Things to do in Halifax Regional Municipality, Halifax Regional Municipality: The Best History Museums

Immerse yourself in the rich marine history depicted by this museum's vast collection from binnacles and buoys to anchors and armaments.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast. Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story. Countless Journeys. One Canada.

Evergreen House was built in 1867 by the James Family. This historic Dartmouth Victorian home was frequented by Joseph Howe and home to nationally-acclaimed Nova Scotian folklorist, Dr. Helen Creighton.

Memory Lane Heritage Village is an award winning living history museum depicting coastal rural life in Nova Scotia during the 1940s, including life during and after the Second World War.

From the crackle of wood burning in the cook stove, to the smell of the saltwater breeze, come experience the warmth and welcome of Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore in a traditional fishing family’s home.

The Macphee House Visitor Information Center offers guests information on local attractions such as Museums, Beaches, Parks and local events. The Visitor Information Center also offers information on local businesses and provides visitors with the most up to date information. The Macphee House Community Museum is a volunteer organization that provides local history and a peek into our past with lots of original artifacts of places such as the West River; which was home to the first Sulphide Pulp Mill in Canada before it was taken out by Hurricane Beth in 1971. The Museum is also home to a wide variety of artifacts from in and around the Sheet Harbour Area.

The only surviving home of the original Quaker whalers who settled in Dartmouth in 1785 at the end of the American Revolution. One of only twelve Quaker homes built in Nova Scotia.

Located on Hwy#7, near the junction of Hwy#357, in the center of the village of Musquodoboit Harbour. This Museum is housed in a restored 1918 Intercolonial, Canadian National Railway Station. It provides a beautiful example of architectural heritage and is home to a collection of Nova Scotia railway memorabilia including a caboose, snowplow, a shunter and an old CP combination car. The collection also features a large selection of telegraph equipment, photographs, documents and books related to rail travel in Nova Scotia.

Full-scale replicas of the power house and boat cradle were constructed in 2018. The outdoor portions are open year-round and include the exterior of the power house, the cradle, and interpretive panels. Visitors can look inside the power house, which offer clear views of the recreated gears and machinery. Access to the interior of the power house is available seasonally as part of guided tours.