Think you know Halifax? Beyond the famous waterfront, historic landmarks, and scenic harbour views lies fascinating stories, unusual facts, and local legends that many visitors, and even some locals, have never heard. From pirate tales and military history to snake-filled islands, employed falcons, and lamp posts that have had one too many drinks, Halifax is full of surprises. Here are 10 fun and unexpected facts that might just change the way you see the city.
1.Pirates on McNabs Island
Located in the heart of Halifax Harbour, McNabs Island is known today for its scenic coastal views, peaceful beaches, and wooded trails. However, beneath its natural beauty lies a much darker past.
As the first island guarding the entrance to Halifax Harbour, McNabs Island played an important role in the harbour's defence. During the 1800s, pirates and privateers attempting to enter the harbour were met by the Royal Navy. To deter future intruders, captured pirates were reportedly hanged and their bodies displayed as a grim warning to anyone considering a similar fate. Today, visitors know the shoreline as Maugher Beach, but it was once referred to as Hangman's Beach, a name earned from these chilling events that have become part of the island's folklore and history.
2.Noon Canon
Everyday the sound of a cannon is set off from the Citadel National Historic Site at noon. This long-standing tradition originated in the mid 1800s as an audible signal for ships, residence, and soldiers to reset/ adjust their clocks and watches. Although it is no longer needed today, the cannon is still shot as a reminder of the cities history and to scare the pants off of tourists & locals caught off guard.
3.Drunken Lamp Posts
Located along the Halifax Waterfront at Bishop's Landing, you can find the unique and hilarious art piece known as 'Fountain' and 'Get Drunk, Fall Down'. To those unfamiliar with the artwork, the bent and leaning lamp posts may look like the result of failed construction project. In reality they are a creative art display showing one lamp post relieving itself into the harbour as another lamp post lays passed out while a third concerned lamp post stares down at its passed out friend. This art installation is a true testament to Halifax's vibrant pub culture and the cities sense of humour.
4.Georges Island Snakes
Known for its historic role as a defensive fort protecting Halifax Harbour, Georges Island National Historic Site was once home to soldiers stationed within its fortifications. While the island may appear uninhabited today, it is actually home to a thriving, isolated population of Maritime Garter Snakes. Now, there's no need to let that deter you from visiting. These snakes are harmless, known for their docile nature, and are rarely seen by visitors exploring the island during the day.
5.Harbour Hoppers in the Vietnam War
While visiting Halifax, you are bound to see the famous Halifax Harbour Hoppers roaming the streets and the harbour. Today they are widely known as a popular land & sea tour, but their history goes far beyond tourism. The Harbour Hoppers are actually former military vessels known as LARC-Vs which stands for Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo 5 (tonne). These were built by the United States military during the Vietnam War with some of the vessels actually being deployed.
6.Citadel National Historic Site
Citadel National Historic Site sits in the heart of downtown Halifax as a reminder of the social and military history of Halifax. Surprisingly, despite being heavily foritied, the fort was never actually attacked.
7.Halifax Employs Falcons
Every summer from June - September, the city of Halifax employs a Falcon. Yes you heard me right, a falcon! While you roam the Halifax Waterfront you may see a man walking around with a falcon on his arm. This is Scott, the owner & operator of Atlantic Falconry Services and Nova, the hard working falcon. These two work as a team to patrol the Halifax Waterfront keeping unwanted seagulls away.
8.Haunted Halifax
Established by the British in 1749 on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Mi’kmaq people, the history of Halifax stretches back thousands of years. With such a vast history, Halifax is no stranger to tragedy. From the Halifax Explosion to wartime losses and the sinking of the Titanic, it is said that many restless spirits wander the streets of Halifax making it widely considered one of Canadas most haunted cities.
9.The Whale Tongue
The Halifax Wave is one of the most photographed attractions along the waterfront by tourists, but to many locals this structure is known as the Halifax Whale Tongue! Thanks to its unique shape and bright blue colour, generations of Haligonians have joked that it resembles the tongue of a giant whale rather than a crashing ocean wave.
10.Halifax Public Garden
The Halifax Public Gardens are one of the last remaining examples of a Victorian garden in North America. One of the features that reflects this Victorian design is its wide pathways, which were intentionally built to allow two women wearing the large, fashionable dresses of the Victorian era to stroll through the gardens side by side.
Whether you've lived in Halifax for years or are visiting for the first time, there's always something new to discover about this historic coastal city. From centuries-old traditions and military secrets to quirky public art and unique wildlife, Halifax is filled with stories that make it unlike anywhere else in Canada. The next time you're exploring the waterfront, wandering through a historic site, or hearing the noon cannon echo across the city, you'll know there's often more to the story than meets the eye.
