Halifax/Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Nestled at 1675 Lower Water Street is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Entrance to Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

The museum sits right on Halifax’s vibrant Waterfront Boardwalk, one of the city’s biggest attractions.

The Norwegian Pearl docked at pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on Saturday April 26, 2025.   

 

The museum was very easy to find from the pier—just follow the salty breeze and the steady rhythm of waves along the harbor.

The Waterfront Boardwalk itself is a destination: a scenic 2.5-mile stretch hugging the Halifax Harbour, bustling with public art, food vendors, shops, and patio restaurants. As you walk toward the museum, it’s hard not to stop and admire the tall ships and quirky sculptures along the way.  

 

HALIFAX BOARDWALK 

Length of trail: 2.5 miles
Time to complete:  40–50 minutes, one-way 
Trailhead location: multiple access points anywhere along the waterfront on Upper and Lower Water Streets.  Boardwalks run from Pier 21 (Marginal Road/Terminal Road access) to Casino Nova Scotia (Upper Water Street).
Linear or loop trail: linear
Surface: wooden boardwalk, partially paved

 

The museum is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum, boasting over 30,000 artifacts and some 70 small boats—and of course, the impressive CSS Acadia, a steam-powered ship launched in 1913 that survived two world wars and the Halifax Explosion 

 

Along the way make a photo stop at the “Wave”, an iconic blue wave sculpture, designed by artist Donna Hiebert is one of the most photographed attractions on the Halifax waterfront. Nearby is a fun two-dimensional octopus wall and interactive submarine playground featuring a sea-themed slide, periscope, and portholes or grab a coffee from a seaside café.

 

EXHIBITS IN THE MARITIME MUSEUM

Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax – Halifax’s recovery efforts after Titanic’s sinking are powerfully represented. You’ll see genuine wooden artifacts, including an original deck chair and the child’s shoes that helped identify Titanic’s “Unknown 

Halifax Explosion (1917) – A gripping gallery of artifacts—munitions fragments, ship parts (including a gun from SS Mont‑Blanc)—with personal stories and historical context.

Shipwreck Treasures of Nova Scotia – Displays of centuries-old wreckage from vessels like the 1725 Chameau and others off Nova Scotia’s coast.

Days of Sail & Age of Steam – Showcases include intricate ship models, nautical tools, and the Robertson Store (an 1880s chandlery) complete with hands-on rope-and-foghorn stations.

Canadian Navy & Convoys – Featuring WWII convoy histories, naval models, and the Merchant Navy’s Book of Remembrance, plus an outdoor playground shaped like a submarine.

Inside Museum

Goose Boat inside Museum

  

THE CSS ACADIA

Step aboard this enduring vessel—it’s the only one still afloat that survived both the Halifax Explosion and two world wars.  Docked just behind the museum and open from May to October, it’s a chance to walk decks steeped in maritime history.

CSS Acadia

PLAN YOUR VISIT

• Hours: Generally 9:30 am–4:30 pm daily; late Tuesday evenings to 8 pm 
• Admission: Modest fee, with seasonal discounts—also included in Halifax Experience Pass packages
  
• Getting there: A breezy 3‑minute stroll from the Halifax Ferry Terminal or 27-30 minute walk from Pier 21 along the Boardwalk.

 

INSIDER TIPS

• Plan about 2–3 hours to wander galleries, climb aboard Acadia, and linger over your favorite stories.
• Visit on a Tuesday evening for a quieter experience on gallery floors.
• After touring, enjoy food or a drink along the vibrant waterfront—just a stroll away.

  

In short: The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is more than a collection of nautical relics—it’s a captivating journey through tragedy, triumph, and the enduring connection between Nova Scotia and the sea. A must-see stop on any Halifax itinerary. 

 

 

 

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