The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is the nation's premiere museum of immigration. It rests on Pier 21 as the pier is the last remaining ocean immigration shed in the country.

The museum was founded in 1999 by the Pier 21 Society. The goal was to celebrate the 1.5 million immigrants who pass through the pier on the way to their new homes in Canada. The Canadian government first worked as a partner with the Pier 21 Society, and then began fully operating the museum in 2011.

Permanent exhibitions in the museum include the Pier 21 Story, which shows the immigration process. It is a hands-on display that allows visitors to walk through replica train cars. Another permanent exhibit is the Canadian Immigration Hall, which has oral histories and an immigration map.

The museum also features a number of temporary exhibits, memorials and tributes to community members and cultural groups.

The Government House of Nova Scotia, located on Barrington Street in Halifax, serves as the official residence of the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia. Unlike many other provincial Government Houses in Canada, its prominent urban setting places it at the heart of the provincial capital while still being surrounded by gardens.

Construction of Government House was commissioned in 1800 by then-Governor Sir John Wentworth to replace the previous Government House, which stood on the site now occupied by Province House. The land had initially been designated for a new colonial legislature, but its location was ultimately deemed too distant from the capital. The cornerstone was laid on September 1, 1800, and although the building was still incomplete, the governor and his family moved in by 1805.

Over the years, Government House has hosted numerous royal guests. Prince Edward (later King Edward VII) was the first in 1860, followed by Prince Arthur (1869), Prince George (later King George V) in 1883 and 1901, and Prince Albert (1913). King George VI returned in 1939 with Queen Elizabeth, who later visited as the Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth II made multiple visits. Other royals included Princess Margaret, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Prince Charles with Princess Diana. The mansion also hosted finance ministers for the 1995 G7 summit in Halifax.

Government House, owned by the King in Right of Nova Scotia, hosts official functions, including Order of Nova Scotia investitures, receptions, and diplomatic events. It also serves as the site for swearing in the Executive Council, issuing election writs, and meetings with the premier. Periodically, it opens to the public.

Government House is a Georgian-style building with Adam influences, inspired by George Richardson’s 18th-century house plans. It was built using local stone, brick, and pine, with imported materials like London-made marble mantles. Designed for both entertainment and state affairs, it features a drawing room, dining room, ballroom, and private quarters. Portraits by Nova Scotian artist Robert Field enhance its historical significance.

Today, the Government House remains a cornerstone of Nova Scotia’s political and ceremonial life, symbolizing both the province’s colonial past and its ongoing role in Canadian governance.

The Old Burying Ground, also known as Saint Paul's Church Cemetery, is Halifax’s earliest burial site, dating back to the city's founding in 1749. Originally a non-denominational cemetery, it served all Haligonians until 1793, when it became part of Saint Paul's Anglican Church. It remained active until 1844, after which burials moved to Camp Hill Cemetery. Neglected over time, it was restored in the 1980s by the Old Burying Ground Foundation and is now maintained to preserve its rare 18th-century grave markers.

Throughout its history, approximately 12,000 individuals were interred in the Old Burying Ground, though only around 1,200 headstones remain. Among its notable burials is British Major General Robert Ross, infamous for leading the 1814 Washington Raid and burning the White House before being killed in battle in Baltimore.

The cemetery quietly holds the history of Black Nova Scotians, with 167 recorded burials spanning various waves of Black migration to Halifax. These include early Black settlers, Black Loyalists, and Black Refugees from the War of 1812. Among them is Reverend William Furmage, a Huntingdonian Missionary who taught at Halifax’s first Black school.

The most prominent monument in the Old Burying Ground is the Welsford-Parker Monument, a triumphal arch built in 1860 to commemorate British victory in the Crimean War. It is the first public war monument in Nova Scotia, the fourth oldest in Canada, and the only Crimean War monument in North America.

