Definitely one of the most popular things to do in Halifax! Highly recommend arriving around 11:00 a.m. as this will allow you to see the canon fired at noon and the changing of the guard at 1:00 followed shortly by a musket demonstration. We found that this was perfect timing. There are lots of History college students who are employed to tell you about the area so questions are easily answered. Also fun that they are dressed in time period attire. If you will plan on watching the canon, instead of lining up right next to it I would suggest going across the way. The explosion is still enough for you to feel and you will get a much better view. However, you will not be able to hear the explanation of what is going on that is given by one of the employees.

This place is much more fun than I expected! I loved the immersive experience I had while observing the soldiers playing drums/bagpipes and shooting their guns. There are two museums with lot of history with a great quantity of artifacts. I spent around 3:30h walking around and I could visit it all. Cheers for the female soldiers! Recommend!

I come here almost every time I visit Halifax. Not only is it one of, it not the most recognizable spots in the city, it's also a great place to take some photos, learn about history and relax on the hill on a sunny day. It's also in a great location in between both the big Halifax Commons park and the downtown core with a lot of the restaurants and other attractions. They do offer guided tours, but only during certain times, so make sure to check in advance if you're into that kind of thing.

It's easy to see why this is THE signature attraction of Halifax. As first-timers to the city, this was first on the list - we were all enthused to see Canadian history unfold before us as we climbed the steps up the hill. The actors are very much into what they do, and the exhibits are very detailed. It even has a special exhibit on the D-day landing, as we know several vessels left Halifax for the event. We stayed for the 12noon cannon blast, which was spectacular. Even when leaving the fortress, we once again admired the view out over Halifax - you can't beat this place for the perfect panoramic vista!

A BC Tourist Review: I never entered the building itself but there are a lot of signs detailing Halifax's history and you get a great view of the waterfront. It's also a great place to escape the sketchy nature of downtown. This was worth the stop during our 18 hour layover! It is a very relaxing spot and you feel the Canadian history here. Note: Bus tours frequently stop here when going through Halifax in the evening. There were two buses that stopped briefly.

A pretty cool place to explore and to discover the historic significance of the site. Make sure you visit for the noon day gun and check out some of the more secluded rooms of the Citadel hidden in the walls. Parking is a bit tricky, even on weekdays but it’s honestly not too bad.

Have been going here since I was a little girl in the 70s. First visit since the restoration and despite the high winds and rain, it was delightful. The interactive center is top notch, as are the staff. Great time had by all.

I would say don't miss to visit this place. Very old historical building. Amazing architectural design. From outside it looks just an ordinary place but when I entered inside this area, I was overwhelmed. British army served at WW1 and WW2 from this place. There are some exhibitions to demonstrate the history of british ruled Canada.

We were in Halifax for one day only. We walked from the cruise terminal to the Citadel, which on occasions was quite steep. It's actually a pleasant walk past some more historical properties. 8 dollars entrance fee with under 18's free. Well worth the time and cost. We were there approximately 1.5 hours; we could have stayed longer, but as it was a short trip, we wanted to see other places too. On the hour the bagpipes were played which was wonderful. Staff were dressed in period costumes and shared information. The museum has a nice layout and is full of interesting history, which is very well presented. Highly recommend. Some nice views, too. Free WiFi, but was slightly flaky.

Much visit if you are interested in the history of Halifax harbour and old fort built to defend Halifax port. There is an army museum inside the citadel. Three times a day there are guided tours to explain different parts of the citadel.

Great place to learn some history with volunteers dressed in historic costumes. There was lots to explore. Pistol shooting, changing of the guard, drummer, and many displays. There was much more than we could see in the few hours we were there.

Beautiful tourist spot. There are many rooms with historical monuments, museum exhibits and movie theaters. You can learn a lot of history about Halifax from its very beginnings. The staff fulfills their duties and tries to make the arrival here as comfortable as possible. Sometimes they show the preparation for firing a cannon. There are usually many willing, take good places to watch. Everything is safe and within the permitted limits. Don't forget to bring earplugs. A cannon shot is quite loud. Tickets are not expensive, you can spend time with your family and learn a lot of interesting things. Parking is available, paid additionally.

We had a great day at the citadel! Kids loved going through all the rooms, ‘enlisting’, and learning the history of the fort. We enjoyed the music, cannon and musket demonstrations. It wasn’t great for our wheel chair as we have narrow wheels, but they were riding to trade me for one of theirs with wider tires.

The people who work here are very knowledgeable and you can learn a lot from them. They also have soldiers who wear the traditional wool outfits and honestly bless them. It’s so hot and they have to wear all this gear in such hot weather. Some interactive spots and there is one area which is air conditioned. Would recommend going to the bathroom prior to coming as there a few bathrooms. Fill up a water bottle and watch your step.

