Activities and experiences

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Step back in time to experience the life of a Victorian-era soldier. Explore the history of Halifax, watch the firing of the noon day gun, and join a guided tour. Become a 78th Highlander for a day with a Signature Experience. Host a birthday party, school trip, meeting, or special event in this historic location!

Calendar of events

Calendar of special events and programs.

Holiday experiences

Enjoy the return of Victorian Christmas and new holiday experiences with friends and family!

Victorian Christmas

Capture some holiday magic on November 25 and 26, from noon to 4 pm. Admission is free with a donation to Feed Nova Scotia.

A group sitting at a decorated table raises their glasses for a toast.

Halifax Citadel Distilled Experiences

Enjoy a quick tasting or embark on a private or public tour including tasting tutorials with a distiller!

Citadel by Candlelight Holiday Tour

Experience a unique visit to the Halifax Citadel at night on a special holiday tour by candlelight. Offered in November and December.

An interpreter dressed as a Second World War soldier in a doorway.

Commemorating the World Wars

Commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024.

May 6 to October 31

Tours and programs

Participate in public or private tours and programs.

Fortress Halifax – A City Shaped by Conflict

Immerse yourself in the largest and newest exhibit at the Halifax Citadel.

Birthday parties

Host your next birthday party at the coolest spot in Halifax!

Make memories at the Halifax Citadel

Transcript

[ This video contains no spoken words ]

Animated Parks Canada logo.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Nova Scotia. [An aerial view of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and Downtown Halifax.]

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Nova Scotia. [The back of a 78th Highlander standing guard at the front gate of the Halifax Citadel.]

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Nova Scotia [Three 78th Highlanders firing rifles inside the fort walls.]

[Visitors follow the 78th Highlander as he guides them through the Halifax Citadel fort entrance.]

Compass Distillers brand. [Close up of Compass Distillers branded barrels.]

[Close up of a 78th Highlander swirling liquid in a 78th Highlander branded glass.]

[Four visitors walk through an interior brick archway into a lit historic room.]

[78th Highlander holds glass of alcohol and gestures with his hands while two visitors take a sip from their glasses then smile at one another.]

[Interpreters wearing historic uniforms work together to load and fire the Noon Gun Cannon.]

[Two uniformed interpreters play the bagpipes and drum in front of the Cavalier Building inside the Halifax Citadel.]

[Large crowds of visitors gather in front of the Cavalier Building inside the Halifax Citadel.]

[Two kids run up the fort stairs to the ramparts while an adult walks up behind them.]

[Two visitors walk up the ramp to the ramparts and are greeted by two 78th Highlanders.]

[A interpreter in historic uniform leads four visitors across the fort ramparts and down a set of stairs. It is the evening and all are holding lanterns.]

[A close up of two of the visitors' faces while they listen to the interpreter tell scary stories.]

[Interpreter laughs as he closes a fort door. Screen fades to black.]

Parks Canada logo.

Animated Canada wordmark.