Living history

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

From May to October, historical interpreters dressed in authentic period clothing bring the Halifax Citadel to life as the 78th Highland Regiment, the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery and soldiers' wives — portraying the Citadel’s garrison from 1869-71.

Person in a red bonnet and flowered dress.
Soldier's wife
Three people in dark blue uniforms with brass buttons and pillbox hats.
3rd Brigade Royal Artillery
A Highlander wearing a feather bonnet.
78th Highlander

Historical interpreters

At the Halifax Citadel, the individuals portraying soldiers and soldiers’ wives are interpreters from the non-profit Halifax Citadel Society. In partnership with Parks Canada, these historical interpreters recreate every detail of the soldier's day-to-day lives — including daily routine, uniforms, equipment and historic drills.

Meet the 78th Highland Regiment

The 78th Highlanders are iconic in their feather bonnets, Mackenzie tartan kilts, red doublets and whitened cross-belts.

They are responsible for the sentry changes, rifle and drill demonstrations, and pipe and drum concerts.

Get fired up with the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery

Dressed in their crisp blue uniforms, the Royal Artillery were a common sight at most British forts, including the Halifax Citadel.

The Royal Artillery maintain and operate the cannons on site — including the Noon Gun. They also operate Halifax Citadel’s commercial and military signal masts.

Gain a new perspective from the soldiers' wives

Some of the soldiers at the Citadel were married. The wives were considered part of the regiment and lived in special quarters for soldiers with families.

They wore dresses with big hoop skirts, bonnets to protect from the sun, shawls to keep them warm, and aprons to protect their clothes.

Daily demonstrations

You hear the bagpipes at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and turn to see a remarkable sight — the 78th Highlanders are approaching in all their finery. Soldiers' wives in their large hoop skirts gather near the Cavalier Building. Suddenly, there is a blast as the Royal Artillery fire the Noon Gun. How could this be? This regiment left in 1871. But this is no illusion. It’s a unique glimpse of Victorian Halifax and part of the fort’s Living History program.

A Highlander standing guard with a bayonet.
Sentry standing guard at the front entrance gate

Sentry changes

Every hour, the sentry at the main gate is changed in a formal ceremony.

 
Two soldiers in green uniforms playing bagpipes.
Pipe and drum concert

Pipe and drum concerts

Performances of the pipes and drums of the 78th Highlanders take place at various times during the day.

 
Smoke from the barrel and back of the Noon Gun after firing as soldiers wait for commands.
Firing the Noon Gun

The Noon Gun

It’s a Halifax tradition. Every day at precisely 12 pm, the famous Noon Gun echoes across Halifax. This tradition has continued every day since at least 1856.

The cannon is a reproduction 12-pounder, smooth-bore muzzle-loading gun used during the reign of King George II (1760-1820). 

Where to watch the Noon Gun

In winter: Stand on the Cavalier Building verandah to watch the daily firing of the Noon Gun.

 
Highlanders stand in formation on the Parade Square.
Performing drills on the Parade Square

Drill demonstrations

Drill demonstrations take place daily in July and August.

Inspections, troop reviews, squad drills and larger manoeuvres occur on the Parade Square.

 
Soldiers in blue fire a small cannon on wheels in the Parade Square.
Firing a cannon

Rifle and cannon firing demonstrations

In July and August, individual rifle firing demonstrations are carried out several times each day, with larger demonstrations of rifle, musket and cannon firings.

  • Daily firing of the 12-pounder (Noon Gun)
  • Afternoon demonstrations of the 6-pounder smoothbore field gun
  • Occasional demonstrations of the 6-pounder Armstrong breech loader

 

 
Six soldiers in blue pull the ropes to raise flags on the signal mast.
Hoisting signals up the military commercial signal mast

Military and commercial signal masts

The Royal Artillery re-enactors also operate the Halifax Citadel’s military and commercial signal masts.

The masts stretch high above the Citadel and can be seen across downtown Halifax and Halifax Harbour, indicating that all are welcome to visit and experience this special historic site.

Learn more about the signal masts

 
A soldier's wife in a flowered dress.
A soldier's wife

Soldiers' wives demonstrations

Find the soldiers’ wives doing a variety of 18th century daily chores, including needlework and laundry.

Stop and chat with them. They have great insight into the city’s past.

 

Become an historical interpreter

Many of the interpreters are students! 

Learn about student employment opportunities at the Halifax Citadel

Related links

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