HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

This is the fourth bastioned fortification erected on this site by the British since 1749, to protect against possible French and American attacks. Period military scenes from the ^78th Highland Regiment and the^3rd Brigade Royal Artillery are re-enacted, making the visit interactive and highly entertaining. Halifax's past and the citadel's military history are recounted in the exhibition rooms, including the history of the 4 citadels, from the first wooden one built by Edward Cornwallis and the British colonists (destroyed by weathering and neglect) to the current star-shaped stone citadel designed by Colonel Gustavus Nicolls of the Royal Engineers (note that although construction began in 1828, design errors delayed completion until 1856). Fun fact: the four citadels were never attacked...

Tours are available: self-guided, guided with costumed interpreter, haunted candlelight tours, special tours with spirits tasting, etc.

The site also features the town's emblematic old clock tower, built in 1803 to keep soldiers on time. It was almost entirely rebuilt by Parks Canada in the early 1960s, but its clockwork remains as it was in the past.

Don't miss the cannon shot every noon!