Reviews of Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (Museum)

Nina Pham

Wonderful piece of history. It’s great if you have a chance to do the 30 minute tour!

stefanie dobo

Very very interesting and well-curated exhibit. A Halifax must see. It was a very humbling experience to see my family's entry point as refugees in 1956 to Canada.

Dale M

The Immigration Experience tour was fantastic. As the tour guide, who immigrated in 2017, explained what my parents went through in 1952 I could tell she herself identified with the whole experience. I am glad that Canada opened their borders to the world, making our country even better by the diversity we now see.

Rick Morelli

Small museum that gives one a number of first hand immigration stories spanning about 100 years. Lots of interesting facts and several large sections. A must visit if your parents or grand parents came to Canada through Halifax. Also has a cafe, gift shop and a centre to help you find jnfo on your relatives.

Jean-Louis Marois

Really well done! The staff is really good in French or in English. If you have any immigration story that relate to you, you'll be touched by a lot of stuff in that museum.

Ravjot Noormohamed

Amazing place, definitely got emotional here seeing some of the things but I recommend everyone to visit at least once if you're in Halifax! I was only there for a couple hours and a friend told me about it, I was not disappointed! Learnt a lot of cool things and found out a little more about my family tree.

MrBlackroc

Nice museum, well put together. Not that much to see. Still worth a trip. Price is a bit high for my taste.

Garry Jantzen

1946 mum and 4 yo me landed here. She was a Canadian war bride and I was one of 18,000 war babies. This is a vital part of Canadian history and we'll worth a visit

Matthew Willing

Reasonably priced museum with record keeping for Canadians who wish to trace arrivals through Nova Scotia into Canada. The refugee exhibit on the first floor is confronting but well executed. The upstairs contains exhibits on the Pier 21 entry point experience for migrants as well as Canadian immigration more generally.

Sarah Stang

This is a pretty good museum. Not the best I've ever been to, and I don't think I'd go more than once, but it was pretty well done, if a bit small. The film they showed was really good (made me tear up a little since I'm married to an immigrant).

Doug Lister

Great exhibits!

Nikolay L. (nlavrush)

The museum is located at the ex immigration centre. They have an exibition devoted to refugees and the centre itself. Really interesting place to learn about Canada's history. Loved their railway wagon and food counter installations.

Nikolay L. (nlavrush)

The museum is located at the ex immigration centre. They have an exibition devoted to refugees and the centre itself. Really interesting place to learn about Canada's history. Loved their railway wagon and food counter installations.

Marian Savio

Interesting, not quite what I expected but educational.

Doug Bailey

Pretty good museum. I learned a decent amount about Canada's immigration. I learned lots of the info in school already. I was kinda surprised by the price of admission for what there was. There was only an hour or 2 of info and it cost $14.50. I still recommend going once though

J D (JD)

Interesting place. First ever market in North America.

Alejandra D'Eath

A heartfelt thank you for the effort placed in this museum. I was able to learn about my husband's history.

Alan Volk

An excellent display and information about those who have come into Canada from the 30's up into the seventies.

Alaa Benhammida

As an immigrant to Canada that was a life changing exhibition. I could have a different perspective on what i lived and was living.... I went there during the 150th birthday of Canada.

Larissa Lagzdins

There were activities for children disputed through the displays. They will even help you find family members in their records.

Robert Fleming

Such a great place to visit and get a real feel for the main Port of Entry for many Canadians. Great to see, and feel what it was like for my family, my wife’s family and countless others to cross an ocean for a start at a new life. The tour was full of interesting little tidbits of information about then day to day operation, and the resource centre is full of records of people landing there

Elizabeth

Stopped by on a whim but so glad we did! Lots to learn about the history of immigration in Canada, and I really appreciated the high-quality displays (maps, photos, videos, etc.). Not too large of a museum, it took us ~45 minutes to look around without a guided tour, but definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Fred Apon

This was such an interesting museum. Well laid out. Honest. You get a glimpse how we as Canada have grown through the years by all the different people groups who came and called Canada home.

Dane B

A good-sized museum with lots of interesting facts and interactive displays. They have a free genealogical service that can help find records of relatives who entered Canada through Pier 21. Pretty nifty!

Daniel Weylie

What an amazing place to visit. The family took me here on on our trip out east and I always thought it would be boring during our planning. Turned out to be one of my highlights!

Aart Olij

Well done museum to display immigrant story.

Lise Danielle Theriault

What a treat! This is such a gem for people to experience. The museum is eaay ro navigate and staff is very friendly. Excellent place to visit with family and friends. Lots to read and watch. A must to visit to build your understanding of families who immigrated to Canada in the early years They have a great family center too, to help people check their ancestry.

Dave Michel

Excellent museum. Has the story of how Canada processed over 1 million immigrants from 1947 to 1972 in Halifax. Has a center to lookup immigration records to trace ancestors. Also exhibit on the history of immigration into Canada from the 1800's to now. Well worth the time.

Amrinder Singh

It was divided into 4 different sections, "The Refuge - experiences of refugees who moved here out of fear in their homelands", "Pier 21 History", "Movie showing the interviews of immigrants from different cultures" and "Immigration". Average spending time would be from 1hr - 4hrs. Adult 14.50 including HST. If you have CAA card on you, there was a discount of couple bucks. If you are interested in canadian immigration system, citizenship, want to know the processes around it, curious about history of pier 21 as immigrant landing point - you will like it.

D G

We went to Pier 21 during our visit to Halifax and loved it. The history there is just amazing. Our visit there was extra special because I was also with my parents who had both immigrated to Canada via Peir 21. They were given Alumni stickers to put on their shirts so staff and others knew and they got treated extra special. Going through the timeline of Canadian immigration set out on the 2nd floor will amaze you. You will feel angry when reading some periods in history and happy during others. You have to do the tour and if you can and if he is working I highly recommend NICO NICO NICO. He has a gift of story telling and actually making you able to visualize the stories he shares. Not to say the other guides are not good but I did see some and they are just what you expect from a tour guide. NICO brings it to a different level. The stories shared were touching and to hear my parent share their stories with the group which were also similar to the ones NICO shared made it all feel so much more real. Again NICO has a gift and when he explained his favorite part of Peir 21 which was the one single door way which all the immigrants went through when all disembarked their boats after many days at sea to a new country to start a new life as they leave their life and sometimes loved ones from their home country. How he made that door way feel so special and filled with so much history and he asked as we walk through to touch the frame and bricks around the door and "feel" the history. It actually gave me goosebumps and to look of and see my Fathers eyes well up made me.feel it even more. Peir 21 is very special to Canadian history and after experiencing it I would highly recommend it to anyone. And again I can't say it enough. Get NICO for the tour. As much as I enjoyed it I would have to say NICO made the experience from great to absolutely amazing. I am glad I got to see him before leaving Pier 21for the day and letting him know what an amazing job he did and that he made it that much more special. Canada rocks!

Alexis

The museum has been through a huge renovation and the result is fantastic. This is a must do attraction in Halifax. There is a video of 20 minutes and a 30 minutes guided tour for one part of the museum. The other part that explain you the history of immigration takes a bit longer if you read everything. You should count at least 3 hours to be able to see everything comfortably.

WonderWendy M

We come here every year to Celebrate Canada Day. Take the guided tour. The guides, the personal stories of people who came through this building when it was operational as an immigration centre - that is something you will not easily forget. It will surprise and move you. If you had family who entered Canada - it will connect you in a way you didn't know you were missing. amenities: the doors can be a little awkward at times, but it is fully accessible. The bathrooms have always been very clean and the staff have always been the most wonderful story tellers.

Seonaid Macfarlane

Great place to learn about the history of immigrants. Students loved being able to try all the old clothes, telephone and shop. Highly recommended.

