Halifax Cruise Port Guide

past. Its origins lie in the ideal geographic position on one of the largest natural harbors in the world. The original residents of the region, the Micmac Indians, called the area Chebuctook, meaning Great Long Harbor. The British recognized the city's strategic potential in protecting their colonies from their French rivals and constructed a base here to counter the French fortress of Louisbourg. British Governor Edward Cornwallis and 2,500 settlers arrived in 1749 to found Halifax, named for Lord Halifax, England's president of the Board of Trade and Plantations. With a strong military history, Halifax acted as a key supply and convoy harbor in both World Wars.

Today, the city is Atlantic Canada's center of business, research and education. Clean, green, walkable streets, excellent dining and friendly maritime smiles welcome visitors in an innovative and historic cityscape.

Strong emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, historic restorations and the preservation of the heritage and culture of the people of the region.

One of Canada's most visited national historic sites, the Halifax Citadel Fortress dominates the downtown core of the city. Take a stroll along the waterfront past restored buildings and warehouses of the Historic Properties, or a walk in the delightful Public Gardens, proclaimed as the oldest Victorian gardens of their type in North America.

Halifax's sister city of Dartmouth lies on the opposite shore and is reached via the oldest saltwater ferry in North America. The spectacular view of Halifax harbor makes the 15-minute trip worthwhile.