In 1938, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts installed a granite monument in honor of Erasmus James Philipps, one of Nova Scotia’s earliest known settlers and the founder of Freemasonry in present-day Canada.

Recognizing its immense historical value, the Old Burying Ground was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1991. Today, this historic cemetery stands as a testament to Halifax’s earliest inhabitants and their diverse stories, preserved through continued restoration efforts and public engagement.

Spring Garden Road in Halifax is a dynamic and historic district that has evolved from an 18th-century pasture to the city's premier commercial and cultural corridor. Along with Barrington Street, which it adjoins, Spring Garden Road is one of the busiest shopping areas east of Quebec and a major social and economic center.

Named after a freshwater spring beneath it, the district includes Spring Garden Road, South Park Street, and nearby lanes. A lively mix of boutiques, cafes, pubs, and restaurants makes it a bustling spot day and night. It also hosts key institutions like the Halifax Public Libraries’ Main Branch, the Provincial Court, and Dalhousie’s Sexton Campus. Nearby, landmarks such as Saint Mary’s Basilica, Halifax Public Gardens, and the Citadel highlight its blend of history and modern life.

Spring Garden Road has long been a focal point for major events in Halifax’s history. Notably, in 1761, it was the site of the “Burying of the Hatchet Ceremony,” marking the end of seventy-five years of conflict between the Mi'kmaq people and the British. The road also played a role in Prince Edward, Prince of Wales’ 1860 visit to Halifax, when grand arches and floral displays lined the street to welcome him.

Spring Garden Road has evolved significantly over time. Once served by a tram, it became a shopping hotspot in the 1970s, attracting upscale retailers. The opening of Park Lane and City Centre Atlantic in the late 1980s boosted its commercial appeal, while residential projects like Spring Garden Terrace (1963) and Embassy Towers (1967) helped create a lively mixed-use district.

As one of Halifax’s most active urban spaces, Spring Garden Road remains a cornerstone of the city’s commercial, cultural, and historical landscape.

Saint Mary's Cathedral Basilica is a Catholic cathedral in downtown Halifax. It is the largest Catholic church of the Archdiocese of Halifax. Though consecrated in 1899, it was made a basilica in 1950.

Construction of the original cathedral began in 1784 when laws forbidding Catholic worship in the region were repealed. The land was purchased and a wooden cathedral, then called Saint Peter's, was built. The current stone structure replaced the wooden building in 1820.

Saint Mary's was expanded in 1869. The facade was changed into a Norman-Gothic architectural style designed by Patrick Keely. This was when the spire was added to the building. Saint Mary's is noted for having the tallest granite spire in North America.

On 6 December 1917, a French cargo ship laden with high explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo outside of Halifax Harbor caused a massive explosion. The event is known as the Halifax Explosion. The interior of the cathedral suffered great damage during the explosion. Most of the cathedral's stained glass windows were shattered and some of the bells were cracked. Renovations have repaired the windows and restored the bells to their previous grandeur.

Saint Mary's is open during mass times to those who wish to take part in worship. Weekday masses take place from Monday through Friday at 12:15 PM. Sunday masses are at 8 AM, 10:30 AM and 5 PM.

The Public Gardens were established in Halifax in 1867. They are 16 acres of Victoria formal gardens. The gardens are comprised of a wide number of flower beds, three fountains, three ponds, two stone bridges and a number of statues.

In addition to the statues and flower beds, there are a number of plaques throughout the gardens. These plaques honor service members like Charles Carroll Wood, the first Canadian casualty of the Boer War. They also honor members of the Temperance movement who helped women gain the right to vote.

The Public Gardens was established in 1874 by combining two older gardens, the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society Garden (laid out in 1837) and an adjacent public park (opened in 1866). They are one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian garden in North America. The Public Gardens were named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984.