Valentino Condina

Very emotional feelings to revisit the place where my family first entered Canada as landed emigrants from Italy in 1960. Reading all the plaques in front of Pier 21 at the Halifax port of entry made me feel so proud to be a CANADIAN, knowing that my family contributed to the make up of this incredible country whose core essence is Tolerance and respect of cultural diversity....I LOVE CANADA!

Mary Kruhlytska

Very interesting place to visit! George was a great guide !!!

George Catchpole

Interesting Wartime History

Carolina Rossel

This exhibit was emotional and most wonderful. I went by myself and I had a issue when it was time to leave. I didn't want to leave. So I went around one more time. It was touching, incredibly informative...what a great job they've done there,! I spent a good amount of time looking at the faces of those arriving to Canada searching for a better life...their eyes said so much...it must have been so difficult!! Their trunks also said a lot about each of them and their life styles. I am so grateful to have been there ! Visited from Chile!

Matthew Thompson

Highly recommended! Affordable way to spend a couple hours. Not a huge museum but some really cool exhibits that provide important perspectives on this country. The personal records they help you look for are really incredible. Staff was extremely friendly too!

Petre Ene

If was emotional visiting this place. Very good guided tours

Wayne Whitty

There is so much history, and to think of all the immigrants that came through there including my great grandparents

Mohamad Aziz

Overall an educational muesem with a lot of personal stories, the staff were super nice too

Josi Apps

Just wish dogs on leashes were allowed. I couldn't see any reason why they aren't allowed in. Being a lot of us travel with pets it would have been nice to go in. Because of my dogs.....we were not able to go in. Security made sure of that!!!!!! Not welcoming atmosphere when she saw our dogs.

RICK WOJEWODA

Unfortunately the research I was looking for was not there, as there the records will have to be accessed in Ottawa. The staff on duty were extremely helpful and courteous and understanding of my needs.

Craig Jones

Need a lot of real stuff.. couple of cool things but for money and national museum really bad.. cool thing was the archives finding , people were great and fast at finding facts.. They were every good..

A Giant Panda

It's incredible. They have a huge amount of personal stories from immigrants going back almost a hundred years. Some of the stories were heartbreaking but there was a lot of joy as well. A lot of families that made it here to Canada and a better life. Really made me think

Paul Moore

Nice place to go if you're interested in the immigration of the earlier settlers of Nova Scotia. It's a nice museum.

Roberta Tasovac

Amazing place and so helpful in assisting me in finding our about my grandparents and great grandparents journey to Canada

Patricia Tardell

Very large but excellent museum. Be sure to allow hours to complete viewing all . Very young might best wait til in early school age to get the many interactive displays.

Zack MacGregor

A fascinating place to visit. The museum is clean and modern feeling. There are lots of interactive elements. It's probably not the most exciting museum but if you have the time and patience there is a ton of interesting history there.

Sarah McArthur

Such a well curated museum. Emotional. Loved the movie. All Canadians should experience this.

Leah Theroux

Best museum ever. It was so informative and interactive. I learned so much about immigration and refugees. The staff is all amazing and have really informative guided tours. The exhibits were so interesting and the interactive parts made it easier to learn and understand

Maris Pauderis

We received so much information and saw how the immigrants were welcomed to Canada. Excellent experience. Thanks. Glad this museum is available for people to learn.

Jemy Joseph

Very educational part of Canadian history! 1 million immigrants came to Canada through this port! It will take one to two hours to tour this place. A neat part of Halifax downtown strip. Highly recommend visiting if you have the time. Great activity, particularly for off-season!

Victoria Ruth Larson

Spent two hours here but certainly will go back as there is lots of history to take in. We'll done exhibits and history of immigration to Canada. The new look and additions are certainly ly worth an afternoon. Fees are reasonable, for me the seasonal pass is the best deal. Go a few times and you have your mone,s worth. I always find this to be a great way to spend an afternoon. Lots to learn and now they have family entertainment, an added bonus. I like this place Pier 21. CHECK IT OUT.

Jeremy Hurst

Very informative and important perspective of Canada's history of immigration. It wasn't whitewashed or a pat on the back, it balanced the good with the bad (from which we can learn and improve). Highly recommend.

Becca Zhang

Very well planned and interactive exhibit on immigration history in Halifax & Canada! Staff are great and your ticket includes guided tours!

Susan Breckenridge

History of our people who came from abroad! Learning your roots! So much history in this building!

Adam Oldfield

If your Canadian your family probably landed through these ports. Amazing learning experience.

Grant Atwood

Great tour offered that should not be missed! Also important to take the time to walk the museum on your own. There is so much rich history here that really absorbing it all is an important experience to have.

Michelle Baker

Very interesting. Knowledgeable staff. Would recommend the guided tour. Was surprised with how much was there to interest the kids (5 & 8). Also managed to get some long-sought after family history details in a matter of minutes from the genealogy office.

Stewie J. Powers

Absolutely great, I almost shed a tear. The history of this place is so rich. I absolutely loved it

Frank VANDERZALM

Pier 21 or Canadian Museum of Immigration should be on everyone's list. First of all, my parents arrived in Canada in 1950 from The Netherlands, entering via Pier 21. So many other people, nationalities, walked through the same building. Many arrived with little else but hopes and dreams of building a new life in this great country. The museum poignantly displays the many waves of immigration that have entered Canada. It personalizes the emotions of hopeful individuals from so many diversities and captures the struggles and successes of families arriving from around the world. I found displays of photographs and actual clothing and property of immigrants so emotionally impacting. The wall of names of immigrants is something to take in. A service offered is access to immigration records that assists in research of your family's entry into Canada. As a result of visiting the museum I have a real appreciation for people's entrepreneurial dreams and skills brought to make Canada stronger. I have a new appreciation too for Canada's diversity. Put it on your list when travelling to Nova Scotia.

Carlos Carlos Amaya Guerra

A place to know how people came to Canada

Neerthy S

I visited this place with my family and I learned things about tamil-canadians in the exhibits which I didn't even know about. I'd make a afternoon outta the museum if you have the time, the gift store had some nice tea as well.

Diego

Great museum that shows part of the history of Canada until today.

Carolyn Tomkins

Incredible museum. I was here for a private function and can’t wait to see more of the museum. Lauren was a fantastic fast tour guide on the fly as we had limited time to visit exhibits due to the event. Super informative! It’s a powerful place in time.

Christian Riquelme

GREAT museum with lots of history of Canada and a good exhibition to gain perspective about immigration, both in the past and now. Be sure to watch the film at the end of the second floor. Worth the entrance

Trenton MacDuff

Very, very well composed. There are a few interactive exhibits, a few art exhibits, and very personalized stories in the theatre experience. One of the best and most thoughtful museums I’ve been to in Canada. A must-see in Halifax.

Clara Hildebrand

As a daughter of Canadian immigrants, this museum was so special to visit. They’ve done a great job in their exhibits and it was a very engaging and fun experience.

June Sym

Great experience. I was emotional going through the place. Tracing my mother and brother's steps when they came to Canada in 1946.

Mili Castro

As an immigrant, I was touched by this place. They have a very human approach.

Chris B

Though it might seem innocuous on the outside, the immigration museum is fascinating. I went during a special exhibit on refugees, and it was very moving and packed with dozens of little realizations of what it actually means to be a refugee and how much hard work it takes to be one of the few that is admitted. The permanent exhibit on the history of immigration in Canada was also very interesting, with a really cool interactive timeline, and a sample citizenship test that you can compete against your friends with.

Paul Mercer

Very informative and well layed out. Tour guide was excellent. Highly recommend you visit, especially if you have kids as they will hopefully conne away with a stronger appreciate for how lucky we are to live in this wonderfully country.

