Halifax Things to Do Tips by Kaspian

Pier 21 Pier 21 Review

Pier 21 is a Canadian immigration museum. It operated from 1928 to 1971 as Canada's primary immigration port. In that time over a million and a half immigrants, war refugees, and soldiers entered Canada through its doors.
Pier 21 was refurbished and opened as a museum on July 1, 1999.
Inside (upstairs) there are displays of passports, photos, stories, and a bunch of small movie theatres where you can learn the immigration experience for people coming from different countries (i.e., one booth is labelled "Russian", another "Poland", etc.)
What struck me most was a recreation of a waiting room with a customs desk at the front. I can't imagine what it must've felt like sitting there waiting with your family for your turn to move permanently into a strange new country.
We attended my cousin's wedding ceremony here--they wanted to do it at this location because the bride's grandparents came to Canada through Pier 21.

Address: 1055 Marginal Road

Phone: 902-425-7770

Website: http://www.pier21.ca

Alexander Keith's Brewery Alexander Keith's Brewery Review

If you like beer at all, you have to stop at Alexander Keith's brewery for a drink! Over the past 5 years, Keith's "India Pale Ale" has become one of Canada's most popular bottled and on-tap brews. I had tried Keith's before my visit here but became a huge fan after trying it out of a fresh keg at this brewery--it tasted so good; clean and had slight sweet apple taste to it. Do try the drink here, before it gets put onto trucks, shipped around the country, spending weeks in basements, and coming out of taps that don't get cleaned often enough.
This brewery is the oldest working brewery in North America! In 1820, a 25 year-old Scottish immigrant named Alexander Keith, established this Halifax brewery. The brewmaster carefully built the recipe for his pale ale. The people of Halifax liked his drink so much that in 1934 he was elected Mayor of Halifax. His birthday is still celebrated on October 5th every year with a big party in Halifax. (And with lots of drinking!) The ale recipe remains a well-guarded secret.
Hour-long tours of the brewery run 7 days a week, every 15-minutes during designated times. The tours are inexpensive, under $10. "Those who like it, like it a lot!"

Address: 1496 Lower Water Street

Directions: Waterfront

Website: http://www.keiths.ca

The Citadel Halifax Citadel Review

A fort has existed on the site of the Halifax Citadel since 1749. The current fortress is the fourth to occupy the site and you can view the previous designs through a series of models they have on display near the entrance. The fourth fort was built and occupied by the British Army until 1906 to defend the country against a possible attack from the United States. The fort was later used by the Canadian military as barracks during World War I and II.
The hill the fort is situated on overlooks Halifax harbour and the view is stunning.
I found the signal masts especially fascinating. They look like the masts from ships; flags were raised and lowered to send messages to the merchants in the town that their ship delivery had arrived. Citadel staff and guides dress in period costumes, I felt a sorry for the poor guys shivering in their kilts.
Don't miss firing of "the Noon Gun" at 12:00 p.m. from the Citadel--a very loud cannon shot, traditionally used for the ships and citizens to keep accurate time. Bring your jacket if it's at all cool outside --the wind is very strong at the top of the hill.
See my Halifax Travelogues for more photos of the Halifax Citadel.

Address: Corner of Sackville and Brunswick Streets

Directions: Top of the big hill in downtown Halifax, you can't miss it! Walk towards the Town Clock and climb the steps.

Phone: (902) 426-5080

Website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/index_e.asp

The Old Burying Ground St Paul's Cemetery Review

In use from 1749 to 1843, the old Burying Ground (St. Paul's Cemetery) was one of the highlights of my trip to Halifax.
It was a dark day when we visited and a crow cawed as we entered through the gates into the empty cemetery. My brother and I both got a chill at the sound effects.
Interpretive signs highlight graves of historical significance. Take the time to read many of them, they tell sad stories. Some of the stones are so worn you can only read them by getting down and looking at a sideways angle.
Many of the deceased were only a few months old. I remember one grave that told the story of a four-year old girl who died, her father died at 33 four months later, and his baby (which had been born after his death) died the next year. Very sad stories, it gives a glimpse of what life must have been like in the late 1700s.
Open to the public but grave rubbings (with paper and charcoal) is not allowed.
See my Halifax Travelogues for more photos of the Old Burying Ground.

Address: Corner of Barrington Street & Spring Garden Road

Directions: Across from Government House on Barrington St.