Historic Halifax Attractions and Events
Visit Citadel Hill and Experience Military History at the NS Tattoo
Oct 22, 2009
Long the commerce center and capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax blends diverse cultures and excellent family museums with historic homes and world-shattering tragedies. From the Titanic disaster to the Halifax Explosion and WWII, visitors will find a local perspective on these events at Halifax historic attractions.
Halifax History Museums
The most popular activities in Halifax all strongly relate to the city’s history. The first fortress at Citadel Hill was built by the British in mid-1700s to help defend the harbor, while the now-familiar star-shaped fortress was built in 1850s. The Halifax historic site at Citadel Hill is open year-round with lively reenactments and tours May through October.
Heading down to the waterfront, visitors can explore the inextricably linked history of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Ocean at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 1675 Lower Water St.. The Halifax museum offers detailed exhibits on everything from the devastating Halifax Explosion to the cod fishery.
Also downtown is the Provincial Legislature, 1726 Hollis St., which hosts the public for free tours that illuminate the history of the province. Head to the sandstone building for tours daily during summer and weekdays only the remainder of the year.
Experience Halifax History at Attractions and Events
For more than 30 years the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo has featured military displays from around the world, but its history dates back longer to military traditions in 17th century Dutch villages and, later, Canada's 1967 centennial celebrations. Running annually in early July, the Tattoo reminds Halifax of the city's strong connection to the military.
Particularly in summer, self-guided historic walking tours are a great way to experience the street-level history of the city. Head through the waterfront Historic Properties, the ornate homes of Inglis Street and the south end, the civic center of Grand Parade, or the north end Hydrostone Market. Or, enjoy the beer history of the city with a brewery tour at the Alexander Keith’s Brewery and the musical roots with a trip to a venue that hosts live tunes, such as The Old Triangle.
Another popular historic Halifax attraction are the Titanic graves—the majority of which are in the Fairview Cemetery, Connaught Avenue at Windsor Street.
More Nova Scotia Historic Towns
In addition to Halifax's favorite historic attractions, there are many communities throughout he province with rich culture and history to share. A few regions stand out:
- Annapolis Royal: The site of the Fort Anne French fortification was also the province’s first capital.
- Grand Pré: A memorial site for the British expulsion of the Acadians includes beautiful gardens, a memorial church, and a statue of the Longfellow heroine Evangeline.
- Lunenburg: The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its fishing heritage, historic churches, and excellent seafood.
- Sydney: The Cape Breton city is accessible to the best historic attractions on the island, including the Fortress Louisbourg, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, and a longer journey into the Cape Breton Highlands.
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