Eric G

Great musuem about the history of immigration in Canada. There is a half hour guided tour if you choose. Worth the price of admission.

Jordan Froese

A beautiful museum with enough information for multiple visits. Great staff that help you find information on your family, and give great tours. Price is worth it!

Peter Arth

Fantastic experience. Guided tour, and immigration film are well worth it.

Luis Miguel Gonzalez

As an immigrant myself this place was a must in my visit to Halifax. The last port of entrance by the sea that was conserved practically the same as when it was used by millions to start a new life in this great country. Great exhibitions, interaction with guides is organic and very informative. Prepare yourself for many emotions. AMAZING PLACE.

Richard Loat

An important part of Canada's history. All Canadians, if they have the chance, should experience this to truly understand our history. Great tours are offered in English and in French.

Ju Yu

Such a wonderfully educational and interactive museum. There is lots to learn and do while you're here. I had such a great time.

Sara Chieffallo

Amazing service and the tour guide I had (Daniel) for the Pier 21 exhibition was great! I would recommend this to anyone visiting, especially those who have had family members or ancestors dock here, the stories are great to hear.

Dabz YA

A lovely tourist spot. Had the opportunity of going there for the Grow with Google workshop for small businesses.

Dylan DeGrace

Well curated museum. A lot of information, but displayed in a way so that it you can internalize it. Different interactive displays including video, text, and audio. Not to mention the view of the harbour from inside really sets the tone and ambiance of it all. Definitely a stop anytime friends and family visit now.

Radha Tailor

Be sure to catch a tour when you go. Call prior to get timings for it.

Ken Parrett

Excellent place to learn an important part of Canadian history. Thankful to be a Canadian!

Albert Riezebos

Not how my family arrived but interesting.

Marcia Flamand

Very informative, well layed out museum. Make sure you give it at least 2 hours to see it properly.

Robin Taylor

It was so great getting to see some local historical information about settlement and such. Pier 21 also does some cultural events that really got me involved with understanding other people's perspectives.

Braeden Peterson

An amazing historical place to visit. The history behind the pier, and the information that you get to hear is inspiring. It's a great glimpse into the past. The guides provide great information and the movie that you get to watch is awesome to see. The most amazing part of the pier are the names you can find on the walls of those who emigrate to Canada through this port.

Elnaz Kanani K.

If you go to Halifax and don't visit this museum, you have to go back! We absolutely loved this place, it is so emotional and deep. Highly recommended!

Moath Basil

Very interesting place to visit. It is informative and has a lot of stories to tell, especially, those who immigrated from Europe after the WW2 . It has the timeline of immigration of Canada since 1600 and to-date, it discuss the odd and different views that you may find in any society. The place lacks the availability of "stuff to show" but it's has so much of information and history as a documentary tour within the old port who received those who arrived to Canada and rest of North America. Toilets were not clean!

Jennifer Díaz

Incredible place, you can know the story of people who had a pretty sad life.

John Maisey

There is a good chance if you are from an immigrant family your ancestors walked through the halls of this museum. Be sure to visit when in Halifax

Dana Clark

Go there...if you have family that came over pre 1940, you can get their records and see the ship they came over. Definitely a must do on your trip.

Letitia C

We spent over 3 hours here today. My kids (8 and 10) announced it was the best museum they had ever been to. So much information and if your family immigrated to Canada after 1928 you might be able to find their records listed there. We found our family's name on the wall.

Claire Lemiski

Fascinating to learn about Pier 21's history and role in immigration to Canada. The guided tour (given by a gentleman who immigrated to Halifax in the 1950's) was excellent. The staff at the Family History office were also very helpful in tracking down some information about my own family members' journey to Canada. Would highly recommend a visit.

Ian Evans

The displays on Canadian immigration were interesting though the highlight for me was the information and displays on the Empress of Ireland disaster. They show an immigration movie that feels more like a long-form ad. Would loved to have seen so more video pieces on the history of Canadian immigration.

Janessa Irene

The tour through Pier 21 was so informative and learning about the buildings history was fantastic

Ed Prior

If you are Canadian, chances are good your ancestors passed through Pier 21. The museum presents an interesting and culturally-sensitive look at the hardships experienced by immigrants. I thought it would focus on the immigration waves during and shortly following each of the world wars, but it also included more recent immigration waves. A must see.

Dàwéi Hēiér

Interesting to see where we come from . My daughter (4 yo) didn’t enjoy it at all but she’s a bit young to understand.

Dave Slessor

A terrific guided tour through the halls a million immigrants entered Canada from

Linda Sneath

A very informative place to learn about immigration in this country and the sacrifices some people make to come here to benefit from our way of life and freedoms. I was moved after our visit. Everyone needs to experience this place in order to educate themselves about immigrants and their choices. Many informative exhibits, we were there at least 3 hours. There is also an office you can visit on the first floor that can help you with past immigration records (genealogy). With the help of the friendly staff, I was able to find a clue about my ancestor. The service was free and they printed me a copy! All and all a great experience. Canada is a great country.

Dave Lizee

Makes you think about our place here. Almost all of us are immigrants and sometimes I feel we forget that. Lots of cool displays and interactions. Beautiful firsthand experiences and stories of past and contemporary migrants.

Beatrice Wells

Really interesting musem and a great place to take kids as well. Good cafe and gift shop as amenities. However no free WiFi apart from 30 minute Seaport WiFi which is largely out of range in the museum.

Derek A

Amazing place. Great tour guide. This place made a surprising and deep connection with me emotionally.

Bill Powell

I believe all levels of government should visit this installation before expressing their inaccurate views on society! This is very informative and a good experience.

Connie Bent

We were so impressed with the help we received from the Scotia Bank centre. We were looking for some family history and the girl (sorry I cant remember her name) spent over an hour with us getting records of births and marriages. Then our tour guide took us through the various stages that the immigrants had to endure on their arrival to Canada.....very well done and infomative.

Ilya Grigorik

Small but informative exhibit where you can learn about the evolution of Canadian immigration policy.

Karen Bartley

Very I informative. Maybe there are more artifacts that could be shown?

Sean Ridley

A reasonably-sized museum, with an emphasis on immigration rather than the Pier 21 complex itself. All the exhibits were informative and well presented, although some subject matter could become a little repetitive. The cafe has an impressive array of food.

Sara Imrie

Enjoyed a great tour. Lots of fun, interactive activities.

Giselle Celio-Bédard

My family came to Canada in 1955 from Italy so my visit here was incredibly important. The tour guide and staff are so kind, helpful and very knowledgeable. Thank you for a wonderful visit ????

Dave Coplen

Fantastic museum. Great stories.

Anna Strachov

My family and I recently visited the Museum of immigration and we liked it. We seemed to briefly shun the past ... It was interesting.

Emilie Dupuis

Staff is extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. Exhibits are very well documdnted and moving. One of the best museums I've visited in Canada.

Randy Vancouver

What a place to explore. Looking at the historical pictures of those arriving in Canada it is emotional to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Proud that we are a safe haven for many in the past and a welcoming country to many in the future.

Carolyn Bradshaw (PolythPam)

Beautifully put together, touching and educational. A must for any Canadian.

Sarah Cassell

The guided tour was fantastic and informative. Many of the displays were text heavy. The tour made info easiest to digest.

Mark B Borg Jr

This was an amazing, amazing experience. My family and I were staying at the Westin Nova Scotia right up the road, and everyone at the conference (on "Belonging") raved about this museum. My wife is an immigrant in New York, and was--and our kids--were immensely impressed, and touched, throughout our time (all afternoon) at this museum.

