The History of the French in Halifax
The French presence in Halifax traces back to the early 1600s with the arrival of Acadian settlers who established communities throughout Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq assisted and welcomed the first French colonists with Pierre Dugua le Sieur de Mons, to Port Royal 1605. In the years that followed, the Mi’kmaq maintained close relations with the French and Acadian settlers in this and other areas.
In 1749, the British founded Halifax to counterbalance the French stronghold of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island. This marked a significant shift in regional power dynamics, leading to tensions between the British and the Acadians. The conflict culminated in the Great Expulsion (Le Grand Dérangement) from 1755 to 1764, during which thousands of Acadians were forcibly removed from their lands.
Despite this dark chapter, the Acadian spirit endured. Many Acadians eventually returned to Nova Scotia, re-establishing their communities and preserving their unique culture, language, and traditions. Today, Halifax and its surrounding areas celebrate this rich Acadian heritage through cultural events, festivals, and historic sites, highlighting the significant contributions of the French to the region’s cultural mosaic.
The legacy of the French in Halifax stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Acadian people. Visitors can explore this history through museums, historical reenactments, and cultural festivals, which showcase the vibrant Acadian culture and its impact on the region.
Classification of Services in French (CSF)
Discover Halifax and Salut Canada aim to identify businesses offering French language services through the Classification of Services in French© (CSF) program to better serve French-speaking visitors. The CSF program categorizes services into three levels: 1) French available at all times, 2) French available on request, and 3) Promotional materials and documentation in French.
