related to Halifax's military arsenal and a varied collection of small craft, particularly lifeboats as well as artifacts from the Titanic which sunk off the coast of Newfoundland.

Going Out

The city of Halifax is home to an impressive number of pubs, bars and danceclubs, most of them concentrated in the downtown area. When artists of international renown come to the Maritimes, they usually choose to play in Halifax.

Where on earth

With a military past and a long-established commercial tradition due to its excellent port, Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in the Atlantic provinces.