Halifax Citadel

Day 27: 6.08.09
Today was brilliant weather wise – hot and steamy! After a slow start, we navigated our way into downtown Halifax to visit its Citadel. The Halifax Citadel is another Historic Site and is an important part of Canada’s Military Heritage. Once a command post of Halifax’s defences, Citadel Hill served as the principal British Naval Station in North America. Upon arrival, we joined a guided tour and learnt much about the British regiments that were once stationed here. The museum on site provided us with an insight into Canada’s military exploits both past and present. A highlight of our tour was being present for the midday firing of a rather large cannon dating back from 1808. Each day except for Christmas, noon in Halifax is marked by the firing of the Noon Gun – a local tradition since 1857. We were lucky enough to observe the drills taken from British army manuals of the period and hear the shot. It was certainly very loud and apparently resounds through much of Halifax. So much so, that many Halifax workers time the Noon Gun with their lunch breaks.

After our Citadel visit we made our way down to the wharf area for a look around and lunch. The day was beautiful and the harbour sparkled. In many ways, it reminded me a little of Sydney without the traffic and chaos. Much to the delight of the kids, the afternoon was spent at the Empire Cinemas catching Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.