Historic Pubs That Tell a Story

1855 Granville St, Downtown Halifax

Known as Nova Scotia’s Original Tavern, the Split Crow carries a story more than 270 years old.

On July 17th, 1749, the Governor of Halifax, Governor Cornwallis granted a licence to sell beer and liquor to Mr. John Shippey. This was the first liquor license to be issued in New Scotland (now Nova Scotia) and was originally named “The Spread Eagle”, taken from the tavern’s sign which bore the German coat of arms. The Split Crow quickly became a second home for sailors, mariners, and travellers, and when 2,500 English settlers arrived, an altercation between crewmen from two vessels led to Halifax’s first murder trial. On August 26, 1749, Abraham Goodsides exchanged words with Peter Cartcel, a Frenchman who apparently knew enough English to spot an insult. Provoked by Goodsides, Cartcel drew a knife and fatally plunged it into his adversary’s chest. This became Canada’s first jury trial under British law. Four witnesses recalled the altercation, and the jury deliberated half an hour before finding Cartcel guilty. Two days later, Cartcel was hanged.

Today, The Split Crow remains one of Halifax’s liveliest bars to locals of all ages and is known for its live music, unbeatable deals, and classic East Coast cheer.

1740 Argyle St, Downtown Halifax

Nestled within the haunting echoes of its past, The 5 Fishermen holds an illustrious heritage, tracing its origins back to 1817 when it served as a schoolhouse. Over time, this historic building transformed, embodying diverse roles—from Canada’s first National School to the Halifax Victorian School of Art, and later, the John Snow & Co. Funeral Home. The establishment bore witness to pivotal moments, serving as a sanctuary for victims of calamitous events like the RMS Titanic sinking in 1912 and the catastrophic Halifax Explosion in 1917.

The restaurant, now known as one of Halifax’s most haunted places, is infamous for paranormal activities witnessed by staff and guests. Tales of flying glasses, mysterious figures, and inexplicable sounds are commonplace, and the restaurant’s eerie occurrences extend beyond the quiet moments when dinner service has ended. One evening, a hostess was seating a couple when she suddenly felt a harsh brush against the side of her face. Shocked and confused, she glanced around to find a cause for it but saw nothing. It wasn’t until the Maitre’d asked what happened to her face that she noticed a red handprint on her cheek as if she had been slapped by an unseen force. Despite these mischievous happenings, they’ve proven benign, only enhancing the mystique of The 5 Fishermen.

2720 Gottingen St, North End Halifax

The Narrows stands as a testament to history in Halifax’s North End.

Originating in 1897, the grand heritage home was once the domain of Hugh Russell Silver, a figure of influence in Halifax’s port development, and a shadowy participant in the rum-running underworld during prohibition. However, the charm of The Narrows comes with eerie whispers. Rumours of spectral inhabitants—a man, as well as a child riding a tricycle and playing on the second floor—have permeated the air since the early days.. The pub resonates with stories of guests sensing the presence of unseen others. A tap in the women’s washroom turns on mysteriously, and visitors regularly recount tales of eerie occurrences. The trio of owners, undeterred by these spectral murmurs, moved into the building while renovating the pub. In the dead of night, something inexplicable gripped them. One owner collapsed, a mysterious force inducing unconsciousness, only to be followed by the other two owners in a bizarre sequence. This shared blackout among the trio was a suspicious, unsettling incident that defied explanation. The cause remained elusive, leaving a lingering mystery in the history-laden corridors of The Narrows, where the stories of the past continue to permeate the present.