I think its great they preserved it as a historical site. I am grateful we don't live those terrible times. People should visit, learn, and be grateful for every day of peace 🙏

What a fun day. Everything is very interactive and family friendly. The museum could be a little more detailed in terms of information, but all in all it was really enjoyable. Be there at noon to hear the cannon shot.

We loved this museum and the poignant historic human history stories it offered. The views are great. We accessed The Citadel by touring on the Hop on/ Hop Off Halifax Bus Tour. The busses come by every 30 minutes. We also visited the Halifax Library, where we met up with our friends. We toured the Halifax Public Garden.

Very instructive visit. Greatly located it dominates the city. Great view of the city of Halifax when over there. Nice museum with great learning opportunities. Our was very friendly explaining lot to us and answering our questions. Good that they have guide sercicws in French and English.

Well worth the entrance price. You could easily spend a half day here if you read through everything and see every exhibit. All the facts about the indigenous and settlers was eye opening and informative. Very historical feeling right in the middle of Halifax. Solid views at the top as well.

It was nice, we went at 4:30 and they told us it was free until 5:00 PM. The inside had lots of information, people were dressed up and the museum inside was so interesting. Definitely should drop by! It's on a hill, so be prepared to walk! I honestly enjoyed it.

This was a very interesting and historical place to visit. Unfortunately our visit was cut short by rain and it became too wet and cold for the kids. Tour guide was great and the rifle demonstration was cool to see. Lots of history and facts to read. Note: our google maps directed us to a parking lot just below the Citadel, however there was parking at the Citadel

Family & I got there shortly before the canon going off at noon. Staff were wonderful. The Army museum was so well thought out and very educational. We enjoyed our time there & would visit again.

My husband and I came in ‘shoulder season’ so there wasn’t a full time table of re-enactments or activities, but that was ok. Lots to see and do as you explore the timeline for the French and British rule in the area, you can easily spend half a day or more here. Very friendly volunteers and staff that are happy to answer any questions you may have. It would have been good to have some sort of sign posts / direction to let you know a recommendation on where to walk round and in what direction so you make sure you see everything. If you have a Parks Canada Pass then it’s free entry.

Amazing exhibits. Be sure to see the newest one right of the information center. When we went there we realized the narration was much better and we enjoyed how interactive it was but alas we were short on time. Change of guards, the pipe show was fun. And views were spectacular.

Great place to honor the history of the Canadian armed forces. It's a living history museum with 18th century dressed soldiers and many interesting exhibits from the last 200 years right up to present day. The fort itself is very big. Definitely worth a visit

Interesting historical location. Good for all ages. The large canons outside are neat to look at, and they have lots of historical information inside the buildings. They even have guided tours.

For a Labour Day Monday, it wasn’t too busy. The concept of the site is quite intriguing. A fair amount of history behind in. In terms of location, it’s right downtown so very easy to get to. I really enjoyed the war museum, lots of great artifacts, weaponry and interesting stories I wasn’t aware of from WW1 and WW2. I do wish there were a bit more self-guided tour options though. I think there was a map we could have used but the ticket sale team didn’t really seem to tell us much. The interactive ‘kiosks’ I did see on the museum didn’t seem to be working anyways.

Interesting history around Halifax and the Citadel. In the information center runs a film in English and French. Unfortunately, the sound did not work for us. In the citadel you can walk through different stations. With children certainly a very nice attraction. The entrance fee for an adult I find a bit expensive. Here you could improve, then probably more visitors would come.

One of the oldest citadels in Canada, the citadel of Halifax, should be on top of the list of the places to visit when you're in town. The area is huge with lots of exhibitions on the history of the military and the city itself there. Expect to spend at least two hours to get the most of what the place has to offer.

My family had a wonderful time here. We found the guides to be excellent, the "soldiers" who performed historical reenactments a lot of fun to watch, and the exhibits very good, as they not only gave a good explanation of Halifax's history, but also its role in geostrategic struggles between England, France, local Indigenous people's, and the USA. This is a perfect outing for families, history buffs, people interested in military affairs, and anyone interested in knowing more about Halifax and, more generally, the Maritimes.

The Halifax Citadel, a historic fortress perched atop a hill in Halifax, Nova Scotia, stands as a living testament to Canada's military past. This impressive stone structure, originally built in the 19th century, offers visitors a captivating journey into the nation's history. With its strategic location and well-preserved ramparts, the Citadel provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbor below. The Halifax Citadel is a must-visit

Worth a hike up the hill to see this. Nice view of the city and harbor from the fort walls. Lots of nice historical exhibits. Live actors in traditional dress acting as troops, guards, and civilians did an excellent job. Some of the guards say nothing when spoken too like the Queen’s/King’s Guards in London but they will let you take pics near them. Other guards and live actors will talk to you and answer questions. Be sure to check out the exhibit at the back of the fort opposite to the front fort entrance (inside the fort wall) it has lots of historical items and interactive exhibit, including some uniforms you can put on to play dress up as a soldier. Got some great photos of me and my daughter doing this.