Free public concerts take place at the garden bandstand every Sunday in the summer. The Public Gardens also host large celebrations on Canada Day and Natal Day. The gardens are open from May 1 through November 1. The gates open at 8 AM. They begin closing one hour prior to sunset. The final gate closes 30 minutes before sunset.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site rests on Citadel Hill. The site was fortified in 1749 when the city was founded by the British. The Citadel was meant to defend Halifax Harbor and the Royal Navy Dockyard.

Four citadels have been built on Citadel Hill. The first came in 1749. It was a small redoubt, with a flagstaff and guardhouse near the summit. By 1761 its condition had deteriorated.

The second citadel was completed in 1776. It was a permanent fortification that could accommodate 100 troops. The British military presence in Halifax through Citadel Hill is thought to be one of the main reasons that Nova Scotia-the fourteenth British colony-remained loyal to the Crown throughout and after the American Revolutionary War.
However, poor construction caused the second citadel to fall into ruins in less than 10 years.

The third citadel was completed in 1796. It was larger than the previous two due to the oversight of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. He had ordered the Citadel Hill be leveled in order to accommodate the larger space. This citadel lasted slightly longer than the others, but by 1825 it had fallen into disrepair.

The fourth and final citadel was built between 1828 and 1856. This massive masonry-construction fort was designed to repel both a land-based attack or attack from the water by United States forces. It was a star-shaped hillock citadel with internal courtyard and a clear harbor view from armored ramparts.

However the Halifax Citadel quickly became obsolete following the introduction of more powerful rifled guns in the 1860s. By the end of the 19th century, the role of the Citadel in the defense of Halifax Harbor had evolved as it was used as a command center for other, more distant harbor defensive works. It also provided barrack accommodations.

After the World War II, the fort began to decay but it was restored and opened as a living history museum and historic site in 1956.

Visitors can tour the Halifax Citadel throughout the year. They can expect different programs at the historic site depending on the time of year they arrive. From spring to fall, re-enactors are on the grounds of the Citadel portraying tradespeople, civilians and military forces from the late 19th century.

In the fall through Halloween, ghost tours are held at the fort. A Victorian Christmas celebration takes place every winter with crafts, games and Christmas carols.

The Town Clock, also known as the Old Town Clock or the Citadel Clock Tower, is one of Halifax’s most recognizable landmarks, perched on the eastern slope of Citadel Hill overlooking Brunswick Street. This historic clock tower, a reconstruction of an early 19th-century Palladian-style structure, remains a symbol of the city’s military past and architectural heritage.

The idea for the Town Clock was conceived by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who served as the commander-in-chief of British North America’s military forces. Concerned about punctuality within the British Army and Royal Navy garrison in Halifax, he commissioned a turret clock before his return to England in 1800. The clock was manufactured by the prestigious House of Vulliamy, a renowned London-based firm of Royal Clockmakers.

The Town Clock officially began keeping time for Halifax’s garrison on October 20, 1803 and continues to function with its original mechanism-an intricate system of three weights, gears, and a 13-foot pendulum housed in a cast-iron frame. The bell chimes every quarter-hour and hour, maintaining the discipline of timekeeping established over two centuries ago.

The clock tower is a three-tiered octagonal structure, sitting atop a one-story rectangular white clapboard base that adheres to Palladian proportions. The building’s symmetrical design features classic elements such as a round-plan colonnade, supporting the octagonal clock level, which in turn gives way to an arcaded upper story, crowned with a copper dome, balustrade, and a decorative copper ball.

The clock face, set on all four sides, features Roman numerals, with “4” traditionally written as “IIII” rather than “IV” for aesthetic balance. The clock’s slow-moving mechanism has contributed to its longevity, requiring twice-weekly manual winding by employees of Citadel Hill National Historic Site, under the care of Parks Canada.

A Halifax icon, the Town Clock has appeared in various artworks, literature, and television, including the children’s show Theodore Tugboat, where it was personified as Chimey. As a historic timekeeper, it continues to bridge Halifax’s past and present, standing as a testament to its craftsmanship and enduring legacy.

