Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
VISITOR INFORMATION (2024):
• Address: 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax
• Season: May 1 - October 31
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
• Adult Admission: $12.35
• Youth (6-16): $10.55
• Child (5 and under): Free
The Star-Shaped Fortress
FORT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Built: 1856 (fourth fort on this site)
• Design: Star-shaped bastion fort
• Purpose: Defend Halifax Harbour
• Area: 16 acres on Citadel Hill
• Height: 85 meters above sea level
• Walls: Massive stone and earthwork defenses
Famous Noon Gun
DAILY CANNON FIRING:
• Time: 12:00 PM sharp (except Sundays)
• Tradition: Since 1857 (over 165 years)
• Purpose: Time signal for ships in harbor
• Cannon: 32-pounder smoothbore cannon
• Best Viewing: Parade square or ramparts
Historical Timeline
FOUR FORTS TIMELINE:
• First Fort (1749): Wooden palisade fort
• Second Fort (1761): Stone and earth fort
• Third Fort (1794): Expanded defensive works
• Fourth Fort (1856): Current star-shaped fortress
• National Historic Site: Designated 1951
What to See and Do
MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
• Garrison Cell: Original prison cells
• Powder Magazine: Ammunition storage rooms
• Signal Masts: Communication system
• Army Museum: Military artifacts and exhibits
• Rampart Walk: Panoramic city and harbor views
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES:
• Guided Tours: Costumed interpreters
• Living History: 78th Highlander Regiment
• Bagpipe Performances: Scottish military music
• Hands-on Exhibits: Try on military gear
• Ghost Tour: Evening paranormal tours (seasonal)
78th Highlanders Living History
HISTORICAL REENACTMENT:
• Period: 1869-1871 garrison life
• Uniforms: Authentic Highland Regiment dress
• Activities: Military drills, music, daily life
• Schedule: Multiple demonstrations daily
• Interaction: Ask questions, learn history
Spectacular Views
OBSERVATION POINTS:
• Halifax Harbour: Ships and waterfront activity
• Downtown Halifax: Business district skyline
• Northwest Arm: Residential and yacht clubs
• Dartmouth: Twin city across the harbor
• MacKay and MacDonald Bridges: Harbor spans
Army Museum
MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS:
• Military Artifacts: Weapons, uniforms, equipment
• Regiment History: Nova Scotia military units
• World War Exhibits: WWI and WWII involvement
• Interactive Displays: Touch-screen information
• Research Library: Military history resources
Special Events and Programs
ANNUAL EVENTS:
• Canada Day: Special ceremonies and activities
• Military Heritage Days: Extended programming
• Halloween Ghost Tours: Spooky evening tours
• School Programs: Educational field trips
• Private Events: Wedding photography, parties
Architecture and Engineering
FORTRESS FEATURES:
• Bastions: Five-pointed star defensive positions
• Dry Moat: Deep trench around perimeter
• Casemates: Bomb-proof chambers
• Sally Port: Secure entrance gateway
• Glacis: Sloped defensive earthworks
Photography Tips
BEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
• Noon Gun Firing: Capture the cannon blast
• Harbor Views: Wide shots from ramparts
• Highland Guards: Costumed interpreters
• Star Fort Shape: Aerial perspective from town clock
• Sunset Views: Golden hour harbor shots
Accessibility and Facilities
VISITOR AMENITIES:
• Parking: Limited on-site, street parking available
• Washrooms: Located in visitor center
• Gift Shop: Military souvenirs and books
• Accessibility: Some areas wheelchair accessible
• Food: Cafeteria in visitor center (seasonal)
Getting There
TRANSPORTATION:
• Walking: 10-minute uphill walk from downtown
• Bus: Halifax Transit routes stop nearby
• Taxi: Direct drop-off at entrance
• Car: Limited parking on Sackville Street
• Tour Bus: Many city tours include stops
Group Tours and Education
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
• School Groups: Curriculum-linked programs
• Adult Tours: Historical interpretation
• Private Groups: Customized experiences
• Advance Booking: Required for groups of 15+
• Languages: English and French available
Nearby Attractions
WALKING DISTANCE:
• Halifax Public Gardens: 5-minute walk
• Downtown Halifax: 10-minute walk
• Spring Garden Road: Shopping district
• Halifax Common: Large urban park
• Old Town Clock: Iconic Halifax landmark
Planning Your Visit
RECOMMENDED TIME:
• Minimum Visit: 1-2 hours
• Full Experience: 3-4 hours
• Best Time: Morning for fewer crowds
• Weather: Indoor and outdoor exhibits
• Season: May-October for full programming
CONTACT INFORMATION:
• Phone: 902-426-5080
• Email: halifax.citadel@pc.gc.ca
• Website: pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
• Social Media: @HalifaxCitadelNHS
• Bookings: Reserve online for guaranteed entry