Marcel LeBlanc

I visited this Museum in July of 2017 by accident. The best mistake i may have ever made. If your at all interested in where the many different cultures of Canada come from, then this museum is for you! Lots of displays and interactives. Make sure you take the citizenship test to make sure you would be able to become a citizen of this country just like so many have had to do since 1867. I was surprised to see some of my family and geography roots show up on the Canadian Timeline. Also, if you want to find information of your relatives who immigrated to this country, stop by the records office and give it your best shot! We will be back!

Allan Twamley

Visit here was very moving, just think about all our ancestors who passed through here on their quest for a better life.

Ron Mosocco

So glad we visited this wonderful Museum while on vacation and touring these wonderful Canadian Provinces for 3 months last year. Wonderfully done, walking distance from Halifax Downtown Harbour, admission is very reasonable, clean public restrooms, multi-level.

Victor Andres

Thorough review of the immigrant experience in Canada. Simply outstanding museum.

Vijay Dubal

Great place has beautiful store of showpiece and garments food has also free WiFi

Angela R

Very educational and surprisingly interactive to keep the young (and old) entertained.

Claude Elliott

Great customer service. They welcome you as you enter the main entrance. Great place to visit and learn.

Maria Federico

It's was so wonderful, I love about my family history and what people people had to go though in that time period.

Leah D

This was an awesome museum. It would take 2-3+ hours to go through it really thoroughly. The Titanic displays were very interesting.

Jeff McCallum

Very insightful tour. The personnel are helpful and professional when we were looking up our family's historical documents.

Richard Brownsdon

Really interesting museum. My wife found some amazing information about her relatives coming to Canada in 1930. Really helpful staff.

Gourmet Traveler

This Pier has greatly improved since the last time I visited in 2011. There are more stores, parks and nice restaurants and walkways. This is where the ships come in

Berto s.

Definitely worth visiting. Reserve between 2 to 5 hours to visit depending on your interest on the immigration issues.

Valerie Lefebvre

The staff were really helpful in providing directions and in the exhibits. Tour was interesting and worked well with the head sets. Really enjoyed the immigration film.

Rosalyn Carneiro

Visited for work; we're considering hosting an event here. It's a cool space with lots of possibility for hosting a unique event. The museum staff are courteous and very knowledgeable. Will update my review if we move ahead with the event.

Craig Steinberg

Interactive and informative! This museum was surprisingly way more interesting than I expected. The exhibits are modern and interactive. It is well laid out and has lots of information about Canada's history of immigration on one side and about pier 21 on the other side. There is also a research centre where a specialist can help you find your relatives and tell you what ship they arrived on (even if they didn't arrive through pier 21). Ample parking and located next to the Farmers Market (Open Saturday and Sunday mornings).

Roger Cohen

Wonderful presentation of the sometimes difficult history of Canadian immigration. It was a don't miss stop in Halifax

Jaclyn Costley

Nice spot to learn about past immigration through Halifax and the history of immigration in Canada. The building is really beautiful. The exhibits are very nice and easy to navigate, not too overwhelming and lots of different interactive stations. Great location with shops and a farmer's market near by for a full day on activity. Also, there is an archive in the downstairs where you can search your family history.

Ashley Purpura

Great displays and information! I went for 2 hours and as a history enthusiast I felt I needed more time, I will come back again. I will say I truly appreciate how they had education levels for just about everyone even children. Sometimes history museums will go over children's heads but I'd say if they're about 7 or 8 especially I think they would still enjoy themselves. I wish I had known about this as a child, I would have been beside myself.

Joshawa Johnstone

We got a copy of our Nanny's (a war bride) shipping manifest (of her record of travel). It was pretty neat. They also had a bunch of displays of mostly very pristine old items from that time and place. 8/10. If able to telepathically communicate with past self, would still recommend.

Dan Brennan

A wonderful museum and Canadian heritage site. It was instrumental in shaping Canada into what it is today. Worth the trip down.

Christie Menzo

A wonderful Halifax experience. Great exhibits, friendly staff, and accessible learning for all. Especially loved the opportunity to look up personal family story in pier history. A treat.

Fran Eldershaw

Our tour guide was amazing (Ann Marie maybe?) the additional stories she shared with our group made this already incredible experience all the more memorable. The refugee exhibit was not part of the tour but I highly recommend everyone view this as well.

Terry Mulee

We had the best tour guide, George. This is a well done, well curated, interactive museum. There's never enough time to fully explore, but well worth the visit.

Brad Poechman

Did a guided museum tour. I highly recommend. Guide was knowledgeable and explained the immigration process as we walked through the actual locations.

Sophia

Their cake is delicious. Take the invoice with you. Provide home delivery service. Use his family's cake.

Jeff Kahane

The museum is interesting, clean and well presented. It does not have a very extensive collection but the cost of admission reflects that. Keep in mind that you save money if you show your auto club membership.

Danica Power

Amazing and touching! There is so much to see and experience here, and so much information to learn

Therese Ghazal

It's so nice to go down there and just remember where you come from

John C

My parents who immigrated and entered Canada in March 1958 through the doors of Pier 21. They spoke very fondly of Pier 21 as their first favourable experience in Canada. ????????

Daniel AJ Sokolov

Best museum far and wide. And one of the few museums that don't tire me out.

Ryan Wagner

Very neat with incredibly helpful staff. Thanks for helping my grandma find when her parents and grandparents came to Canada!

Rues Savel

Incredible museum, filled with emotionally charged stories of the people who helped build Canada into what it is today. A must see

MartinJ

This is a wonderful museum. We’re a couple of immigrants and we found the museum very interesting and very moving. Outstanding displays about such an important aspect of Canada’s history. If you’re in Halifax, don’t miss this experience.

Gabe Cimini

Great place to discover your family's history. Very informative.

Gabe Cimini

Great place to discover your family's history. Very informative.

Farah A.

Worth the visit. Remember to take the guided tour.

Doug Szabo

Worth the visit. The tour information was light on details, focused in our case mostly on what people ate, provided a skim coating of information on the history of the building and the port.

Diana Perez-Turanskaya

The stories presented in the museum were very interesting and educational. As an immigrant myself, I felt very moved by them. I recommend this museum to everyone. If you are interested in understanding the experience of immigrants and the many reasons they choose to leave their countries, this place will be eye opening. It's also a great way to learn about some of the history of Halifax and Canada.

George Brown

A beautiful museum with enough information for multiple visits. Great staff that help you find information on your family, and give great tours. Price is worth it! Nice selection of gifts all in one place. Has area where you can check on family roots. Excellent place to go visit.

Sebastian Kluth

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is one of the very best museums I have ever visited. Guided tours are brief and informative and take about half an hour. There are two extra exhibitions you can visit on your own. You should definitely watch the documentary about immigration that takes a little more than twenty minutes. I visited everything and it took me about two and a half hours, so bring some time if you want to enjoy your visit.

Marjorie Sarna

Certainly did not have enough time to see everything. We only got there at 4 & missed tours and the time to see both displays. I went immediately to Pier 21 as that was what I most interested in and spent my time there. It was important to me because that is where my Canadian father left during WWII and my Dutch mother, now a War-bride, entered Canada. I never expected it to be as emotional as it was and to be in the actual spot of arrival. When you turned around, you could see George's Island & McNabb Island in the Halifax Harbour and realize that this was her first steps on Canadian soil and the view she would have seen coming off the ship. The information and displays were excellent! I also walked onto the train and sat down to observe, knowing that my mother did just that traveling from Halifax to Regina. Years later, she would tell us that it was probably the longest train ride she ever had. All in all, it was well worth it!

Khiya Hillyard

Awesome museum! I was lucky enough to be given a tour by an old gentleman who actually immigrated through Pier 21 in the 1950s. What an experience!

