Start your visit to the Halifax Citadel in the Information Centre with a 15-minute film that will familiarize you with Halifax and the Halifax Citadel. Then, explore exhibits throughout the fortress that bring to life the fascinating history of the four successive versions of the Halifax Citadel. Don’t be surprised if you come across costumed-interpreters as you explore the fortress, recreating the day-to-day lives of the 78th Highland Regiment and their families once stationed at the fortress. The site’s Army Museum highlights the important contribution Halifax made to Canada’s defence efforts. Performances bring to life various elements of the Citadel’s garrison. Shop gifts and keepsakes in the Regimental Shop or relax in the historic site’s Coffee Bar and Soldier’s Library with tasty refreshments.
The Information Centre
Get a general overview of the Halifax Citadel during a showing of, A Harbour Worth Defending, a 15-minute film featured in the Information Centre. The film presents the story of the citadels that have occupied Citadel Hill and how they have protected the city of Halifax.
Exhibits
Soldier’s Barracks
Step inside the Soldier’s Barracks and learn about the living conditions of the 78th Highland Regiment and their families. In the Soldier’s Barracks you’ll have the chance to try on the soldiers’ famous headgear, lift their heavy packs and discover how they groomed themselves and kept their uniforms clean for inspection.
Tailor Shop
From their MacKenzie tartan kilts to their bright red doublets, the Tailor Shop kept the 78th Highland Regiment clothed. Step inside and learn about the craftsmanship that went into the soldier’s uniforms.
Engineer Shop
Wondering what materials were used to construct the various buildings of the Halifax Citadel or how they were maintained? Step inside the Engineer Shop, a room where royal engineers stored supplies and spare parts for the buildings of the Halifax Citadel.
Signal Post
What did the 78th Highland Regiment use as a means of communication? Explore how the Halifax Citadel used flags to send coded messages and announce the arrival and departure of commercial ships with the York Redoubt at the Signal Post display.
Guard Room
Learn about the role of the guard in the citadel’s Guard Room. Not only was it a place where passes to the fortress were issued, but an exceptional spot for keeping watch over the Halifax Citadel’s sentry points.
Orderly Room
Soldiers at the Halifax Citadel came to the Orderly Room to receive daily orders, from what they were to wear to what their daily duties would be. Step into the Orderly Room today and you will find a dip pen, fresh paper and India ink waiting for you to write out your own commands.
School Room
Discover what education was like for soldiers and their children in the 19th century. Grab a slate and take a seat as a costumed-interpreter gives lessons in subjects like British history, math and moral conduct.
Expense Magazine
Wander into the cool, dark and dangerous Expense Magazine. In this underground room you’ll learn about how it was used to store explosive charges for the Halifax Citadel’s cannons.
South Magazine
The South Magazine was once the most dangerous spot at the fortress, storing barrels of gunpowder for the Halifax Citadel’s armaments. Learn about the precautions soldiers took when working in the South Magazine and the potential damage the barrels of gunpowder could have caused if accidently set off.
Defence Casemates and Garrison Cells
In the Defence Casemates and Garrison Cells exhibit, a cannon points at the window as a reminder that the casements were built to protect the Halifax Citadel. Discover what took place in the casemates when the citadel was under threat and how the space was used during other times.
Fortress Halifax- Warden of the North
Explore how Halifax’s defences developed over the years in the Fortress Halifax- Warden of the North exhibit, from modest wooden forts to the mid-20th century. Models and artifacts explore the influences that shaped the history of the city.
The Army Museum
Located on the second floor of the fortress’ Cavalier Building, at the heart of the fortification, is the Army Museum. Discover the important contribution Halifax made to Canada’s defence efforts, especially in World Wars I and II. Displayed throughout the museum are rare military artifacts. While some artifacts date back to the days Halifax was a vital British naval port, others trace the advancement of Canadian forces and the formation of Canada’s post-World War II alliances.
The Road to Vimy and Beyond
In honor of the First World War Centenary, The Road to Vimy and Beyond explores the service and sacrifice of the soldiers in the First World War with stories of the soldiers from Nova Scotia. The highlight of the exhibit is a replica of the Vimy Memorial, a war memorial site in France dedicated to the memory of Canadian Expeditionary Force members. The Vimy replica is the most complete in size and detail and features educational panels about the battle fought at Vimy Ridge.
Daily Performances
Don’t miss daily reenactments that bring to life different elements of the Citadel’s garrison. Sentry changes at the main gate take place every hour in a formal ceremony. Listen for the firing of the noon gun at 12:00pm, a tradition that has taken place every day since 1856. If you pass through the Halifax Citadel’s Parade Square at the right time, you might come across a drill demonstration. During different times throughout the day, pipers and drummers of the 78th Highlanders can be found performing favorite traditional regimental tunes. Plug your ears and brace yourself for a big bang, rifle and cannon firing demonstrations take place several times throughout the day.
Shopping and Dining at the Halifax Citadel
The Best Place to Shop for Nova Scotia Gifts and Souvenirs
Shop merchandise that celebrates Halifax’s military heritage. The Halifax Citadel Regimental Shop is located in the Cavalier Building and stocks a variety of military and historical souvenirs such as 78th Highlanders and Halifax Citadel logo apparel, ornaments, books, CDs and jewelry.
Coffee Bar and Soldier’s Library
In the historic Cavalier Building of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is its Coffee Bar. Once a library for the soldiers of the 78th Highland Regiment, the space has since been transformed into a cozy coffee shop for visitors to eat and drink. Light lunch options, sweet treats and hot and cold beverages are available for purchase from the Coffee Bar.
- The Halifax Citadel is ADA compliant.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Visit the official Halifax Citadel National Historic Site’s website to find out about special events taking place during your visit.