Soldier for a Day

Leave your mark on history and become a ‘Solider for a Day’ !

Take the Queen’s shilling and experience the life of a private soldier in the British army’s 78th Highland Regiment of Foot! Sign reproduction enlistment papers and get fitted for your uniform, including an iconic madder red doublet and Mackenzie tartan kilt.

Learn basic foot and arms drill and fire an original Snider-Enfield rifle, or learn how to play duty and battlefield calls on a rope tension snare drum. Explore the ramparts, casemates, and tunnels of the Citadel with your guide, then enjoy complimentary refreshments in the Citadel’s restored soldiers’ library.

Dates: Available between May 7 and October 31, 2026 (except on special event days) from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Prices: 

• Adult – $280.00 + tax
• Youth – $250.00 + tax
• Family/group of 2 – $330.00 + tax
• Family/group of 3 – $375.00 + tax
• Family/group of 4 – $410.00 + tax

How to Book: To book your experience or for more information, please contact Halifax Citadel Society at bookings@halifaxcitadel.ca or (902) 426-1990.

Good to Know:

• Duration: Three hours
• Youth participants (15 and under) will participate in the Drummer for a Day program, and learn how to play a reproduction British army rope tension snare drum in lieu of firing a Snider-Enfield rifle.
• Participants who are 16 or 17 can participate in the full Soldier for a Day program with a parent’s/guardian’s consent.
• For families, both variants of the program can be run concurrently, with soldiers and drummers together for most of the program.