We went here somewhat on a whim, and we were very pleasantly surprised. Such a moving experience. The displays are pretty interactive and interesting. Probably one of the best museum Canadian experiences I've had. So much to learn about Canadian immigration history. The most incredible parts were the places where people hand wrote notes about their personal or family experiences of immigration (e.g., parents, grandparents) and posted them on boards for others to read. Had me tearing up reading about generational struggles, poverty, war, persecution, and how much Canadian citizenship has changed the lives of so many people the past century. Helps you realize how much those born here (including myself) take so much for granted.

Stopped here while visiting the farmers market next door. They give yours every hour in French or English. I don’t typically enjoy guided tours, preferring to explore on my own but decided to give it a shot. The tour guide was extremely well versed in the history of Pier 21 and kept the tour interactive. Very well done. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about Canada and how immigration shaped the country.

An interesting place with a huge number of historical artifacts. Each exhibit has proof and explanation. Lots of multimedia screens for self-study of the exhibition. The premises are clean, spacious, with soft lighting, plenty of seating. Guided exhibitions are held at certain hours. There are places where you can leave outerwear. Most of the exhibits can be interacted with. A wonderful place that keeps the history of Canadian immigrants. I advise you to visit.

There's a cafe on the ground floor beside where you buy the admission. And there's a gift shop as well. The admission was about $15 for adults. There's a movie theater and there's a guided tour on the second floor. The movie has English and in French being spoken and subtitles. There are 2 tour guides: an English one, and a French one. The tour guide is knowledgeable and informative. The "In Canada" documentary was good. There is history of all sorts of immigrants that went through Pier 21. There's information about the immigrants throughout the history of Canada. When we went, they had a Chinese immigration exhibition. And there was a Indigenous exhibition beside it. The museum was good to learn about Canada's history of immigration and how the government handled things. Come here to learn more about Canada's history.

Excellent museum. I learned so much about the history of Canada and the various immigrant experiences, past and present. Was able to trace down the history of my husbands grandparents and their journey to Canada during the war with help of a real life in person human being - such a treat. Would highly recommend.

Located right in the heart of Halifax with parking just across the street.As the name suggests it's on Pier 21 - Pier 22 is just next to it and if you are lucky will get to see those big cruise ships docked. Yes we saw one of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships docked there. Now back to Pier 21 - it is more pertinent to immigrants who have come to Canada via Pier 21. Downstairs a room is dedicated to the famous photographer Yousuf Karsh - he has taken pictures of all famous people over the years. Needless to say they are beautiful photos. Then you go up and are transported back in time - shows you how people traveled back then and the conditions they endured to reach here. It was amazing the way it was set up - seeing is believing and you get the feeling that you are frozen in that time. At the far end of the room is a wall of gratitude and happiness. People over the years have scribbled things and hung it up. Paper and a pen is provided and you can write whatever you like. Then on the other side of the hall is another room which is beautifully done. It shows Canada over the years and all the different communities and people that have formed it. Hats of to the person who thought of this idea - for those who have no idea what it was like back then. If you are ever in Halifax pay them a visit - family of 4 cost 35 dollars to get it.

Portrays the emotional journey of immigration well, and that’s about it. Briefly touches on all the nuances and complexities of Canadian immigration history, and overly emphasizes the feel good stories. Real loss in reflection and education with lacking details and depth of complex and sometimes painful Canadian history. The brief moments of nuanced historical moments was only brief enough to know you aren’t going to be given a balanced and full historical picture here at the museum. Of course a museum doesn’t have to be about activism, but balanced historical detail is welcomed; this was unfortunately missing. Good guided tours though. You can walk through the entire museum in depth in 1.5-2 hours depending on your reading speed. You’re able to exit the museum and return with the same ticket.

Museum was super informative and staff were extremely friendly. Not the most exciting place to take children but beautiful views of the water and tons of amazing stories to learn. Sad that part of it was closed for a private function.

Cool section on the pier, with some statues on the outside but plenty of exhibits on the inside. Did not end up attending, as the the price is high for a few people considering it not being all that exciting.

Informative and novel exhibits. Loved the movie almost for teary eyed. Enjoyed the free tours and review of canadian history formed with immigration. Wish we had more time.

The Missus and I along with our Maritimes travelling group found the museum very informative and educational as we were first and second generation Canadians. The museum is spread over two floors covering the immigration into Canada of peoples from throughout the world starting from the 1800's and to date. The exhibits were well displayed with artifacts, photographs and digital presentations. On the first floor, there was a resource centre that can trace your ancestor's history entering into Canada prior to 1935. We were able to find information relating to a grandfather. It was a very humbling feeling to be standing in the same building where people with difficult backgrounds in their homelands who immigrated to Canada to start a new life. There is an admission fee along with guided tours for those who wish. Highly recommend for a learning experience.

