While compared to other countries and cities in the world, Halifax is relativity new. This doesn’t mean we don’t have some astonishing and unique history. Here are some places to see and experience Halifax’s history in a weekend!
Day 1 – Historic Events in Halifax
The Halifax Explosion
Only a few years following the Titanic disaster, Halifax was hit with a tragedy known as the Halifax Explosion. During WWl, two ships collided in the Halifax Harbour, one which was loaded with high explosives. The result was the largest human-made explosion prior to the detonation of the first atomic bomb in 1945. You can still see remnants of the explosion all over Halifax.
9:30am – 11:00am – The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Address: 1675 Lower Water St, Halifax
11:30am – 12:00pm – St Paul’s Church
Address:1749 Argyle St, Halifax
12:30pm – 1:00pm – Mont-Blanc Anchor Site
Address: 110 Spinnaker Dr, Halifax
The Halifax-Titanic Connection
In 1912 the “unsinkable ship” sunk roughly 400 miles from Halifax. For many of those who lost their lives aboard the Titanic, Halifax is where their story ended. If you are interested in seeing and learning more about this strong connection through artifacts, gravestones and exhibits visit the following:
9:30am – 11:00am – Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (See artifacts here at the same time you are learning about the Halifax Explosion)
Address: 1675 Lower Water St, Halifax
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Fairview Lawn Cemetery
Address: 3720 Windsor St, Halifax
3:00pm – 3:30pm -The Mount Olivet Cemetery (includes the grave of Vincent Coleman, heroic railway dispatcher who sent warning of the explosion)
Day 2 – Check out the The OLDEST buildings in Halifax
9:00am – 10:00am – Starting in Downtown Halifax, visit the St. Paul’s Church – Built in 1750, this is the oldest structure in Halifax. Sitting in Grand Parade Sqaure, this church is still in use, and you can enter for FREE.
Address: 1749 Argyle St, Halifax
10:30am – 11:30am – Visit the Little Dutch Church, Built in 1756, the Little Dutch is the second oldest building in Halifax. It’s notable features are the surrounding burying grounds.
Address: 2393 Brunswick St, Halifax
12:00pm – 12:30pm – If you have a car, drive out to the Sambro Island Lighthouse. Not only is this the 3rd oldest structure in Halifax, it’s also the oldest lighthouse in North America
Location: Sambro Island, Halifax
1:00pm – 2pm – On your way back towards Downtown Halifax, dine at the Armview Restaurant & Lounge, an old-school diner loved by all!
Itinerary provided by Katie C.
Katie is the Marketing & Communications Manager at Discover Halifax, where she is responsible for leading major marketing projects and campaigns and strategic planning. As a native Haligonian, Katie is here to share her insider’s guide to Halifax!
Follow Katie on Instagram: @katieeconklin
