Commemorating the First and Second World Wars

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Discover Halifax in wartime. Halifax played an important role during the World Wars as an assembly point for supply convoys and troops heading overseas.

During the First World War, Halifax was the last bit of Canadian soil on which many troops would tread, and the first when they returned.

During the Second World War, the Halifax Citadel served as a transit barracks, the headquarters for the city’s anti-aircraft defences, and a depot for the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. The Halifax Defence Complex was also active in coastal defence.

Second World War “Storm the Beach" D-Day exhibit

Two visitors and two soldiers stand among the barricades from the “Storm the Beach — "Storm the Beach" D-Day exhibit

Commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024.

For one final year, the Halifax Citadel welcomes visitors to re-trace the steps of the Canadian soldiers who stormed Juno Beach on June 6, 1944.

An immersive experience complete with real sand and life-size defences. Disembark from the landing craft, move past the obstacles towards to the seawall, and imagine the gunfire from the bunker as you breach the defences of the dreaded Atlantic Wall.