The Halifax Defence Complex

The Halifax Citadel’s star-shaped fortification sits atop an expansive hill looking over the city and is a must-see attraction and the star in the Halifax Defence Complex group of five! Today, you can step into the parade square and be welcomed by bagpipes and drums, 78thHighlanders, and members of the 3rdBrigade Royal Artillery. Four forts have stood ground in this very location, the last being the mightiest which continues to be preserved for future generations. Immerse yourself in 1869, explore the Army Museum’s expansive collections, or simply stop by for the iconic Noon Gun. There are endless ways to explore Halifax’s rich history in this fort.

(10-minute boat ride from Halifax) – Visit Georges Island National Historic Site in the heart of Halifax Harbour, the place the Mi’kmaq called Kjipuktuk or “The Great Harbour.” Enjoy scenic views from a new perspective and immerse yourself in the rich history of Halifax! Discover how this small island and its fortifications played a large role as a prison, as an internment camp for Acadians, in the development of Nova Scotia, and in the defence of Canada. Take a self-guided tour of the fort or a guided tour of the historic tunnels!

(12 km drive from downtown Halifax) – Step back in time to 1793 and discover York Redoubt, a key harbour entrance fortification that was operational through the Second World War. Sitting at the narrowest point of the outer Halifax Basin, this military fort was strategically placed to have a vantage point and sightlines of the Halifax harbour which makes it the perfect hiking destination with forested trails and breathtaking views of the ocean. Explore the interpretive panels, fortifications, and rifled muzzle loading guns scattered throughout the grounds.

(4 km drive from downtown Halifax) – Take a stroll through the vast trails in Point Pleasant Park and discover North America’s first Martello Tower built in the 1790s – in fact, it was one of the earliest Martello Towers in the British Empire. This tower served to protect British sea batteries from French landward attacks. Today the tower and nearby military fortifications can be explored with interpretive panels describing the site’s rich maritime history.

(20 to 30-minute boat ride from Halifax/10-minute boat ride from Eastern Passage) – Adventure over the Halifax Harbour and immerse in the vast fort that played a vital role in the Halifax Defense Complex. Fort McNab was strategically placed and acted as a gatekeeper to the Halifax Harbour up until it was decommissioned in 1959. This was the first fort in Halifax to have breech-loading artillery. Today, visitors can wander the trails and battered fortifications and uncover the deep history of the island for themselves. For information on how to get to McNabs Island, visit www.mcnabisland.ca