A city skyline viewed from a grassy hill with historic brick buildings in the foreground, and taller modern buildings along a river with a partly cloudy sky.

Georges Island

Just beyond the harbour, discover another chapter of Halifax’s story.

Two children kneeling on the ground next to a large cannon, with open treasure chest filled with gold coins between them, in an outdoor setting with brick wall and grassy hill in the background.

Just across the harbour, a new perspective on Halifax’s history awaits.

Located in the heart of Halifax Harbour, Georges Island National Historic Site offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the region’s most important and lesser-known historic landscapes. Once a key part of the Halifax Defence Complex, the island played a critical role in protecting the harbour and shaping the city’s past.

Today, visitors can step onto the island and uncover its layered history, from military fortifications and underground tunnels to the stories of those who lived, worked and were detained there.

A Connected Story

Georges Island is part of a broader network of historic sites that together tell the story of Halifax’s defence. Paired with a visit to the Halifax Citadel, it offers a deeper understanding of how the city and harbour were protected over time.

    • Explore Fort Charlotte and the island’s historic fortifications

    • Walk through tunnels and underground passageways

    • Take in sweeping views of Halifax Harbour and the city skyline

    • Learn about the island’s role in harbour defence and its connection to the Halifax Citadel

    • Discover the island’s complex history, including its use during the Acadian Deportation

  • Georges Island is accessible by ferry from the Halifax waterfront. Your ticket includes both transportation and admission, along with a scenic ride across the harbour.

    The ferry experience offers a unique vantage point of the city and surrounding coastline before arriving at the island.

    • Open seasonally from June to October

    • Allow approximately 1-2 hours to explore the island

    • Guided tunnel tours and self-guided experiences are available

    • Dress for the weather (conditions on the harbour can be cooler and windy)

  • To book your experience, or for more information, please contact us at bookings@halifaxcitadel.ca or (902) 426-1990.

    You can also visit the Ambassatours website.

“Great friendly staff loads to see and do. Enjoyed our visit here managed to make it just in time for the noon gun! There was a live musical performance and even the opportunity to fire some blanks from a vintage converted musket rifle. Staff were helpful and informative. Would recommend this to any history/military enthusiast!”

— AaronsTravels