It’s not an exaggeration to say Halifax, a city on the sea, owes its existence to the Citadel. It was the large hill overlooking the easily defended harbour below that led the British military to found the town there in 1749. Among the first buildings constructed was a wooden guardhouse on top of what would eventually be called Citadel Hill, with Halifax’s first settlers building their homes at the base of the hill, closer to the water.
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Halifax
Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and the largest city in the Atlantic Provinces, yet small enough to visit the city on foot.
When you’ve exhausted all of the city’s attractions, take a drive to Fisherman’s Cove, a quaint restored 200-year-old fishing village offering visitors a peek into the past and a variety of activities to enjoy. Situated in Eastern Passage just 20 minutes from downtown Halifax, stroll the picturesque boardwalk and visit the many shops along the way where you will find Maritime art crafts, unique folk and souvenirs.
Today, the Halifax Citadel continues to watch over the city’s downtown core, although now its role is as a reminder of Halifax’s past and not as a military fortification. The present Citadel, completed in 1856, is officially called Fort George, named after Britain’s King George II, and is actually the fourth in a series of forts to sit atop what is now known as Citadel Hill. Its distinctive star shape is typical of many 19th century forts built by the British military and gave the garrison sweeping arcs of fire.
Discover the historic port city of Halifax when you walk along the Halifax waterfront. Start at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 – the gateway into Canada for one million immigrants – and then explore eclectic shops and galleries, some of the city’s best restaurants, and ships including the last of the WWII convoy escort corvettes.
Discover the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America, and the seafaring history through exhibits at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Boat tours range from a romantic evening cruise aboard the Tall Ship Silva, a gracious dinner aboard the Harbour Queen or climb aboard the Harbour Hopper, an amphibious vehicle that meanders past downtown points-of-interest before splashing into the harbour.
Families will also love to tour the ‘big harbour’ aboard Theodore Too, a bright yellow ‘boy’ tugboat who wears a cheerful expression and a jaunty red cap.
The city’s downtown restaurant scene continues to heat up, as celebrated chefs draw on their global expertise and the harvests of local farmers to create unique culinary offerings.
With the most pubs per capita in Canada, be sure to pull up a chair on one of the many downtown Halifax pub patios during your travels.
