Reviews of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (Museum)

Vishnu Krishnakumar

A really good view of the city Halifax from the top both day and night!

Ellen MacDonald

An awesome place to walk in the city of Halifax. The rolling hills within the hill offers a great place for jogging and walking. The fortress itself is rich in history and worth a look especially if you are looking to learn more about our military and numerous missions. Watch out for the noon gun. It can give tourists a fright. At one time, the fortress on the hill protected the city, now the city protects the hill.

Ashleigh Woodward

We had a great visit here, having driven around it but never been inside. We found it helpful to be there for when it opened at 10 am, as we didn't have any concerns about parking, waiting in line, crowding, etc. Recommend visiting during good weather if possible. Our tour guide was a knowledgeable University student who went out of her way to answer our questions during our free 20-minute tour (offered in both English and French). Beautiful views from the ramparts, and a very safe-feeling excursion during Covid times as most visitors followed the protocol of masks on when indoors. The museum on the second floor was really interesting and full of treasures that you might not see elsewhere (Roman sword, Victoria Crosses). Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, definitely worth checking out when you are in Halifax!

Mohawks and Tomahawks

It's a Star Fort! With canons! That will shake you to the core everyday at noon. What more do you want? Military Uniforms? Actors? Sure they've got that too! It's a great piece of NS History to be sure. 20 years ago, it was more impressive than it's current set up, but still a great afternoon to be had here. I visit every time I come to Halifax, and I'm sure I'll continue to do so.

Joy Fajardo

Enjoyed the view. We only spend a couple of minutes cause it’s raining but because there’s not a lot of people we captured some nice shots.

James Whitehead

We took our three kids there on Remembrance Day. It was a great way to remember our veterans. The Juno Beach exhibit is powerful and the Military museum is incredible. Lest we forget.

Natalie Cantle

Great place to just sit, have a picnic, play with your dog, or just hang out ! Can sometimes get crowded ! But also a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Also a great place to get some exercise in or check out the historic site for a tour.

Mohamad cheayb

Perfect place to see the city from this fortress. There are old canons all around.

Steff Klingbeil

I loved the citadel! I was so pleasantly surprised by all the cool things you could see. Its so nice to walk through history. They had small museums to peruse. Make sure you go around 11/1130 in the morning so you can be there for the cannon blast at noon!

Steve Wilson

A well preserved piece of essential Canadian history.

Haitham Chehadi

Great site, historical, museum and militarily items and tracking of wars

Ruth-Ann Gordon

We went at a good time and was able to browse when it was not too busy— closer to the end of the day! Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Its a great spot to see the city. Quite steep so fun for the fit hearts. You can run or walk it. Id recommend doing the citadel while walking on your city tour. Driving is a quick in and out, but you cant really stop for extended periods of time, parking patrol are quite active! It’s interesting if you love history and seeing how they lived. It would be good to have printed in the Citadel brochure that Jamaican maroons built it. That is a very important part in the history of the fort!

Stacy Bruce (ブルース寿帝士)

We absolutely loved our visit!

Karl 1974

Citadel Hill is a hill that is a National Historic Site in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Four fortifications have been constructed on Citadel Hill since the city was founded by the English in 1749, and were referred to as Fort George—but …

Carlin Scuderi

Very cool historic landmark with great views of the city. It's a big place, but there are a lot of small rooms along the sides and in the middle with things to do (movies, photo ops, etc.). There was a really cool war time trench you can walk through that gives you an idea of what soldiers saw during that era. That was one of my favorite parts. Overall, you could spend a few hours here. We walked from downtown Halifax.

John Taylor

What a fantastic place. This fort gives you a sense of history in Eastern Canada. Well maintained and restored, it is a great stop if you are in Halifax. It also has a great view of the surrounding area!

P Green

Lovely walk at the Citadel. We'll kept even in winter, with a great view of the city.

Tara Elizabeth

Beautiful viewpoint in this historic city. Sometimes you feel like you are walking through Europe as you take in the historic buildings. Then you remember you are learning about the roots of Canada!

Eskimo Buddha

Pristine condition historic fortification. At noon, every day, they fire one pound of black powder (really!) from an ancient cannon with can be heard for miles which will scare the daylights out of you if unexpected. The locals use the surrounding grass to enjoy the sun. Must see.

Jer Green (Greener)

Such an amazing historic place to visit! The kids loved the noon gun and the cannons on display. They even had a couple of free charging stations for electric vehicles.

rebecca donnell

Parks Canada has done a good job of maintaining this site. Staff are helpful and the views are lovely. Walkway goes around the entire site that can be used free of charge.

