This is one of those must-see spots if you're visiting! They do a great job of bringing this space and history to life. The tours are worth it, as are the views. The Victorian Christmas at the Citadel is not to be missed and the noon-day cannon is unmistakeable. Even if you have already checked out the Citadel or aren't interested in history, you can walk up the hill and lay on the grass to enjoy the views or have a picnic! The clock tower is a Halifax icon and if you're here for Doors Open you can even go inside! (I've done this and it was really neat!) read more

I admit. I am, and always will be a sucker for tourist attractions, especially ones where you get to step back in time.. or at least feel like it. Citadel Hill is one of those places. I jump at every opportunity I have to see this place. It's meant so much to Halifax. Protected it as it grew from a small British port into the city we know today. Saved thousands more from being wiped out by the Halifax explosion... and provided some safe haven for many as they recovered from that awful tragedy. When you think of Halifax, you think of the Hill.. and it's beautiful views.. and rich history. From the creepy hall ways leading to dungeons you can almost feel are still inhabited.. to the cannon, fired every day at noon.. rain shine or otherwise. I love this spot! read more

One of the best attractions in Halifax by far. My wife and I spent a solid 3 hours here and loved every minute. I have to respect the people walking around in 30 degree weather in period clothing read more

The cannon is neat but the changing of the guards is entirely blocked by idiotic tourists and staff that don't bother to move for the crowd of hundred + people trying to see the fooking ceremony. Staff is inexperienced and slow. It's not that hard to get it right. read more

Once the good weather hits, Citadel Hill comes alive. Besides being a primary tourist pit-stop, the Hill is a collective perch for locals around the city. It isn't out of the ordinary to see folks scattered around with a book, group of friends, whatever. Its grassy layer offers a comfortable coosh for most forms of leisure. And with a detached view of traffic and busy downtown life, you get to feel the local buzz but at a distance. A great spot for exercise as well. Biking, running or walking- there is a full on winding road to put your endurance to the test. Whew. But the reward at the top is a good one, with fantastic lookout at the city below. There's a grassy path to take you down, and a bench halfway for further relishing as well. In addition to its historical significance, Citadel Hill is a common thread for downtowners during summer months and a pretty sweet birds eye view. read more

Spent the better part of an afternoon lolling around the hill, snacking away on candy and leafing through the pages of a newly purchased book. Life is good. The park/fort at the top seems to be the main attraction. You can drive up to it, but I'd recommend taking your time and sauntering up the hill to fully appreciate Halifax's vertical nature. Also, if you stop by the Citadel in the last 15 (or 10? not sure) minutes before it closes, free entry! Yipeeee! read more

Summertime isn't the only time you'll see bodies strewn across Citadel Hill, although in the winter they are also in the air, flying over bumps and landing on our fair cities biggest landmark. Yes, in the winter Citadel Hill is the best spot in the city for sledding. ON a really snowy day it can be fairly busy, which means your risk of hitting another slider can be high, but it's not worth thinking about. We only get a few really substantial snow falls a year and most of the time they are followed by rain. So you have to get out while you can, crowd or not. So this winter, grease up your saucer (Clark Griswold style) and climb the hill for some great sledding! read more

Citadel Hill is a great place in the summer, also a hub of activity. You can take the tour, which is great and I recommend it to everyone. You can hear the noon time cannon go which has been done now since the mid 19th century. Citadel use to be the place for concerts back in the day and still has some free outdoor concerts in the summer on the Garrison Grounds. Winter , it is a great place to take a slide, just make sure your has breaks. read more

I didn't know what to expect when I came here since I knew nothing about Canadian history. It was empty and freezing when I went during the winter. It's a great place to unwind and explore. The views were amazing. It's very picturesque and serene. read more

This fort was built to prevent an American invasion. Though it was never tested in that way. It was long occupied by Scottish troups of the British crown. They even had a bag pipper when I was there. The other reenactors are in 19th century period uniforms and are well versed in the military history of the fort. The staff/reenactors are very friendly and informative. They also give informative tours. The view of Halifax and the harbor is well worth the climb up to the fort. read more

Citadel Hill is a fun and educational adventure into part of Canada's past. Enjoy watching and learning from re-enactors dressed up in traditional garb. Take a tour of the various rooms to learn what life was like for soldiers during the mid 19th century. Enjoy scenic views of downtown and the harbor from the best vantage spot in the city. If you're still craving more, visit the small museum to read about Canada's military history from the early 19th century until now. Overall this is a stellar museum / activity, and I'd recommend it to anyone visiting Halifax. read more

We love a good fort! It's an interesting way to learn about a new place. We arrived at the perfect time, a few minutes before 11:00 am. We were able to watch the changing of the guard outside the fort and got inside just at the beginning of a guided tour. Our docent was engaging and knowledgeable. At the end of the tour, we ended up in the fort wall in time for the noon firing of the canon. Afterward, we went through the WWI exhibit and learned about life in the trenches, very interesting. You can pay an additional fee to shoot an actual authentic musket. Plan on spending at least an hour here. Sitting at the highest point in Halifax, there is a beautiful view. read more

Tour guides were very nice. Inexpensive tours available. Views from the top are spectacular!