Yannis F

Overall good experience. I wish the flow through the museum was better. I did not take the guided tour and maybe that was my mistake. Overall very interesting artifacts, very clean and lots of info on every item exhibited

Shane Lindsey

Great museum. Recommended visit and if you do try the 30 min tour. Excellent insight into the history of Pier 21

Darlene Ervanowitz

The immigration research resource available is invaluable, in a mere 40 minutes the professional researcher found the record I'd been seeking for seven years. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the talented staff.

Eugene T

What a fantastic museum. You learn so much about immigration history. There is also a movie and is well worth the watch. It makes one proud to be Canadian.

Brian MacAskill

Fascinating visit here. A real eye-opener. Make sure to catch the short film about modern Canadian immigrants.

Philippe Tremblay

Tells important and touching stories about Canadian history. Great place to spend a couple of hours on the Halifax waterfront.

Maggie Miller

Although we have no relatives that imagrated to Canada, we enjoyed learning the history of the people that make up this unique & beautiful country.

Harold Cabitac

Liked the stories of immigrants and how they came over. Loved thr stories and letters of when they arrived and re-settled.

moises rodríguez

90 per cent of all immigrants to Canada came through peer 21 in Halifax until 1971.

Jason Edgar

Great experience. Brought home to me how important immigration had been to Canada, and made me feel even more Canadian than even my citizenship ceremony did.

Paul Glasbergen

Very interesting place to learn about my parents first steps in Canada.

Mike THURLOW

For those that love museums I'm sure you will like this exhibition of various stories of people immigrating to Canada. The museum is walk on your own and read various stories or articles about people. If there was a tour and explaination it may have been a little better. I did enjoy the genealogy section where you could find information about there landing in Canada. I can check off I have done it and would not return based on associated cost and limited info. That being said I'm not telling people not to go if this is information that interests you as it will be enjoyable. Exhibits are nicely done with lots of videos and hearing stories.

Jessica Shepherd

Great musem something for all ages. Several artifacts can be touched, and may still work. Kids love the working phones, typewriter, and turn of the century cash registers.

Anantha Sri Purnima

the place is very informative with details of immigration, refugees and history of Pier 21. a lot of reading to be done and after a while it started to get on us. we ended up skipping some points.

Simon van Norden

Profoundly moving, it teaches history without whitewashing Canada's record. The temporary exhibit on refugees was esp. good.

J. Ross Mayhew

An all-too-often overlooked gem of a museum!! Great for finding interesting information and displays about immigration into Canada and Nova Scotia, and to help trace your immigrant-related ancestry. I found the staff to be extremely useful, polite and patient. If you haven't seen this slightly out of the way (but only a few minutes' walk from downtown!!) but QUITE wonderful place.... DO IT NOW!

Trent Helms

This type of museum should be in any major port or destination for immigrants to Canada. While the permanent exhibit was touching, it focused primarily on the history of Pier 21. The personal testimonies made the history come to life and the "Jour 1" exhibit brought everyone to tears at least once. We could have spent all day there, but the visit is an intense emotional experience and so a couple of hours was enough. Will definitely return on next trip to Halifax.

Logan Jones

Great museum which does a great job of showing how our everyone came to Canada. The guided tour was excellent to show exactly what it was like for people arriving to Pier 21.

Don Kane

One of the most interesting and useful museums in the Halifax area. Wonderful changing exhibitions. Recommendations a +15 out of 10!

Valentina Kenny

The museum is small and just a bit boring, it has great views of the water, my son loves "the train ride" section and keeps asking to go there just for that. Try to go when it's free. The museum organizes and hosts many wonderful events and for that alone, it is 5 stars

Matthew Carleton

Excellent! Highly recommended.

Alysia Emmanuel

Very knowledgeable staff! And a great exhibits!

Lorie Ercolani

Nice museum to visit about the immigrants who came to this country and the conditions they traveled in. There are nice shops there too and on Saturday the Farmers market is a great visit, Sunday too

Villagemayor

I have to say it is one of the best museums hands down. Learn so much of how this country was built, through immigrants. Even if you are 3 or 4th generation Canadian we are all immigrants. The guided tour is excellent. I attended a tour of anti-Asian immigration, and the guide is Asian herself. She was so professional and despite the difficult topic, she spoke eloquently without bias or anger.

T. Horn

If you're looking for assistance in your family search, its worth a stop here to check the database. I was quite pleasantly surprised to find a couple of records I didn't know before. Thank you staff for your help! much appreciated!

Charles Coutu

Every generation that came in

Erich Weingartner

If you are an immigrant or are descended from immigrants, the museum at Pier 21 will awaken some deep memories and emotions within you. More attention could have been given to immigration at entry places other than Pier 21 in Halifax. I entered Canada 65 years ago on the ship Beaverbrae at St. John New Brunswick, for example.

Marc Rivard

Great place to visit. If you are in the area, take the time to visit and understand a little more about immigration and the reasons people come to Canada.

Jay Vagh

A really great museum to visit. It's a very humbling experience to see how immigrants first moved to Canada. So much has changed since then but the movie they show was also very touching. I really liked my visit

Simon Gomez

kids had a blast here watching Symphony Nova Scotia.

Kim Salter

Wonderful place to understand what it was like to immigrate to Canada in the past. Beautiful stories and mementoes. Often there are family events and entertainment provided here - something for everyone.

guitarrhythm1996

Pier 21 is the best museum I have ever visited. It is very touching and a must-see if you are in the Halifax area.

Cathy Puskas

This is a must see if you're in Halifax. The exhibits are extremely well curated and interesting. There are sections that are quite moving. I liked that the exhibits did include sections regarding the impact of racism. If you can make it to the museum before November 11, 2018, the special exhibit Refuge should be visited. Some of the content is quite difficult to take in, but it's important and timely. Last point, if you have family that immigrated to Canada, visit the research room to learn more about the journey (you will need consent forms filled in if the immigration was after 1935).

Jana Lindsay

Wonderful museum. Fun place to stop and spend a couple of hours. Very well done.

Norbert Aschenbrenner

Very impressing to see how thousands of people came to Canada. The exhibition makes you feel how they felt.

Lisa-Mae MacDonald

So cool. Way more there then I thought. More things for kids to do of all ages. Was nice to have people there that could help me look up what ship my Grandmother came to Canada on in the 1930s. Nice guide tours. A must go when in Halifax.

Michelle Marie Tucker

For me and my family this was an incredible experience, the tour, the documentary everything was great specially the help we got from the lady that help us to find information about our family.

Jagdish Bodani

One of the best museums I have visited. Detailed information with nice pictures. Tells you how immigrants migrated to Canada and how nicely they were welcomed.

Dennis Warmke

I'm glad j got to see this museum, because it is the Canadian versio of the US's "Ellis Island" in New York, or the place where European immigrants were screened before they were allowed to immigrate. The tour allows you to experience this process like an immigrant would have early in the 1900's. It even included a train car like the immigrants were loaded on for a cross-country trip to Western Canada. It was worth the time and cost to see how things used to be...Highly educational and interesting!

David Ren

As an immigrant, this originally felt scam-y. Price was definitely higher than it should be, but if you're in Halifax, it's worth stopping once in your life. As with all history, it's painted generously, in this case, with a biased positive-Canadian-government brush.

Victoria Gee

One of the BEST museums I've ever been to! The history that is captured within these walls tell its own story but the exhibits and interactive displays allow the visitor to become fully immersed. Something for everyone of all ages! I recommend starting with the tour of the exhibit hall about Pier 21and then going back to explore later yourself (count yourself lucky if you have Zoe as your tour guide, she was FANTASTIC)! And don't forget to check out the 20 min movie as well - it shows how people in recent decades have immigrated to Canada and how their lives have been shaped! I'd go back every day here!