Dustin Walker

Amazing historical site with awesome displays walking you through the history of the Citadel. On the ramparts you have some great views of the Halifax down to the waterfront and you get a sense of just how important this site was especially if you visualize the taller buildings not being there. It also has the Canadian Army Museum which was great!

Cynthia P

We have seen so many of forts and citadels, I wasn’t sure how this one would be different. The Citadel is very well restored, with costumed cast members, tours and rooms furnished as in the period. In honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day they have a display of Juneau Beach. There is an military museum that is well done. We spent 2 hours and could have easily spent more time if we could.

Sandy T

Wonderful place with so much history. The young man playing the pipes is so talented too. The view is amazing. Take time and join one of the tours to learn more about the history!

Letitia C

What a great visit. A must do in Halifax. There were live exhibits happening throughout with many guides to give more information to visitors. Gun firing. Live pipers. Changing of the sentries. Touring all the rooms. Trying on uniforms. Climbing the walls. Lots to do in the 2 + hours we were there. If you have kids get them to do the Xplorers program. There is a cafe and we enjoyed our oat cookie snack immensely.

Julian Wong

This must be an interesting place for Canadian because of the historic background. There is so much to see and learn about Canadian history. The people running this place also put up many activities like shooting the musket to relive the history. The place is big and not much shelter so be wary of the sun during the summer. There is limited parking in the Citadel so be prepared to do some climbing if you park further away and allocate at least an hour or more to enjoy this place. The museum is a good place to avoid the hot sun.

Janessa Irene

Going in the low season is always a better experience in our opinion. We were able to stay and talk with one of the museum workers about the building, the restoration and even the drainage. The noon Canon was awesome.

Dimitris Protsios

A must visit of you are in the city. Be there before 12 noon to watch the noon gun firing! Lots of historic buildings, great ity views and very nice guided tour provided. The museum inside the fort has a lot of interesting artifacts, uniforms and a huge variety of guns covering different eras. Nice gift shop too. You can easily spend 3-4 hours to see everything.

Linda Sneath

A great place to visit, but give yourself enough time as there is so much to see and read. We spent 3 hours here but could've stayed longer. Many interesting and educational exhibits inside of the buildings of the Citadel. The war museum is a must see. Very friendly staff, many restaurants close to the site.

Dave Garroway

Always a great place to visit every so often. Noon gun can set off many memories and its roar and echo are memorable. Think what a 32pounder on a man of war would do to the eardrums

Rajasekhara Reddy

Nice place to have a walk and see downtown Halifax from top view . It’s wonderful during sunset .

Pascal W. Couillard

A beautiful place to visit. Really cool to wrap you head around and imagine how things used to be back in the day. Lots of old military equipment and the people working here are period-dressed.the best part is it gives you a good lay of the land of Halifax and the shape of the city. I would recommend 60-90 minutes to visit at minimum. Some great pictures to be taken from the north and south platforms.

Sarah Rumley

We have visited the Halifax Citadel several times during the day but never at night. The ghost tour was fantastic!

Murilo Torres

What a great spot to enjoy with your family and friends! Thanks Halifax!! ????????

Stewart Meow

Great, recommend to anyone

Kirk Bratvold

An informative historic resource with great city views.

Nathalie Landry

I love this kind of historic places but unfortunately I'm injuries and need a wheelchair. This place is AWFUL for person who need wheelchair. Also, no military discount like Quebec citadelle. …

Mirosław Ławczys

One of the not-to-be-missed Halifax attractions. Be there for noon canon salute.

Denise Kitagawa

In addition to the history, this is a great location for photography (architecture, landscape, people and costumes) and has interesting geology. We spent a couple of hours wandering. Highlights included the changing of the guard and all the …

Tristin Wall

Very cool fort. I wish things were open like the cafe and gift shop but due to covid and it being December everything was closed. At 12:00 each day the in charecter guards fire a cannon and it is very cool!

Cindy-Lee Samuel

Very informative and worth planning to be there for the noon cannon blast.

sam cholakian

Well kept Citadel , very helpful crew.

T Duong

Fun little themed fort. Many of the parks canada employees dressed in costume to imitate the lifestyle of the early settlers. …

Gulfam Haqnawaz

I loved it, a historical site one should must visit if they are in Halifax. The views are amazing from the top. The walk around this is approximately 1km and gives you the view of waterfront, downtown and as well the other areas of halifax.