Hi Everyone. Just a few tips to make the trip to Citadel a memorable one. Reach there at around 10:30AM, you will get parking inside at a cost. We paid around $34 for two adults & parking. Once you are in, just take a look around the Citadel, please don't explore it on your own because at 11:05AM they have a free guided tour for the visitors where they tell about the history of the citadel, in this 1 hour tour you will get the experience how the army use to stay & the function of the old guns, they also fire 3 blank round, which make a hell lot of noise. At 12PM Noon they blast a blank Cannon as well. This tour takes every visitor back to the 18th century, an experience that you never forget. Total time required is at least 2 hours.

Wow. Amazing citadel with guided or self tours. The staff is wearing period clothing and noon canon firing. Very interesting museum and exhibits. Fun day for families, picnics, and history.

Excellent experience! The Halifax Citadel Society does a phenomenal job of presenting the history of not only the citadel but also the Halifax Harbour and area. The young people who work here are very knowledgeable in interpreting the history and talented in displaying the military drill and firearms. The piping band played on and off and sounded incredible and just set the tone. The exhibits were very well put together and there were many hands on activities to learn a lot. I absolutely loved my visit and could've spent more time but had to catch the ferry back to Dartmouth (which is also a great experience)!

Situation in the heart of the city but they have on-site parking which is included in the entry. Not very expensive and cost us appr 35 dollars with parking. It's not very big inside keeping in mind it's a Citadel. Lots of history though for all to see - they have a museum inside and it's something to see. We were able to see the gun firing live but missed the canon firing.

It was an amazing experience visiting here. Learning a part of Halifax's history is quite an experience and the exhibits are really interesting and interactive. There were also tours all around and employees that are knowledgeable of the subject they are talking about.

Fun watching all the drills. The "soldiers" walking around demonstrating the marching, formations, and weapons was cool. We saw a rifle demonstration where a soldier fired three shots very quickly, and were present for the noon cannon firing. The tour was good and worth the price. Tours run in English and in French.

This is a must see when in Halifax. The price for an adult is $12.50. If you are going, I would suggest being there for noon because everyday they fire off a cannon except Christmas. There is so much to see. The history from WW1 all the way to the recent wars in Afghanistan is incredible. There is so much to see and learn. There is so much to learn and to see how things have changed over the years. The most amazing thing for me was the Juno Beach display. I actually felt like I was there and it gave me a real understanding what the allied troops went through fighting the Germans. Give yourself plenty of time to visit the barracks and everything this place has to offer.

In Halifax for my daughter's tournament, I had the opportunity to visit the Citadel. Wow I was very impressed, unfortunately on a time crunch so I was able to visit all the exhibition areas, I spent only 1.5 hours and I barely got through a portion of the exhibits, this will be a place I will come back to and I will plan more time. The staff greeted with smiles and offers to answer questions if we had any. You can imagine a group of young teenage girls It was awkward but once the first question was answered, several minutes of dialogue followed and the girls were more inquisitive.

Very informative. Many different interesting exhibits. The staff were friendly and extremely knowledgeable of any topic. You must be there when the noon cannon goes off.

Nice park of history in the middle of the city. Wasn't too busy at all could take our time wandering the grounds. Cool thing was they had a robot roomba lawn mower cutting the hill

Informative, well presented and so interesting. Little less access than I remember from our last visit... Still the first time visitors with me absolutely loved it! Enjoy your day my friends 😊🙏

Very impressive old structure to wander through. The museum and historical content was well done and informative. This is close to the Airbnb we stayed at while visiting Halifax. My family intended to just take a walk by the Citadel, but we all had were very impressed by it. Definitely worth a visit!

July 1st Canada Day 🇨🇦 makes Citadel a different place and experience. A visit to Citadel occasionally and on this special day brings a lot of charm and historical value to your visit. Citadel Hill is Jam packed with visitors on Canada day. Parking is free. Make sure to have your sunglasses 👓 ready if it's hot 🔥 day. There is museum in the fort which is free on Canada day.

Thinking of having your wedding at a historical property? Look no further! Citadel Hill is awesome, we've photographed weddings here on several occasions and it's always been incredible. It's super unique, and located right in the centre of the city so it's easy to get to anywhere else you'd want to go for portraits (but honestly no need, because you get everything in one place!). The casemates are super cool little rooms for a neat looking reception, and the actual fort is just super dope for photos and a sweet skyline view of the city. Do this, you won't regret it!!