Halifax City Hall was built in 1890. It was originally built to replace the old courthouse and for other public use. Halifax City Hall is notable for being one of the oldest public buildings in Nova Scotia. With four floors and a seven-story clock tower, it is also one of the largest.

The city hall was designed by architect Edward Elliot in the Late-Victorian Eclectic architecture style. The city hall building was built from the timbers of the demolished Dalhousie University, granite and sandstone laid in the freestone masonry technique.

The building underwent a major refurbishment in 2011. Most of the exterior stone was replaced along with the heating and cooling system and the elevator shaft. It was also wired for modern technology.

Visitors to Halifax will find the city hall conveniently located near many of the city's main attractions. It is a close walk to many historic sites, dining establishments, shopping boutiques and the harbor.

The Grand Parade is a military parade square that dates to 1749. The first contingent of British settlers in Halifax arrived in June 1749. Charles Morris, the Chief Surveyor, worked on the town layout which comprised an urban grid made up of oblong, rectangular city blocks with the Grand Parade at the center of the town.

The plan stipulated a church at southern end of the square, and a courthouse and prison at the northern end. The Saint Paul's Church opened in 1749. It was the first Protestant Church in Canada and is also the oldest building in Halifax. However, the north end remained vacant.

The parade is comprised of green space, statues and a memorial arch in honor of peace officers who fell in the line of duty. The Cenotaph is a sculpture located in the midst of the parade that gives honor to those who died in World War I.

Today the square is used for public events, concerts and special celebrations. Visitors can find a calendar of upcoming events at the City of Halifax website.

Barrington Street is a street that follows the waterfront in Halifax. This primary city street runs from the MacKay Bridge to Inglis Street. At about seven-miles long, the street is an excellent one to enjoy when visiting the city.

Barrington Street is one of the original streets of Halifax. It was once the main commercial street in the city. Now, it is one of the primary streets for tourism.

Some of the notable places along Barrington Street include the Halifax Shipyard, Peace and Friendship Park, the Grand Parade, Halifax City Hall, Casino Nova Scotia, the Old Burying Ground, Province House and the Khyber.

Barrington Street has many places to eat and shop. An entire day can easily be planned simply walking from one end to the next while stopping at each of the interesting spots along the way. Due to its location near the water, it is easy for visitors to take a break away from the street and view boats coming in and out of the harbor.

Since opening its doors in 2000, The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse has become a Halifax institution, serving up hearty fare, flowing pints, and foot-stomping live music. Named after an Irish song, this traditional pub brings a taste of the Emerald Isle to the Maritimes with a multi-level experience catering to every mood.

On the first floor, Tigh An Cheoil (House of Music) sets the stage for live Celtic performances, making it the go-to spot for those who enjoy a lively session with their pint. Move up to the Pourhouse, where socializing is the name of the game, and finally, retreat to The Snug, an intimate hideaway featuring cozy booths and a warm ambiance for those seeking a quieter evening.

Beyond the atmosphere, the menu delivers a proper Irish pub experience, from boxty (stuffed Irish potato bread) to Dublin pasties, alongside classic comfort dishes like shepherd’s pie, corned beef dinners, and spicy curries. Fresh seafood, chowders, and steak entrées round out the offerings, ensuring there’s something for every appetite.

With its authentic Celtic spirit, rotating lineup of live music, and selection of perfectly poured pints, The Old Triangle is more than just a pub-it’s a Halifax tradition. Whether you’re here for the food, the drink, or the music (or all three), this Irish alehouse guarantees a memorable time.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, located in downtown Halifax, is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum. A member of the Nova Scotia Museum system, it boasts an extensive collection of over 30,000 artifacts, including 70 small craft and the historic steamship CSS Acadia. The museum also houses 30,000 photographs, a vast selection of charts, and rare books, making it a key institution for maritime history enthusiasts.