Incredible and interesting to see how so many people traversed such hardships to get here. Humbling to stand in the exact same spot as they first stepped on Canadian soil.

Very interesting museum on immigration, we were amazed to see how many different countries used Halifax as an immigration port. There were some interesting stories, and guests could add their families' stories with notes on various walls. It was worth a visit and especially if you had family that came here from another country.

Canadian Museum of Immigration is truly a unique museum that shows the history of Immigration in the country from the 18th century to the current era. There are two main halls on the second floor. One hall is where you can explore on your own, and in the other hall, a guide will take you through the place, and very good insight is given on different aspects of the Immigration process. The best part of my visit was the tour given to our group by Nadia. She very well integrated her own personal story during the tour and kept everyone in the group engaged. Whether you are an immigrant yourself or not, this museum has a lot to offer about the history of what has made Canada what it is today. Don't forget to watch the film after the tour.

This museum moved me. As someone who immigrated to Canada as a boy, the exhibits reminded me of how I felt moving to a strange, new land where I had to learn a new language. For me, this museum offers an honest view of the immigrant experience in Canada. You will hear stories of immigrants like me who see Canada as a beacon of hope, while also learning about some dark chapters in Canada’s history that were filled with racism. Intertwined with these tales, you can experience what it was like to cross the ocean by sea to reach Canada, and then for those heading further west to travel by train. It's definitely worth a visit if you want to learn more about Canada’s immigration history.

Fantastic research resources if you are interested in tracking down your family to their point of entry into Canada look no farther then the Immigration museum (behind the front desk to your right). Besides the Scotiabank ancestry resource centre, they have fantastic exhibitions and rotating galleries that are fun and hands on for families. It was a lovely visit!

Excellent museum sharing the history and stories of Canadian immigrants. Many well-done exhibits.

Actually on all the days they charge a entry fee as some 15-20. It was very much informative. People who love history can enjoy 😀.And some area were so nice to take pictures also.

Visiting Pier 21 is worth every visit. The ticket prices are reasonable. Every half hour there is a guided tour for 30 minutes in English and French. You should definitely take this tour. Afterwards there is a short film about immigrants to Canada. The museum is very lovingly designed. For children there are various activities.

This place and now a museum is Canada's version of the iconic Ellis Island in NY. Canada is a cultural mosaic, a wonderful tapestry of different races that all live together in our great Nation. Aside from the people of the First Nations, we are all immigrants to Canada. And we or our parents and grandparents have a story to tell or a memory to cherish when he first set foot in our adopted homeland. I definitely do. Please visit this museum to hear the echoes of the people who have traveled from distant lands to make Canada their home and to cherish their memories. Because their stories deserve to be heard and remembered. This is what makes our country special. When you finished here. Then you can drop by Pier 23 next door for their farmers market etc. Peace

I was suprised how good this museum was. It was very honest in celebrating immigration in Canada but also highlighting some of the prejudices at the time. My favourite part was looking at some of the items from the ships and trains that brought new immigrants to Canada. There were people in front of us who had a personal connection to the location (their parents landed here). I can see that having special meaning. There is a lot of reading. A consideration when deciding to bring kids.

As an immigrant, I had to go here. The museum is wonderfully curated and beautifully designed. At first, when I went to one hall, I thought it was just about European immigrants. But the other hall is where the history of immigration from all parts of the world was located and it did not disappoint. I wish it wasn't separated and I wanted more content on Indigenous relations. Take your time and also spend time at the video stations. The museum has a good mix of items, showcases, and interactive elements. I felt enriched and fulfilled after visiting.

One of my favorite places in all of Nova Scotia. Less than an hour drive from Halifax. We were in port for a cruise rented a care and drive to Peggy’s Cove and the surrounding area. So charming. The lighthouse is one of the most dramatic. However the Cove area is my favorite.

Fulfilled a lifelong dream by seeing Pier 21 and the attached Canadian Museum of Immigration. If you're an immigrant to Canada, a descendant of immigrants, or just want to learn about the incredible 400 years of immigration history — the good, the bad, and the ugly — I can't recommend this museum highly enough.

We visited Pier 21 in mid-August while in Halifax for a few days, and were VERY glad that we did! What an interesting and fact-filled museum, and is child-friendly as well; there are a few hands-on exhibits, and a mock citizenship test. It really opened your eyes to how the immigration experience occurred back in the day. My daughters especially liked the interactive chronological map, that showed you the origins of immigrants over the years by turning a dial.

As an immigrant I was touch by this museum. I immigrate in 2001 and funny enough my year of immigration was on the wall of museum 😃. My husband grant parents moved to Canada in 1800 &1900. We managed to get all their documents from the archive. Make sure if you want to do the same thing have approximate year of immigration, any person name they could accompany with them, the more detail you know the better chance of getting the information. They also have to be landed in Halifax. I requested to send me my landing information. I just wanted to know.