Greg Anonymous

Pretty interesting. Nice to find out where my ancestors entered Canada

Adam Z

My friend and I came here because our grandparents stepped off the boat from Italy here back in the 1950's. What a great place. It was cool to stand in the same place they did all those years ago.

Connolly K

Great exhibit! My grandmother came through here when she immigrated to Canada from Europe in 1950. Very cool to visit her port of arrival. The museum really was incredibly informative and they even had a special library to help visitors find their family. Such a great time. I can't wait to visit again. Really nice to see history preserved. All should visit.

Sepali Samanmali

Learning place for everyone about immigration history...

Jamie Buell

Excellent musuem. Very interesting displays. Lots of history of families immigrating to Canada. Worth the stop.

Richard Boothroyd

Very interesting and thought provoking stories of all the immigrants that passed through Pier 21

Booker School HoS

The staff at Pier 21 Museum gave our students a great tour on Friday with amazing simulations to teach them about immigration. It was a worthwhile experience and well worth the trip down from the Valley. Thanks team

Konrad Tabay

Great museum and awesome food in the farmer's market!

dane rude

Good place to visit found paper of grama who came to Canada in 1920

divinebovine12185

Really interesting exhibits! Love stuff like being able to go into the train cars

Kari Douglas

Could have done without this tour. Just was not that interactive

Caitlin Renema

A great way to spend an afternoon! The staff are very knowledgable about the history of immigration in Canada. Definitely worth checking out if you have history with Pier 21!

Stuart Sugar

Very good tribute to the role of immigration in Canada's history; for obvious reasons focuses on people who came to Canada by sea in the pre-flight era. Most stories date back to the 1930s, before Pier 21 was even built. Really no history pre-1930. Good overview of not the most detailed. Tries to cover immigrants and refugees from every modern diaspora; in the process losses some impact. Still recommended for a perspective on Canada's role and impact on global displacement.

Mega Bear

We ran out of time so we didn't get to visit but next time it will be on the must see list. I would like to find the names of family and the ships and dates of my own history. Ha, the history of Mega. I must go as should you.

Jason M

Great Canadian museum. Lots of Information if your family immigrated to Canada. Staff were very resourceful and willing to help.

Karen “kokopelli” Haehn

Ron’s parents immigrated from Germany in 1952 arriving at Pier 21. It was a very special place to visit and walk down the halls they walked. Great guided tours and spectacular museums

Neil Matheson

Just had a brief look while there for another function. Very interesting and sobering to see process of immigration. Customs were focused on contraband of food and alcohol!

Miroslava Antalova

We came a little late and only had about 1.5hrs to explore thus amazing place... the time passed so quickly we didn't even realize it was a closing time! I'd definitely go again to explore the rest if this unique museum. So engaging and interactive, we loved it!

Helmi Yousif

Its nice place has a lot of interesting knowledge and fun for kids Every year there is new exhibition happens only one time It great place for newcomers to volunteer for.

Jesus Jiménez Sánchez

By far, one of the most interesting museums I've ever visited

Leo Mc Carron

This place is amazing,to see where many immigrants came to start a new life and the challenges they had to face. The videos and displays is an excellent experience

Bruce White

It is a must see when in Halifax

Shae Tanasychuk

Somber and thorough look through Canadian immigration history. Only reason I didn't give it five stars is that it's really long, I was really tired by the end. It wasn't graphic or brutal but it was a bit emotional. Keep that in mind as it's not a lighthearted experience.

Brett Surbey

My wife and I came to the museum in order to find out the history of some of her relatives which came over to Canada from Europe. We sat down with a very pleasant lady who proceeded to ask us vital questions regarding her heritage such as when they came over to Canada and maybe even what ship they would have taken. The process was absolutely seamless and very interesting! We got to take home print outside of documents used to record the information that our family members were on ships headed to Canada! We both had a very cool experience understanding the past and exploring the future of immigration in the museum portion of Pier 21. Loved it.

Shelly Baker

A small but excellent museum uniquely beautiful on the pier. The refugee exhibit is incredibly informative and the immigration exhibit helps transport you back in time.

Carthage

A detailed exploration of Canada's checkered history dealing with immigration. From early colonization and first nations treaties, to 21st century practices, the Canadian Museum of Immigration shows us our history as a nation of immigrants. An absolute must see for all Canadians

Anna Krapik

Perfect place to follow the history of immigration flow in Canada and understand the culture of this country. Very interesting with a good explanations and touching testimonies.

ROBERT KERRY

Excellent museum telling the story of Canadian immigration over the years. The wife's aunt arrived at Pier 21 in 1946 with 2 young daughters to start a new life in Newfoundland.

Nicholas McIlmoyle

Nothing like it. They have an exhibition on refugees and show you the life in their eyes and it opened me up to a whole new way of looking!!! You definitely need to go. And it was under $10 a person which is even better!!!

Sharon Wojewoda

The people are wonderful but if you're looking for records after 1935 you have to go to Ottawa.

Andrew Mann

Great source of information but not sure what point they are trying to make. We are a Barrie if immigrants but there was too much space wasted on every day families histories that I found to be not very interesting and if no real significance it impact to our county.

phil degagne

Great wedding venue!

J C

An informative and interesting museum. There is lots to read and learn here!

Goran Mihajlovic

I thoroughly enjoyed the museum. It was broken into two parts: immigration primarily through the pier itself, and overall immigration to Canada. I appreciated that they included the impact on Indigenous people in Canada. Well worth a visit in Halifax.

Alan Thygesen

Excellent...Another place for young and old to learn so much about our great country!! And the beautiful province of Nova Scotia..

Peter

What an asset this is for the whole of Canada. You have put so much imagination into the exhibits that we feel a part of history as we interact with everything. We were in Canada to meet family but hadn't thought about looking up the family members who emigrated. We were helped so much that we could track a great uncle back to his ships manifest and identify a relative who travelled with him.

Bob Pattison

Very helpful and knowledgeable staff members

Mike Mescia

Large exhibit to view and spend some time on a rainy day. Good stories to read throughout the tour and lots of time related pieces to view.

Don Broome

Must see in Halifax. Great spot to find out about your family's history and see great historical pictures and documents. Lots of antiquity. Got my great grandfather's immigration information got my day. Framing it up for his 75th.

Erik K

An ok, small and overpriced museum. There were some direct family ties that made the trip worthwhile for me. Otherwise, I could have passed.

Martin Ois

Has area where you can check on family roots. Excellent place to go visit.

Benjamin Dodson

Our guided tour was really special - given by someone that actually immigrated through Pier 21 at age 17. A priceless perspective.

mieckers L

I went here in a whim, having had everything closed when I was gallivanting in the area. I took the guided tour and I was wowed by the rich history and this place's contribution to Canada's immigration and Canada's being (if I'm honest). I got chills experiencing a taste of what it was like for immigrants to come into a foreign country for the first time, with very little food, exhausted from the voyage and not knowing where to go and what the future holds. It was truly a great experience.

Gary Perlman

There were several attractions including informative exhibits and a guided tour. The tour gave a realistic portrayal of immigration and the problems faced. I did not see the video. I spent a while in the genealogy centre, where I thought I would be able to do some research. Instead, a genealogist searched Ancestry for me. I wasn't prepared, but I do a lot of genealogy, so I asked for help on some family mysteries while I pulled up records on my phone. My genealogist was very fast and found some passenger lists I'd not seen, and printed them for me to take home.

R C

The Canadian Museum of Immigration was a memorable experience to visit. It was very informative, interactive, and educational with each exhibit. A great collection of artifacts and learning about the compelling immigration and refugee stories from individuals around the world. You can even trace your roots in the (The Scotiabank Family History Centre) and look up family members that may have immigrated to Canada. The staff were so friendly and knowledgable.