Originally founded in 1948 as the Maritime Museum of Canada, it was first based at HMC Dockyard in Halifax Harbour. The museum’s early years saw naval officers serving as volunteer chairs until 1959 when Niels Jannasch was appointed as its founding director, a role he held until 1985. Over the decades, the museum moved locations several times before settling into its current waterfront facility in 1981, as part of a redevelopment initiative. The CSS Acadia was acquired in 1982, further enriching the museum’s collection.

Situated on the Halifax Waterfront, the museum enjoys a prime location with piers, boatsheds, and a direct view of Halifax Harbour, including Georges Island and Dartmouth. Among its facilities is the restored Robertson Store ship chandler building, dating back to the 1880s, alongside the modern exhibit spaces of the Devonian Wing. During the summer months, the HMCS Sackville, a World War II Flower-class corvette, is docked adjacent to the museum, although it is not part of its administration.

The museum showcases maritime history through exhibits on sailing, steamships, small craft, the Canadian Navy, the Halifax Explosion, and shipwrecks. A standout is the Titanic exhibit, highlighting Nova Scotia’s role in recovering victims. It features the world’s largest collection of Titanic wooden artifacts, including a rare deck chair and children’s shoes that helped identify Sidney Leslie Goodwin as the “unknown child.”

Beyond its exhibitions, the museum actively engages in restoration projects. The boatsheds behind the museum house part of its small craft collection, including the ongoing restoration of Whim, a 1937 C-class sloop. In 2017, the museum completed the restoration of the small schooner Hebridee II. Three operational boats from the working small craft collection are moored next to CSS Acadia during the summer months.

The museum houses the Niels Jannasch Library, Canada’s largest ship portrait collection, and ship models, including Theodore Tugboat originals. A key part of Halifax’s culture, it showcases maritime history through exhibits and restoration projects.

The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a walking path that follows Halifax Harbor. The boardwalk is lined with shops, historic properties and tour boat operators. It is an excellent place for shopping, dining, getting some exercise or people watching.

Museums along the boardwalk include the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and HMCS Sackville. Other interesting things to see along the boardwalk include Purdy's Wharf, the CSS Acadia, Bishop's Landing, the Samuel Cunard Monument and the Cunard Center.

The boardwalk features plenty of recreational space for young and old. There are hammocks, a dance floor and public art. The murals and sculptures reflect the sea and leisure activities. The Drunken Lampposts are a sculpture that show two lampposts displaying all of the fun that can be had at the local beer gardens.

The boardwalk stretches from Halifax Seaport to Casino Nova Scotia. It is about a two mile walk, making it an easy stretch any time of the day or night.

The Halifax Farmers' Market holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in North America, with its origins tracing back to 1750. Established by Royal Proclamation just a year after the founding of Halifax, the market was initially designated a site at what is now the Bank of Montreal building. For its first fifty years, it functioned as a meat and cattle market, supplying Halifax with fresh produce and livestock from Acadian farms in the Annapolis Valley and other local sources.

Throughout its history, the market has relocated multiple times, each move reflecting the evolving needs of the city and its vendors. One of its most notable homes was Keith’s Brewery Building on Lower Water Street, where it operated for many years. In 1848, following Halifax’s incorporation as a city, the original market property was officially conveyed to the city for public use, ensuring its place as a community institution.

A significant shift occurred in 2010 when the majority of the market’s cooperative members moved to a newly constructed space at the Halifax Seaport. This relocation gave rise to the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, while a small number of vendors chose to remain at the former site, rebranding themselves as the Historic Farmers' Market. Despite the division, both markets maintain their dedication to local commerce and the celebration of fresh, regional products.

Today, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market continues to thrive, offering a vibrant selection of goods from farmers, artisans, and food vendors every weekend, year-round. Marking 265 years of operation in 2015, the market remains an enduring symbol of Halifax’s deep-rooted agricultural and economic traditions, connecting the past with the present in a dynamic marketplace by the sea.