As someone who lives in a tiny bachelor apartment downtown, Citadel Hill is my un-official backyard. You can find me here most evenings just lying in the grass and enjoying nature the city slicker way.. on manicured grass cared for by someone else. Ahh nature! It's a great picnic spot as well.. basically it's a great anything spot! I also love biking up and around the hill, my bike doesn't have any gears, and it's still an easy ride, so anyone can do it! The circle around the top offers amazing panoramic views of the city. I say I like to go in the evenings because the sunset is beautiful when seen from this height. Oh, and there are some historical sights to be looked at up there, namely the clock tower, in all his iconic glory! I'd say it's the most photographed building in Halifax. I've never been inside the fort, but it looks pretty cool. If you're not into cannon fire, I'd stay away from the Hill at high noon though. At 12pm they fire a cannon to let everyone and their dogs know it's noon in Halifax. read more

Citadel Hill - Clock tower business - Parks Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

A must see if you're visiting Halifax for the first time! I brought two friends, visiting from Montreal, here & they loved the learning about the history of the Hill and it's significance! We also were around when the canon was fired at noon which was super cool. Additionally, this year because it's CANADA 150 admission was free (that's always a bonus.) read more

I love the immense historical knowledge that is available at this fort. Not only is it the icon of Halifax, but it also is the place to go to in order to learn more about the Halifax's role in Canadian history. Even if you're not a history buff like I am, you should make it a point to visit this place. It provides an awesome view of the downtown waterfront and not too mention having a great interpreter that'll bring you back to the ol' English days where wearing a skirt (kilt) was pretty cool. Walk around the compound and simply immerse yourself into the moment. A visit to Citadel Hill will not fail you. After that, you'd appreciate Halifax as a city even more. read more

This was the least interesting Parks Canada site we visited while in Nova Scotia and oddly, the most expensive. The exhibits seemed old and a little cheesy. The video was a hair short of propaganda and looked like it was filmed in the early 90s. Glossing over major points in history would be an understatement. I was also a little confused by the lack of signage - to fire a musket you have to buy an additional ticket in the gift shop. We had no idea (I saw no signs for this), but the staff member at the musket table seemed annoyed by us asking and even told us that the musket firing ended in 15 minutes, so we shouldn't even try to get tickets. All in all, it was kind of a let down given the price and the other extremely high-quality Parks Canada sites we visited. read more

A great tour for the family if your appreciate the value of our history. Great to see the people in costume and living in the time.

I was happy to have ear plugs in my purse. If you're going to visit and have sensitive ears i suggest you bring a pair too!

Guaranteed to be covered in bodies during the summer months, Citadel Hill is a wonderful place to go veg out. Luckily there is plenty of space for those who want in. I've enjoyed many an hour reading on the side of this historic site, pants rolled up to catch some of that lovely summer sunshine. In the winter it's the tops for sledding - just make sure you don't take it too far and end up in the road... read more

Citadel Hill - Parks Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

This place is awesome. Full of rich history and just a great place to visit if you appreciate history and big fort. The men they have dressed in some of the historical uniforms of the day are awesome sight to see as well. read more

Historic, well-maintained fort with great views. Interesting museum. Lots of interesting demonstrations & displays. Good interactive guides/staff. Quite a hike up hill, but not if you're in shape. Accessibility on the upper ramparts and 2nd floor museum via elevator. Worth visiting! read more

Was so awesome to go see minus the prices.If you go to Halifax a must see.It takes at least 3 hours to walk through and see it all.Pack a lunch as there are beautiful spots to sit relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. read more

Citadel Hill was definitely one of our highlights during our trip through Nova Scotia. Make sure you 'll be there when they fire the cannon at noon. read more

Interesting history. Actually found out additional fun facts on the harbor hoper tour. Long walk if you have someone who had limited mobility. read more

Do not eat at the restaurant! Sandwiches were soggy and inedible. Complained and Tracy promised a refund, Never got it, they just ignored me after I gave my address. The rest of the Citadel tour was wonderful however. Just make sure you eat before you go. read more

We have gone a couple times but we took my parent's on Canada Day and my son had a blast there. It was super busy but worth the crowd to see everything. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and super friendly. read more

Well, we have two kids and went here intending to stay maybe an hour. We stayed the whole day. With an interest in museums, I can't say enough about the enthusiasm and knowledge of the interpreters. They constantly invite questions and requests for further information. Their historical knowledge was excellent. The fort runs demonstrations all day which is a great feature -- military drills, lots of musket firing, musical drills and processions, and canon firings. So enough to entertain. In addition the exhibits are excellent. The WWI and WWII ones were great including a trench system, and the museum brought things up through Afghanistan. All in all a must see to get a physical and historical overview of the city and its past. Also, has an excellent cafe with fresh food and good service. And coffee. read more

Went early in the morning with my family. Pretty to look at once but only once. The place doesn't have many redeeming qualities. In addition the people working there were not helpful and rude. Would not recommended. read more