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Citadel Hill
Categories: Active Life Parks Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
5425 Sackville StHalifax, NS B3J
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for Citadel Hill
Review Highlights
13 reviews in English
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Review from Ben B.
5/18/2012
For something that typically forms the backdrop of any tourism campaign for the region, this local has some serious love for Halifax's Citadel Hill. I love the green mound in the center of the city, I love the town clock, I love the noon gun, I love the sassy guard uniforms - I love it all.
But do you want to know why I *really* love Citadel Hill? Because it's the first date destination of my dreams. Now, it's been a long time since I've had a first date and I may never have one ever again, so please consider this a gift to any of you singles who really need to hit it out of the ballpark. It's yours.
1. It's easy to find and couldn't be any more central. No getting lost, no directions needed, and no awkward conversations about 'well...I could pick you up?' / 'it's okay...I can take the bus...'
2. You can kick off the date by grabbing a coffee to go from any of the local cafes. Teas, coffees, smoothies, and everything in between are within your grasp, allowing you to sip through any uncomfortable silences with ease.
3. Strolling up the hill on a sunny day offers mega views of the city, gorgeous fresh air, and gives off the idea that you might be one of those people who enjoy physical activity whether you actually are or not.
4. Hungry? There's no better spot for a picnic. Pack a lunch or pick one up before you start for a picture perfect picnic that'll give you some serious indie cred. Seriously. You'll look like Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt combined.
5. Just a quick google search or previous trip through one of the city's many tours will give you enough trivia knowledge to spout out some smart-sounding Halifacts. For starters, it was designed like a star to give perfect aiming angles from all sides. For tips that aren't about gunning down invaders, maybe go with the whole flag system dealie.
6. If the date goes well, you're perfectly positioned to segue into dinner, drinks, or any other activity you like in the city because they're all right there in front of you. If it doesn't, there's no waiting for the cheque to arrive before you bounce. You're just a so long away from disappearing into the sunset.
Enjoy, lovers. -
Review from Mike B.
Citadel Hill is arguable the centre of Halifax's existence. However, at the risk of getting a bit too political in a review, part of me feels somewhat bitter toward what I believe to be the thing that is preventing Halifax from advancing as a city.
Looking beyond that, Citadel Hill has a lot to offer Halifax in any season. In the winter, it's got a great hill for sliding with a wonderous landing spot on the Garrison Grounds. In the summer, it's a great place to go tanning or just to hang out with friends in the afternoon sun. It's become part of a good workout regime for anyone trying to get, or stay in-shape, providing a good slope for running. Since the hill isn't so out of my way on my walk home from work, it provides me with that extra little bit of exercise as I walk up one side, go around the perimetre of the road at the top to the other side. AND, the site has also been known to host concerts before they started tackling the Halifax Common.
So really, Citadel Hill is one of those every-person locations in Halifax.
You like museums? There's one at the top of the hill! For about $7 or so, you can find out all about Halifax's history as part of the wars, as well as playing key roles to past wars in centuries past. I brought a visitor here a few years back and we spent an entire rainy afternoon here and I feel like I still rushed through most of what was offered. A true historian would need an entire weekend here at least to take in everything.
I also enjoy the rumoured tunnels that lead from the hill to the waterfront. An urban legend? Maybe not, as I've read in a few books and as a quick Google search can provide.
All I needed to do was think about the good that Citadel Hill has to offer and suddenly I'm not so bitter anymore. -
Review from Annie C.
Kingston, ON
12/22/2010
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! -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/8/2009
Just don't walk by it at Noon. They shoot at you with a cannon.
Yes they do fire off a cannon but I'm exaggerating about their aim. I'm sure the cannon isn't really loaded but it does make a very, very loud sound that echoes all over downtown Halifax and frightens people who don't know its coming.
Citadel Hill was created to be a base of operations during war time. It had successfully never defended Halifax since there was no need to. But its still a proud part of our heritage. There are tours in the summer time where you can venture into this historic Fort and learn about the history of Citadel Hill and Halifax during the age when "The Hill" played an important role in defending Halifax. When you go on a tour you will most likely hear Bag Piper's and see soldiers in full dress uniform kilts. It is an amazing Fort to explore. For me what is surprising is that it is a Fort in the middle of the city! I don't know too many if any Historic Forts in North America that can boast that!
If you don't want to go on a tour don't worry. Citadel Hill is also a great place to simply hike or run up and then take in the beautiful, 360 degree view of Halifax. In the summer time it is the best Hill to sunbathe on and is also a very popular spot for outdoor concerts.