Hilda C

Not particularly interesting to me. It can be quite touching for those who have immigrated through hardship and war though. It's good that there is a place commemorating this aspect of our country.

Tara Lewis-Lisi

Amazing museum of our history. The good and the bad. Fascinating.

David De Battista

Extremely interesting

Heather Taft

Great!

Stewart Roth

Great place to learn about Canadian history!

Karol King

Clean and well-maintained. Lovely shops. Efficient, friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Robert Shellington

Where my wife landed when she came to Canada. Great historical site for everyone

Emma

This was my favourite museum we went to in Halifax. We started with the guided tour (Zoe our guide was fantastic!) and then spent time exploring the museum after.

Nury Lopez

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is Canada's national museum of immigration. The museum occupies part of Pier 21, the former ocean liner terminal and immigration shed from 1928 to 1971. Pier 21 is Canada's last remaining ocean immigration shed. The facility is often compared to Ellis Island (1892-1954), in terms of its importance to mid-20th century immigration to Canada[1] an association it shares with 19th century immigration history at Grosse Isle, Quebec (1832-1932) and Partridge Island in Saint John, New Brunswick (1785-1941)[2]. The Museum began as an independent institution run by the Pier 21 Society in 1999. It became a national museum run by the Canadian federal government in 2011.

Neri Octubre

Intresting history

Luis Marquez

Simply awesome

Jagdish Bodani

One of the best museums I have visited. Detailed information with nice pictures. Tells you how immigrants migrated to Canada and how nicely they were welcomed.

Elaine

Very moving experience. So many stories of people's journey. The tour and film are informative. Plan to spend quite a bit if time to see the displays and listen to the stories.

yogesh rana

Near to port with nice infrastructure.

Jeremiah

Staff helped me track down information on great grandparents who immigrated from Poland in the 20s. Very cool experience!

Carmen Larsen

A very humble experience - a must visit for everyone

Robert McQueen

Very interesting museum about people emigrating to Canada with a view what their experiences were like. A definite must visit.

John Spears

Pier 21 is where the journey to become Canadian started for many people over the last hundred years. This museum captures that history through a variety of exhibits and interactive displays. Really impactful and powerful.

Roberto Moschella

Amazing place. Everyone should see it you can look up family's imagination papers . Very friendly staff. We did a tour there (witch is free) they teach you alot and the guide was very knowledgeable and could answer pretty much all questions thrown at her.

Philip V

I found my grandfather's immigration records here, and the staff were so kind to help me get it. Thank you so much. Also the explanation of the main gateway to Canada in the 19th and 20th century was so interesting. I didn't know that they refused people who wore glasses to come to Canada.

Vin dageb

Please take the free guided tour and go see the movie - gave a good sense of the immigration process. Not too overlooking the bad sides of the immigration in Canada: discussion about the limited Asian immigration policies, for exemple.

Sarah Ludlow

I really enjoyed how interactive the museum exhibits are and I loved reading all the quotes from immigrants and refugees. So interesting!

Janet Barbour

Did not go to museum side. Too many cute shops set up to snare cruise passenger's

Joanne K

It was nice that they offered tour guides at 2:00 and 3:00. Significantly reduce the amount of reading but provided the highlight of the imporrant information

Gergely Bodnár

History of immigration

Connor Macpherson

Awesome went there with my school it was cool to see the stuff that people used and great views and great staff

Jan Kemp

As a first generation Canadian, it was incredibly moving to see where my parents landed. Well done exhibit! The staff in the library were excellent.

George Visintin

Very emotional exhibit for those of us who arrived here so many decades ago. Very well managed and great info provided by our guide, James.

Karen Kaufman

Very informative, staff wonderful and a very entertaining production of Pier 21....we'll be back.

Tim Lewis

Great museum telling the history of Canada's immigration. The film is particularly excellent.

Mathew Ozolin

Fascinating place for anyone who wants to learn about Canadian culture and pay respect to those who helped build this country. Staff are all extremely friendly and knowledgeable The displays are all fresh and easy to follow Would not recommend for children

Ray Swiderek

Wonderful experience especially the family research center. My assistant was very helpful and found my grandfather's records even though I had very little information other than a name. Very moving.

Julia N.

I would recommend doing the guided tour of both of the exhibits (30 mins each). Very interesting!

Anthony Scardillo

Outstanding. Staff was incredible. Helped me find my father's manifest in minutes. All exhibits were well done and really authentic. Great visit

Eric Smith

As an American (with sketchy history on immigration) it is heartwarming to see a country embrassing its history. Warts and all.

Richard C

Very well presented and interactive recreation of the 1800s/1900s

Wanda Bryks

Was very cool and informative! It is so great to learn the history of immigration and the articles/artifacts are interesting. Even have a place where you can look up your ancestors that came to Canada. Just make sure you have all information like birthdates, approx. The year they came,

Barrister Solicitor

Informative. Every Canadian should participate

Richard Charlton

Anti-climax. Brought with me a visitor from the UK expecting to show off the exceptional and unique 65 foot wide 3D theater presentation which is always worth the admission fee, and was exasperated watching the 20 minute replacement film on multiculturalism, which had nothing to do with Pier 21. Simply multicultural promotion (although without a single voice, insert, or interview with anyone from England, Ireland or Wales. . . like an out-writing of the past). While what remained to be seen at Pier 21 was well done, without the 3D presentation it was hardly worth the money.

Howard Falcon

Good place to go to learn about the history and culture that makes up the great place of Nova Scotia.

Kathryn Seville

Excellent museum. What a great country canada is.

Kevin Leitch

Fascinating great exhibits nicely done very nice staff. The Scotia bank library was super and free family tree search, it was a very nice way to spend my Sunday with my family.

Richard Thompson

This place was excellent. I thought it might be a tourist trap based on its proximity to the people stepping right off the cruise ship, but it was not. Lots of interesting stories, perspectives, and well presented history.

JJ Roth

Great People, Great History Told of the immigration process and People throughout the years. Very well Done!

K S

Kirby helped me find the ships that my ancestors came in on. Tour and exhibits were fascinating.

Richard Carter

F A N T A S T I C ! Every Canadian should visit this museum when in Halifax. I loved it. Nice displays. Small area where the staff can help you find ancestors who arrived here! They found a picture of the boat that sailed from England and arrived with my grandfather in Canada in 1928. Amazing. They also gave me other information that I never knew. Great! ????

Jack Olson

Good historical overview of immigration to Canada. Covers changes in origin of immigrants over time and evolution of Canadian immigration policy and attitudes of Canadians towards immigrants. Much more positive portrayal than current US administration attitude on immigration.

Rania Ghaly

Very interesting and informative. If you haven't been there...you really should put it on your to-do list. I recommend the guided tour.

Cesar Ramirez

This is a "most to go ! Have the history of the inmigration in canada if you are an inmigrant or granson of inmigrant of great great son of pioners either french or english or irish or italian or wherever you need to come to this place is fabulous

Derek MacKinnon

Great learming about this crutial part of our history and how so many immigrants came here :)

Susanne B

Incredibly helpful staff. Wow.

Jairus Maus

Interesting and informative museum dedicated to the history of the settlement of Canada and the waves of immigration that influenced the character of the country we have become. Current updates describe the arrival of refugees, the dangers that they were leaving behind and the challenges that they face as well as the contributions that they have made to Canada. Lots of information and animation to hold the interest of all ages and even access to the records about your own family's arrival to this country.

John Chan

Very impressive. It is a great source of information for the future generations to understand the hardship their ancestors have endure in the days. It will remind them to treasure the presence.

