Come to Nova Scotia and experience our epic maritime and military history. Massive mainsails billowing in the brisk sea breeze. Cannons blasting. Soldiers marching. Ghosts gathering. Horse drawn wagons clattering. Blacksmiths’ hammers clanging. Archaeologists digging. History here is a full-on sensory experience.
Plan your trip back to the past to cover all the bases – from the Coal Age to the last standing immigration shed in Canada. Nova Scotia is home to Canada’s beloved Bluenose II, 27 provincial museums, 26 National Historic Sites and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nova Scotia’s family of 27 museums ranges from the 77 buildings of Sherbrooke Village’s 55 acres to the sawdust-strewn rooms of Shelburne’s Dory Shop or the one-of-a-kind collection in Yarmouth’s Firefighters’ Museum. Click through to the Nova Scotia Museum’s website to size up events and activities, then purchase a pass and explore the museum network to your heart’s content for one great price.
Discover Nova Scotia's rich history while visiting any of our 10 living history museums and historic sites. Costumed interpreters bring history to life through stories while dressed in authentic outfits from their site's time period. From working blacksmiths and farmers in the fields to soldiers guarding fortresses and restaurants serving the finest 18th century meals, you're sure to feel as you've stepped back a century or two.
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site is North America’s largest historical reconstruction. 2013 marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of Île Royale -- known today as Cape Breton Island -- and its capital, Louisbourg. To celebrate this historic anniversary, the Fortress of Louisbourg will be alive with special activities and never-before seen events!
In Halifax, visit the Halifax Citadel at noon as members of the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery set off a cannon. 25 million Canadians have a link to Pier 21 National Historic Site – you can get a package deal on experiencing your own heritage here by visiting Pier21.ca for promotions and discounts.
Check the
calendar for re-enactments and encampments at historic hotspots like
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. If you want hands-on activities, be sure to visit
Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site or participate in a dig at
Grand Pre National Historic Site.