Your 5 Must-Visit Places in Halifax with an Acadian cultural perspective:
1.Captivating History of George's Island:
Embark on a fascinating time-travel experience as you explore George's Island and its historical fortifications, including Fort Charlotte, which date back to the late 1700s. While the fort is mostly known for its significant role in Canada's military history, the island was also used during the Great Expulsion in the 1750s to hold Acadian prisoners. While no buildings from that time remain today, interpretive panels share valuable information, including Mi'kmaq, Acadian, and Canadian historical aspects of great interest. Enjoy the freedom of a self-guided tour around the island and discover the stories that unfolded on this unique and remarkable landmark. Treat yourself to the adventure of a guided historical exploration of the underground galleries and military batteries, which are nothing short of a maze! Tours in English are offered every 20 minutes (free with your visit to the island), and tours in French can be offered on demand. A wonderfully eye-opening historical experience, with spectacular views of the Halifax Harbour!
2. Tales of the Museum of Immigration & Maritime Museum of the Atlantic :
Serving as a tribute to Canada and Nova Scotia's rich immigration history, the one-of-a-kind Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax hosts a beautiful and interesting array of cultural and historical events, including those of Acadian interest. Among the many moving immigrant stories, discover those of Acadians. Where they came from, as well as their contributions to Halifax and Nova Scotia's historical and cultural landscape. In parallel, gain a most valuable insight into the history and culture of the Indigenous Mi'kmaq people and how everyone contributes to what makes Canada today.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic also shares local stories of those who lived on the shores of Acadie. While not exclusively dedicated to Acadian history, it offers a valuable overview of Mi'kmaq history as well as of colonial French and British history in the Maritimes.
3. Time Travel Adventures at Citadel Hill:
Uncover the gruelling dispute that opposed the British and the French in obtaining control over Halifax at Halifax's Citadel Hill fortification. Find out how this conflict came to affect Acadians and the Mi'kmaq people of the Maritimes, the difficulties that ensued, and how the “City on the Sea” that we know today is so deeply linked to the Citadel. Delve into the Citadel’s history with helpful and passionate guides, Let the stories of 78th Highlander and Royal Brigade soldiers' lives in the 1700s flood your imagination, find out what a change of sentry really looks like, hear the sounds of a real cannon firing, experience the powerful emotions stirred by the Highland Pipers and Drummers' musical performances, discover the impressive features of the citadel’s fortifications and how its singular star-shape fortification made it almost impossible to attack. For those with a particularly adventurous spirit: challenge yourself to a spooky nocturnal visit of the Halifax citadel and explore Halifax’s plethora of ghost stories and bizarre occurrences!
4. Explore Acadian traditions at Chezzetcook:
On the eastern outskirts of the Halifax Regional Municipality, visit Chezzetcook, a quaint little French-speaking community with the most endearingly picturesque snippet of traditional lifestyle in Acadia. It has preserved many of the original traditions set by its community founders while embracing new ways of life, calling for an authentic and unforgettable journey through time. Visit Chezzetcook's Acadian House Museum and explore its local history, hear some tremendously moving stories, have fun looking at intriguing tools from olden times and guess what they were used for! Treat your tastebuds to some authentically local Acadian specialties at Brigitte’s Cuisine. As you engage with the friendly members of the museum, you'll uncover all sorts of fabulous fun facts about Acadia, experiencing some of the most enchanting cultural explorations yet!
5. Acadia & "Franco-fun" in Acadian Halifax:
Get the best of all the Acadian "franco-fun" in Halifax with events organized by L'Alliance Française of Halifax and Conseil Communautaire du Grand-Havre. These Francophone organizations are devoted to providing a rich array of services and events to the Acadian and Francophone communities of Halifax’s Regional Municipality. The events themselves are a perfect way to join, meet and engage with the members of these communities in a fun environment, and see for yourself just how crucial life in French is for these communities in strengthening the language and the preservation of precious Acadian heritage.
For further insights and valuable discoveries about Acadia, explore the Halifax Central Library’s resources. An interesting catalogue awaits you, complemented by seasonal exhibits, regarding important Acadian figures, history, folklore and cultural heritage!
