Navigating The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site : Answers to common questions
- Admission Fee: Adults $13.25 Seniors $11.25 Youth Free Off season rates are available.
- How Long to Visit: Wheelchair friendly parking available.
- Washrooms: Public washrooms are wheelchair friendly.
- Hours of Operation: Open daily 9am to 5pm year round. The interior rooms and exhibits are closed Nov 12 to May 5.
- Important Information: Family friendly for all ages.
- Handicap Accessible: Wheelchair friendly parking available.
- Pets: Service animals welcome. Please leash or harness your animals while visiting.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours available throughout the day May to October.
- Restaurant or Cafe: Coffee Bar with food onsite.
- Gift Shop: The Regimental Shop has souvenirs, gifts and more.
- Parking: 80 paid parking spots available.
- Family Friendly: Family friendly for all ages.
- Photography: Lots of photo opportunities for personal use. Commercial, including wedding photography, also available. Period costumes and historical structures.
- WIFI: Available.
- Picnic Area: Picnic area available for visitors.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
If you're interested in history, you won't want to miss the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site! This impressive fort dates back to 1749 and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Halifax's military past.
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is located on a hill in the heart of Halifax, and offers stunning views of the city and harbour. You can explore the fort's many exhibits, including the military museum, which showcases weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts from Nova Scotia's military history.
One of the highlights of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily during the summer months. You can watch as the guards, dressed in traditional red uniforms, perform a formal ceremony that dates back to the 17th century.
Another popular activity at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is the guided tour. You can join a knowledgeable guide who will take you through the fort and provide fascinating insights into its history and significance.
And if you're visiting during the winter months, you can even experience a traditional Victorian Christmas at the fort. The Citadel is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with holiday decorations and festive activities.
In addition to the exhibits and activities, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site also offers a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages. You can participate in workshops and demonstrations, or attend lectures and film screenings.
Overall, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and military heritage. With its impressive exhibits, engaging activities, and beautiful hilltop location, it's a great spot to learn about Halifax's rich past and enjoy stunning views of the city. So come step back in time and explore the fort!
More in our list of Things To Do In Nova Scotia
;Halifax Current Weather
Local Temp: 6.6℃ / 43.9℉
High: 6.8℃ / 44.2℉
Low: 5.8℃ / 42.4℉
Humidity: 85 %
Map for The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Did You Know?
Constructed in 1856, the current citadel is actually the fourth fort to occupy the hilltop site. The original fortifications were established in 1749, with subsequent versions built to respond to evolving military technology and threats, showcasing the strategic importance of Halifax as a key naval base.
The Halifax Citadel also houses the Army Museum, which offers a deep dive into Canada's military history. The museum's extensive collection includes artifacts from the fort's history, military memorabilia, and exhibits that cover Canada's involvement in conflicts from the 18th century to the present day.
The citadel played a significant role during the War of 1812, serving as a deterrent to potential American attacks on Halifax. Despite its formidable presence, the fort has never come under direct military assault, a fact that speaks to its effectiveness as a deterrent and symbol of British power in the region.
The Halifax Citadel, officially known as Fort George, is a star-shaped fort located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is part of the Halifax Defence Complex and stands as a testament to the city's military past, offering panoramic views of Halifax and its harbor.
Within the walls of the Halifax Citadel is a ceremonial Changing of the Guard, a tradition that adds to the historic atmosphere of the site. Visitors can witness this display of military pageantry, which includes the reenactment of 78th Highlanders from the 1860s, during the summer months.
Travel Information for
Nova Scotia Visitors
Time Zone: Nova Scotia operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4).
Weather: Nova Scotia experiences a maritime climate, which means milder winters and cooler summers compared to areas further inland. Winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the interior, with temperatures often ranging from -10 to 0 degrees Celsius (14 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Coastal areas may experience fog and cooler temperatures.
Population: Nova Scotia has a population of approximately 1 million people. It's one of the four Atlantic provinces of Canada.
Size: The province covers an area of about 55,284 square kilometers (21,345 square miles), including the mainland and over 3,800 coastal islands.
Language: English is the predominant language spoken in Nova Scotia, though there are also French-speaking communities, particularly in the Acadian regions.
Currency: The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the currency used. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash can be helpful, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.
Safety: Nova Scotia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate. Standard safety precautions are always recommended.
Tipping: Similar to the rest of Canada, tipping is customary in Nova Scotia. A tip of 15-20% on the total bill before tax is standard in restaurants, and tipping for other services like haircuts and taxi rides is also common.
Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs, and the standard voltage is 120 V with a standard frequency of 60 Hz. Travelers may need adapters or converters for their electronic devices.
Water: Tap water in Nova Scotia is safe to drink in most areas and is subject to strict quality controls.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Contact: Official Website
Address:
5425 Sackville St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y3
Website: parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
Latitude: 44.64784
Longitude: -63.57964
More Places and Things To Do in Nova Scotia Within 500 km/300 mi of The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Things to do in Halifax
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Things to do in Halifax is 0.4 KM / 0.2 MI
The Halifax Public Gardens
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to The Halifax Public Gardens is 0.6 KM / 0.4 MI
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is 1.2 KM / 0.7 MI
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Peggy's Cove Lighthouse is 32 KM / 19.8 MI
Grand-Pré National Historic Site
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Grand-Pré National Historic Site is 77.1 KM / 47.9 MI
Wolfville Magic Winery Bus Tour
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Wolfville Magic Winery Bus Tour is 78.7 KM / 48.9 MI
Halls Harbour
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Halls Harbour is 102.5 KM / 63.6 MI
Cape Forchu Lighthouse
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Cape Forchu Lighthouse is 226.2 KM / 140.5 MI
The Glenora Distillery
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to The Glenora Distillery is 243.1 KM / 151 MI
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The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is 274.2 KM / 170.3 MI
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The Distance from The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is 313 KM / 194.4 MI
