Halifax Sightseeing
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
High above Halifax sits a star shaped citadel, one of the great British fortifications of the 19th century. It's one of the most visited National Historic Sites in Canada. Animators of the 78th Highlander Regiment greet all cruise ships dockside with an award winning cruise arrival program, featuring the Halifax Town Crier and the Citadel's pipers and drummers. Don't miss your opportunity to have your picture taken with these animators reenacting life of the 1860's. 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 pay a shorter visit and catch the noon gun followed by lunch in the soldier's library. The historic site 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 bid you farewell until we meet 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, complete with period artifacts and staffed by costumed hosts. Cookhouse meals available. Local handmade crafts retailed on-site.
Pier 21 National Historic Site
Right at the cruise ship terminal you'll find 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. The sheer impact of the interactive displays, virtual projections and abundance of fascinating images will overwhelm you. 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 Halifaz sightseeing. Enjoy sparkling fountains, historic statuary, a natural pond system teaming with bird life, and summer Sunday afternoon band concerts in the red roofed gazebo. Winding pathways lead past magnificent specimen trees & shrubs and colourful formal floating flower beds in this 17 acre garden. Open May to October. Located at Spring Garden Road and South Park Street.