Stephen Powell

It was great..they do tours and the folks in period dress are there to answer any question..well worth the trip

Kings Kegwaehi

It was interesting, a lot of history to go through. The 12pm boom was epic!

Andrea Whenham

My husband and I had the guided tour. It took about 40 minutes with quite a large group. The tour guide was great! He was very humorous and was able to answer almost all of the questions asked by the group. The tour was very informative and we were able to visit a large part of the Citadel. I do wish that it was longer, because there were places that you didn't see, like other houses around the Citadel and other areas, but they only have so much time! The Citadel is very well maintained and a great source of information and entertainment for the day!

Rick Cantwell

First time visit to this beautiful city, learning my history all over again but feeling like I was there from the beginning. The knowledge of the staff and info is somewhat unbelievable. Truly a must visit when in Halifax.

Marcus H!!

Great place to see elevated views of the entire city!! Has a great history pertaining to the country if you visit the operation inside. Reasonably priced at $8.

JohnandLis Humphreys

Beautiful site! A must visit in Halifax. Outstanding panoramic views of the city from this site!

Barbara Patterson-Smith

Great historic artifact! People were knowledgeable and friendly. Lots to see and do. Museum is a must see. No changing of the guards due to covid but the cannon being discharged was awesome!

Rodrigo A. Liberato Caetano

One of the day volunteer tour guides is also the guy on the "Haunted Citadel tour" brochure. Great fella.

Sumeet Singh

Incredible place. Extremely beautiful. They have recreated the environment in the fortress as it was in 1760. There are people dressed up as Scottish soldiers who, among other things, fire their guns in a demo. Excellent experience. Highly recommended.

Nikhil Chaurasia

This a nice place to visit and learn about the military deployments which were protecting Canada once. Do take the guided tours which is included in admission price and see the rounds being fired as well. Best time to visit is between 1PM and 3PM to catch all the action.

Robert docta

What a wonderful experience. Please make sure to get money for the entrance and the parking. On one of the pictures there is the prices I think the last one.! Have fun and enjoy. The personnel is fine and you can ask them any questions related to this site.

Steve Knights

It's a great opportunity to travel back in time and see the contribution made by the soldiers who secured the Halifax Harbour at the Citadel.

Lai Chan

Canada goes to WARS! See it, read it and experience it!

Kelley Cornwell

Such a beautiful experience. It was about 12 degrees that day, but the sun was shining and it was great to get out and move around. Breathtaking view of Halifax, NS. Canada

alex leprovost

A beautiful historical site to visit with an amazing view of the city of Halifax! Their live history program keeps the fort animated at all times with recreation of firing squads and drills! The noon gun they fire everyday is also amazing …

Hadi Saifi

From up there you can look all over the city

Richard Daley

Very interesting, has a lot of the Nova Scotia pass history and if you dig deep, there is a lot of things we should not be proud of. Ask about how the fort was built and what happened the the black labor force after the fort was built. A very dark side of our history well the British Empire was in control.

Arthur Soporan

The citadel's a great place to visit for anyone interested in history, be it that of Halifax, Atlantic Canada, the British Empire, or early modern militaries. There's free tours and helpful staff that can show you details and answer questions, and plenty of rooms to explore, both on the grounds and on the ramparts. While on the walls, you get some great views of the city too! There are also several musket firing demonstrations throughout the day and a cannon firing at noon - experiencing those really puts the whole musket era in a new perspective. They have an exhibit dedicated to the evolution of Canada's army, and sometimes they also have specialised exhibits, like for the invasion of Normandy. Overall super cool sights and awesome staff!

Teo Norwood

Ghost tour was very spooky. Loved the stories! Very well guided.

Hamed Hamidi

The whole downtown is under your feet. Make sure not to miss the sunset ????☀️

Chad Embree

This may not be the place that everyone wants to go, but it’s somewhere everyone should go. Learning about Canada’s history in wartime is important. The D-Day physical experience was outstanding and surreal.

Gail McArthur

My 1st visit here...I'm very glad we did the walk through...I would say ..its a must visit.. We were lucky enough to be able to see the lighting of the noon cannon go off ... Very nice staff...so knowable..

J C

This place was a neat visit. The staff are friendly and interactive. The war exhibit was interesting.

S G

An interesting historical site, in excellent condition - I couldn't believe how old it is. We visited during a cloudy Canada Day and learned a lot from the staff. Very easy to find in the middle of downtown Halifax. Terrific views of the city, a surprisingly robust museum within, too.