Rebecca Melsheimer

The museum did a good job of exploring both the pros and cons of immigration through personal stories. The people at the archives were very helpful with searching for family who immigrated to Canada.

PT

Not what I expected. Some great information learned but to much was about recent immigrants and not a lot of detailed focus on past immigrants. A high entrance fee for what is on exhibit.

Ken Langlois

I was very surprised at the amount of immigrants that came through pier 21. While walking through the exibit there were many interactive displays and items from that era. There are guided tours and films at regular times throughout the day. Although I've lived here for many years now this was my first time there. Well worth the time and visit.

Sandra Shewchuk

Interactive and engaging museum displays. Highly recommend taking a tour as it.rwally connects you to the past

John-Bosco Kaikai

A great place to learn about the history of Canadian immigration. Tours, movies and personal touches are provided.

Kayla Mann

Beautiful museum. Hit home for me as my family immigrated through here.

Wendy Kaczur

If you have had relatives immigrate to Canada especially prior to 1935 you can easily find records of you have basic info. Name date of birth or just birth year and year immigrated. There are a great team of workers that will do above and beyond to try and help you find the info. Tks!!!

Gilles Boulley

Great service. It was nice to discover my ancestry.

Mary Mcfarland

Really enjoys chatting with the lady. She has alot of Knowledge

Peter Moloney

Great place to visit. Be sure to do the tour and movie. The research room is worth a stop, as well. The staff was very helpful.

Christopher Van Wieren

Was going to get a your around but they have less than ideal hours. They close at 530 so we didn't have time to go around when we arrived at 430. Wasn't going to pay $15 a person if we were going to be kicked out within an hour

G Aquino

Great museum documenting the immigration history of Canada, past and present. The 30-minute film being shown at the second level, which told the stories of recent arrivals from various countries and cultures, was poignant and moving I was moved to tears on several occasions. Standing at the second floor where new European immigrants landed via huge ships and then processed caught my imagination. My visit couldn't have come at a better time, when anti-immigration sentiments are sweeping much of the West. The museum gave me a sense of optimism about the way forward and the efforts being done to ensure that migration continues to help those that need it the most.

Herman Borkent

A good place to refresh some our history. Too much emphasis on AV teaching, and sadly, mostly critical of the Canadian government through all the decades. Numerous family members came through Pier 21 in 1951, and it has been a respected part of their immigration story.

Sean Mahoney

Halifax was One of the stops on our Quebec City to New York City cruise. This museum was very informative.

Michael Levesque

This was a great experience and very enlightening. The temporary exhibit of refugees is really incredible.

Karin Gilroy

Friendly helpful and knowledgable staff.lots to do here for history buffs. They have monthly topical presented by guest speakers.

Evan Coulstring

This place is outstanding since the renovations. So much to see, so much to learn. You can even get your family history. Worth the time to explore.

Kate North

Well told story of immigration in Canada. I would love to bring our kids back here. Our tour with George was great. He is a wonderful asset to the museum with his own experiences of immigrating through Pier 21.

Ralf Spaeth

Very good tour guide!

Wilma Haas

Fascinating place. I loved this museum and suspect anyone else, who had a connection to immigration to Canada in the last century, will too.

Stewart Slaymaker

Great museum, with some really informative and eye-opening exhibits such as the refugee exhibit. The guided tours are a good introduction to the museum - there were people in our group who had immigrated to Canada as children and had passed through Pier 21, which added to the impact of our visit.

Peter Belsanti

A definite must for tourists. If you have ancestors that immigrated to Canada (over 75 years ago) chances are you'll be able to find records of their arrival in Canada. More recent arrivals are considered private and still held in Ottawa. The museum really does a great job of putting you in the shoes of an immigrant coming over in the 50's and 60's.

Aneta W

Tour guide Sky was very informative. Whole museum is a must see in Halifax.

Curtis Collard

This was eye opening. We are a nation of immigrants, which can be easily forgotten. It is particularly interesting that you can get free help with research on your background.

Michael Beltrano

I visited this place during a trip out East to better understand immigration through Pier 21. I was especially interested in immigration from Europe as I have family who passed through Pier 21. I was impressed by the overall museum, presentations and media available, but was left somewhat disappointed by the confusion at the Scotiabank Family History Centre. A lot of individuals were conducting research in the centre but when I made similar attempts, it was explained to me that much of what I was hoping to access (family and family friends who came through Pier 21) was not available due to privacy. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to use the facility to access anything and so I left somewhat disappointed but also confused as to the process. It might be helpful to have a quick reference guide or perhaps a more guided explanation as to whats available through the Family History Centre to make it easier for folks passing through looking for similar information. Other than this part of the visit I was pleased with the experience.

Paul Whyte

An eye opener. We all need to see how this country was formed...and a large part of that was via immigration. Very interesting displays.

Erin Schmidt

Great look into Canadian history. I learned so much there. And it is super family friendly. So glad we did this

m anders

Very interesting. The staff were very friendly and informative. Would have like to spend more time then was possible with my young son. If I get the chance, I will go back. Very touching and sad at the same time. This is where a number of my family members came to Canada as others and even though I have never been here before it is an emotional and special place for me. Thank you.

Marlene GOVAERTS

Dive back in your family history. Did some lookup for my best friend. They have people available that will dive into your history if you know they came in through Halifax-New Brunswick. Found out lots, purchased a copy to take home for her. The museum is well set up. Beautiful displays about life on the ship in those days. Worthwhile to do guided tour. Left a big impression on me for sure.

John Villanueva

This place are very attractive. It has a dock area for cruise ship. Also, it is a place to buy survenir. The reason I gave 4 star because for disability ramp need improvement.

Tara McCreery

Enjoyed the museum, displays and information provided. It's a good starting point for information but like many institutions receiving government funding the information is sanitized. The buildings location along the waterfront is beautiful. Start here for the basic info and continue exploring the Canadian history with other sources and perspectives.

R DAng

Always a pleasure coming back to Pier 21 - my first stop on any visit to Halifax.

Andrea

Plan to spend 3 hours there. If you are wanting to look up your family history, it really helps to know the proper names, birthdates, siblings, and possible immigration year. Super interesting. Tour and 15 minute minute video are very informative, definitely attend those.

xav cad

Gateway to peace and freedom

Darnell Forde

Thank you for making our Wedding a success. Your staff was great and everything was on time and on point. With RCR catering one of the best meals I've ever tasted, Pier 21 delivered on everything it said. I got the pic I dreamed about in the window in front of George's Island.

N N

Great place for a visit. Lots of cool interactive exhibits

Marilyn Jaye

Very interesting place. Your takes about 30 minutes....there is an area to do ancestry research and they are very helpful although we were not as successful as we'd hoped to be...worth a visit, especially if you have a Canada connection.

Erik Vander Ahe

We couldn't look up my wife's parents due to legislation. It has to be 75 years since they landed. For my mother-in-law, she can write in for her own, but my father-in-law passed away four years so ago, so we have to wait until 2026.

P Milburn

They use ancestry.ca but it's free and the expertise and kindness of the employees is tremendously helpful in getting results. I was able to find my Great, Great grandfather's arrival date into Halifax, the pier, the boat he arrived on, and even the English census showing my Greatx3 grandparents and his siblings. Very cool!

James Craig

Finally got to see where my family came from and how I completely appreciate being 1st generation Canadian.

Stephen LaLonde

Excellent museum of the broad scope of Canadian immigration history and the major role made by Halifax as a port of entry. The guided tours are excellent with guides who are well informed and engaging. Displays are modern and well developed. A must see.

Jiwon O.

Friendly and diverse staff. Really enjoyed the tour. Our guide was very informative.

Jenn miller

Very interesting and we will be back again!