Things to See and Do

When you arrive, take in the scenery of the Bedford Basin. Go for a walk in the park and read the interpretive panels, take a seat looking out to the sea, or enjoy the beautiful murals, including one of George Dixon. Born in Africville, Dixon was the first Black boxer to win a world title, the first Canadian to win a world title, and the first fighter to win world titles in multiple weight classes. 

Then, step into the Africville Museum, a replica of Seaview United Baptist Church, which was the community’s spiritual and social centre. It was demolished during Halifax City Council’s wrongful destruction of Africville in the 1960s. As you explore the museum, visitors will learn how isolation, municipal neglect, and the eventual demolition of the community of Africville led to the forced displacement of its residents. 

Read panels about Black settlers, such as the Black Loyalists who came to Nova Scotia at the end of the American Revolution and the Black refugees who migrated to the province during and after the War of 1812. 

Moving through the museum, listen to first person accounts at story stations where residents recall visits to church and baptisms in the Bedford Basin. Visitors will hear stories of celebrations, community meetings, cultural events, Africville’s hockey team, and experiences during and after the Halifax Explosion. Each story of this resilient community is powerful and real, adding to the authenticity and emotion of the experience. 

Planning Your Visit

Tours

• Take a self-guided tour or join one led by a guide. Many guides grew up in Africville themselves, offering firsthand stories, rich context, and authenticity. 
• Groups of fewer than 10 people do not need to book in advance and are available year-round. 
• Outdoor tours are also available, including an online self-guided option, narrated by former residents. Guided outdoor tours run only in the spring and summer. 

Events

• Each year, the museum hosts a festive Christmas tree lighting, illuminating both the church replica and museum grounds with holiday lights. 
• Attend the annual Africville Reunion, which features live entertainment, games, and a church service. 

Insider Tips

Watch Black Ice, a documentary featuring P.K. Subban and produced by Drake and LeBron James. It showcases the segregation of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, in which Africville had its own team, and the league’s connection to Africville. 

Also, come here to see the sunset. It’s one of the best places to do so in Halifax. 

Header photo by Will Film Inc. Carousel photos are by Riaz Oozeer.