Marjorie Portman

We’ve been twice to the Citadel and if you’re a history lover, this is the place to come. Great historical site and museum. We managed to catch a tour on our first visit and be around for the noon gun. Amazing. On our second visit with friends visiting from the West, we had a chance to meet Duncan one of the bagpipers who gave us an awesome background about his uniform and bagpipe as well as speaking some Gaelic to us (upon our request). Since we have more visitors coming, I’m sure we’ll be back in a month!

Daniel Richard

Nice place to visit. Awesome friendly staff. And the ghost tours are fun. You get to visit some parts of the fort tunnels at night with just a candle lit lantern.

Adam Conrad

Glad to tour this place as a child. Now I am an adult and it was just as fun go through everything again.

David Carlson

The fort was awesome. It was full of interesting sights and informative displays. The staff was very knowledgable and friendly. One of the highlights was that of the bagpiper playing haunting melodies at various times throughout the day. They also had a partial recreation of D-Day from a Canadian soldier's perspective.

Nick Angiers

This place is amazing! We had originally planned just to go to the top of the hill for the view, but I was really glad we decided to take the tour. It's 25 minutes and is included in your admission fee, which is only $8.90. I also recommend setting aside at least 40 minutes for the awesome museum, so about 1.5-2 hours in total.

Dallas Fleming

Not very busy, remember it from when I was kid, not disappointed in the least. Great place to learn about some of the provinces/nations war history. Recommended for children and history buffs :)

Esron Blavinskij

It's pretty neat, lots of little displays that tell the history of the citadel, and of the city itself. The huge court yatd reminded me of Squid Games. It has some pretty nice views of the harbour too.

Elaine

This is a wonderful experience! Lots of historical displays and people in period costume to explain things. There is opportunity to dress in the typical soldier's uniform complete with kilt and headdress. And you can shoot one of the …

Ghina Besbes

Nice historical site well located in downtown of Halifax. Solders are dressed up with scotland clothes. Demo with the weapon and a lot of interesting information given by the guide in English. Recommend to visit

Michelle Girard

Absolutely beautiful, historic fort full of history with well informed guides throughout. Really enjoyed every minute.

Chris Patterson

This is a wonderful site to visit. Enjoyed learning about the history of Halifax. They fire the cannon on a daily basis. They also have a bagpipe and drum performance. There are various exhibits to explore as well.

Jeffery Tong

Great site to visit. I liked how they had the employees dressed in different uniforms providing information for different sections as well as the short guided tour included.

Paul Sardella

Old world fort built by the British, with live actors living and working as they did when the fort was in its prime. Leave plenty of time. Too many things to see on a short bus tour. Going back

Richard C

Great historical site with very good presentation for the guided tour. As it turned out everyone who works there are actually quite knowledgeable about the history and the customs!

L Tan

There are English and French guided tours (for free, at a scheduled time) and demonstration of firing of cannon/rifle, so it's quite entertaining both for adults and kids. A lot of exhibition and history here. Highly recommend.

Jonathan Godin-Hebert

Wonderful place to visit and look around! Went just before sunset and the view was magnificent! Definitely recommend!

Geary Long

A amazing place, extremely well keep and friendly hosts! Love the High noon canon shot to set your clocks by. A must visit in Halifax

Frank Wu

Highly recommend: spent 3 or 4 hours and check every room if you can! I didn't expect finding so many surprises here: (1) the mote, the hallmark of the whole fortress, and then check some gun rooms where one can fire big guns to the mote. Further, check the outside wall of the mote where soldiers can hide and fire rifles; (2) the whole fortress is so well-designed and built that may scare away the potential attackers, but was still actively used in WWII: many Canadian troops were stationed there before being sent to Europe; (3) Army Museum is such a condensed museum covering Canadian Army: I really feel the small and focused museum is more suitable for some of us, as it is hard to concentrate and learn in a big museum; (4) many small rooms you can check out and learn, like tailor room, school, storages; (5) surprise of recreating Normandy beach...

Sebastian Mueller

Amazing and well taken care of and preserved. The staff are highly knowledgeable and will inform you about everything you need to know. When I’m Halifax make sure to stop here!

Kevin Schroeder

Wide open space love the museum. Lots to see and do. Need at least 3 hours to see everything. Lots of tour guides to walk you through all the exhibits. Best to go for the noon day gun. Really awesome show.

Chris Watso

Historic Fort, Great interpretive guide, sunny mild day Cannon fire ! What's not to like !

Josh S

Very interesting guided tour (Issac was a great tour guide!) The cannon blast at noon was neat. Lots of of diverse areas to explore. We also loved the interactive video displays showing the history of the citadel.