Citadel Hill in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Citadel Hill: A Great Place to Visit
Traveling and discovering new places is one of the best activities you can do when you have a few days off. Among the numerous places you can visit in the world, the Halifax Citadel Hill, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada is one not to miss out. Its description, Living History and self-guided tour will help you understand why.
Description of Citadel Hill
The official name of Citadel Hill, which is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada. It is the fortified summit of Citadel Hill. The hill was first fortified in 1749. Since then, it has been fortified three more times. The second fortification was completed in 1776 while the third one occurred in 1796. The construction of the last and current fortification began in 1828. It is a star-shaped fortress which was completed in 1856 during the Victorian Era. So, the construction lasted 28 years.
The Citadel served as defense for Halifax Harbor and its Royal Navy dockyard. Parks Canada is in charge of the Citadel. When you visit the fort, you will notice that it has been restored to its appearance when it was built in the Victorian era. The hill and its fortifications were designated a National Historic Site in 1935. the fort nearly got demolished because of Halifax downtown business interests. They advocated for parking and development. Luckily, the fort was preserved and restored gradually as its historical significance and tourism potential was recognized. There are many reasons to visit Halifax Citadel Hill. Two of them are the Citadel’s Living History and the self-guided tour.
The Citadel’s Living History
Once at the Citadel, you get to experience in live, the life of the Highlanders and their families who were staying there during the Victorian era. You will hear the bagpipes and see 78 Highlanders approaching. You will notice their finery and remember the regiment which left in 1871. Actually, these are students who play the role of the soldiers. It is part of the fort’s Living History program. But you have to visit the Citadel in summer to enjoy this performance. You will also meet the soldiers’ wives. You will find them washing, sweeping, doing needlework or washing laundry around the Citadel. You can choose to stop and chat with them. Through your conversations, you can learn valuable information about the past of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Self-Guided Tour
Many exhibits and attractions can be discovered at the Halifax Citadel in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Safety information as well as facilities and services like the gift shop, washrooms, and first aid are also available. To discover all that Halifax Citadel has to offer, you will need at least two hours. However, for a better exploration, we recommend you to spend the day. There is a lot to enjoy. Apart from the Citadel’s Living History program, you will experience the firing of the Noon Gun. It happens every day and begins at 11:50 am to announce Noon in Halifax. The Royal Artillery which fires the gun is composed of re-enactors only.
The Halifax Citadel is a very interesting place which you should visit when coming to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Its Living History program, exhibits and attractions will surely help you enjoy a memorable day.
If you’re planning a trip to Citadel Hill, there are a few resources that can help you make the most of your visit. The Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre is a great place to start. They have six locations throughout the province, including one in Halifax, where you can drop in for information on Nova Scotia’s travel experiences. Their friendly and knowledgeable travel counsellors and tourism ambassadors can help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Halifax.
Another useful resource is the Tourism Nova Scotia website. Here you can find information on visitor centres, travel guides, and top attractions and experiences throughout the province.