The Staff at Citadel Hill are very friendly and professional. I'm not sure if you are allowed to tip them or not, but if you get close enough to one, just slip then five bucks and wink at them. Or just slip them five bucks. The wink might be misinterpreted. There is also plenty of parking up there if you are going to go into the Fort itself.
At the end of the day, Citadel Hill is a wonderful, historic, part of Halifax. You won't find any Fort like it in Canada or, to my knowledge, the United States. It is one of "the" places to see if you are a tourist. And if you live in Halifax, chances are you jog over it, sunbathe on it, let your dog run free or watch the sun set over Halifax. This is why it gets a five out of five stars. But then again, what other Fort in the middle of Halifax am I comparing it to? Oh well. You still deserve it Citadel. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/18/2010 2 photos
I know Canada Day is not quite on the horizon; however, I think you should plan early by penciling in a trip to Citadel Hill on the 1st if July and I'll tell you why... it's free this day every year!
Last summer, I went into the actual fort after having not visited it for well over a decade. It remains unchanged: reenactors dressed in military garb, old edifices for you to peruse, as well as a cafeteria so that you can eat some old fashioned food from the days of yore (this last assertion is not accurate - the food is just regular, everyday fare).
It's a fun gander, not exactly a riveting experience but relatively enjoyable. I especially like when there are demonstrations with guns and the workers yell and treat the situation with dire respect; I appreciate when people really commit to what they're doing, no matter how silly it may be.
When you're not forting it up, the Citadel offers great views of the city and is a top tourist destination. The hill is fantastic to run up and great to bike around. It's also a lovely place to bring a blanket in the summer and thumb through a magazine, or else in the winter, bring your GT and rocket down the snowy hillside.
If you're bumming around town sans pocket-watch, take a peek up at the tower and you'll feel right as rain knowing what hour of the day it is. Citadel Hill: come for the history, stay for the grassy slopes.Listed in: Random Fun
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Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/17/2010 1 photo
Citadel Hill is one attraction that you have to check out if you're in the Halifax area. It is just one of the many historical site in this city but it is probably the most popular because of the way it towers over the city.
The grounds of Citadel Hill are open for the public from May 7th to October 31st every year. During this time the hill comes to life with tour groups and school trips contributing most of the crowd. The tours are really interesting and the guides deserve praise for their expansive knowledge of Halifax history.
At the end of the day or after a tour ends check out the coffee bar which serves your basic cup of joe or the regemental shop which is full of military and Halifax souvenirs.
Hot Hint: Citadel Hill also has an archive that is open all year, and special events and receptions are available all year as well. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/23/2009
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! -
Review from Laura P.
3/24/2010
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. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 4/17/2010 1 photo
Well as you all know, the weather WAS starting to warm back in March and has now reverted back to its wintery ways... even on a blustery day though, if you bundle warmly, the Citadel can be a lovely place to go and sit. Lots of hustle and bustle to watch beneath while chilling out and enjoying the views.
Saturday recommendation: Samosas from the market, your crush and a grassy little piece of Citadel.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/29/2010
Most people visiting the city know Citadel Hill for the historic tour that is offered on the fort at… Read more »
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Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/17/2010
Citadel Hill is one of the most important monuments/historical places in our entire country. From it's construction in 1749, the Citadel performed a valuable function in the defense of the British stronghold from the French. (Fortress Louisbourg, a few hours to the north, changed hands between the British and the French several times.)
The history of Citadel Hill is presented in living colour through interpreters in period costumes. Men outfitted in the military uniform of the day "guard" the Citadel and also offer commentary as you tour the site. If you can, try to visit around noon in order to see the ceremonial firing of the cannon. It's quite an interesting sight, seeing the precision and routine involved in firing a 19th century gun.
My favourite part of Citadel Hill is the trenches and passage ways built underground in the Hill. The bunkers and rifle sights are an eye-opening glimpse of what life was like for a British soldier.
Admission prices have increased over the years, and it now costs a family $29.40 to visit. However, the opportunity to go back in time is priceless and should not be overlooked. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
2/25/2010
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. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
5/3/2010 2 photos
Everyday at 12 when I am DT I say the same thing, what is the noise? Well that is the cannon going off for 12 o'clock noon time.
Citadel Hill is a must for you tourist or just us Nova Scotians that have not been here since those tours in school. My BF loves this place so each year I find myself down in the centre of the confusion on Canada Day trying to fight the crowd for a piece of the cake.
But after all is said and down and I walk the same paths as before I see or learn something new about this beautiful structure that we take for granted all the history that is housed in one location. Just to walk about the Hill and look out over the water or a view of DT in the night is beautiful and something that you must see. From weekends of kite flying to picnics on the hills the kids still get a thrill of rolling down the hills it is always something to see. -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/14/2009 1 photo
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...
