Maritime Museum of the Atlantic | Halifax

Absolutely. Here's a detailed overview of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, a cornerstone of Nova Scotia's heritage and one of the most visited attractions on the Halifax waterfront:

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – Full Guide

Overview

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum, located at 1675 Lower Water Street, right on the Halifax waterfront. It showcases Nova Scotia’s deep maritime history, from the days of wooden sailing ships to modern naval operations. Established in 1948, the museum has grown into an expansive facility with both indoor galleries and outdoor exhibits, including historic vessels docked at the adjacent wharf.

Permanent Exhibits and Highlights

1. Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax

One of the most powerful and emotionally resonant exhibits in the museum, this gallery explores Halifax’s connection to the 1912 Titanic disaster. Halifax played a critical role in the recovery efforts; it was from here that ships were sent to retrieve victims’ bodies and debris from the North Atlantic. The exhibit includes:

Personal artifacts from victims

Photos and original documents

Stories of the local crews involved in the recovery

Information about the three Halifax cemeteries where many victims are buried

2. Halifax Explosion

This gallery documents the 1917 Halifax Explosion, one of the largest man-made explosions prior to the atomic bomb. The blast occurred when two ships—one carrying munitions—collided in the harbor. Over 2,000 people were killed, and much of the city was destroyed.

The exhibit includes:

Firsthand accounts and survivor testimonies

Photographs showing the devastation

Artifacts recovered from the wreckage

A scale model of the affected area

3. Age of Steam and Days of Sail

These two separate galleries examine major periods of maritime evolution:

Days of Sail looks at the golden age of wooden ships and tall ships, with detailed ship models, tools, and sailor gear.

The Age of Steam focuses on industrial innovation, as ships transitioned from wind to coal-powered engines, revolutionizing global trade and travel.

4. Shipwreck Treasures of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s coastline is notorious for shipwrecks due to treacherous waters and storms. This gallery presents:

Salvaged items from wrecks

Underwater archaeology insights

Historical context about dangerous shipping routes and navigation methods

5. William Robertson & Son Ship Chandlery

A meticulously reconstructed marine supply store from the early 1900s, filled with:

Nautical hardware

Maps, ropes, and tools

Artifacts that give insight into the daily life of seafarers and shipbuilders

6. Small Craft Gallery

A popular family-friendly area showcasing dozens of smaller vessels including rowboats, dinghies, and dories from the Atlantic provinces. These offer a look into the fishing culture and recreational boating traditions of the region.

Historic Vessels

CSS Acadia

This 180-foot hydrographic survey vessel, built in 1913, is docked outside the museum and is open to the public during warmer months. The CSS Acadia served for over five decades, including duty in both World Wars. Visitors can walk through the ship’s engine room, cabins, and bridge to see how it operated in its time.

HMCS Sackville

While not owned by the museum, the HMCS Sackville, Canada's last remaining WWII corvette, docks nearby and is often associated with the museum’s naval history displays. It is open for tours in summer, offering insights into life aboard convoy escort ships.

Visitor Information

Location:
1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 1S3

Hours of Operation:

May to October:
Daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Extended hours on Tuesdays until 8:00 PM

November to April:
Tuesday to Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Closed Mondays

Admission (May to October):

Adults: $9.55 CAD

Seniors: $6.50

Youth (6–17): $5.15

Children under 5: Free

Family (2 adults + children): $24.75
Discounted rates apply in the off-season (November to April).

Why Visit

This museum is ideal for both history buffs and casual visitors. It offers:

Fascinating stories of Nova Scotia’s role in world maritime events

Immersive exhibits with real artifacts

Access to historical vessels

A chance to connect with the city’s identity as a major North Atlantic seaport

Whether you're curious about shipwrecks, want to walk the deck of a century-old ship, or learn about how Halifax helped in one of the greatest maritime disasters in history, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a must-visit destination in downtown Halifax.