Historical Escapes in Halifax

History buffs can immerse themselves in the fascinating cultural, maritime, and military heritage of a town founded in 1749. The Mi’kmaq spent the summers here hunting and fishing, and after the city’s founding, sailors would haunt the rough and tumble taverns known as grog shops.

Halifax was a key player in many armed conflicts including the War of 1812. These struggles hit too close to home during World War I, when a French munitions ship exploded after colliding with a Belgian relief ship causing the Halifax Explosion which killed 2,000 and injured another 9,000. The Halifax Explosion was the largest man-made explosion until the nuclear bomb.

Discover more on the Halifax Explosion along with Halifax’s connection to the Titanic when you visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the Halifax Waterfront.

Don’t worry if you get lost in time or place – it’s easy to re-orient yourself here. Just look for the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the massive, star-shaped fortress carved into the hill in the middle of the city. You can’t miss it!

Continue your historical escape when you visit each of these historical places of interest in Halifax:

York Redoubt National Historic Site

Ramble among the ramparts of this 200-year-old fortification perched above the harbour’s western approaches. This unique heritage treasure features tunnels, muzzle-loading guns, WWII Command Post, a panoramic view of the harbour, interpretive panels, and walking trails.

Uniacke Estate Museum Park, Mount Uniacke

This elegant 19th-century country mansion’s grounds offer year-round walking trails taking you through forest, atop a drumlin, and near marshland. Spot the remnants of a haha house, a hot house and imported trees. Inside the mansion, see fine furniture, portraits, and other treasured possessions of this family.