The star-shaped Halifax Citadel sits on the drumlin hill at the centre of the city, commanding views in every direction across the harbour, the peninsula, and the Dartmouth shore. This British stone fortress is one of Canada's most visited National Historic Sites, and it earns the attention. You can walk the grassy ramparts, peer into casemates, and watch the noon gun — a daily 12 o'clock cannon firing that has been a Halifax institution since 1857. In summer, soldiers in period redcoat uniforms drill on the parade ground and guide visitors through the barracks, guardroom, and powder magazine.
The citadel's museum traces the history of the fort and the garrison from the eighteenth century through both World Wars, when Halifax was the primary Atlantic convoy staging point. The hilltop location means the views are excellent in all directions; on a clear day you can follow the harbour entrance all the way to McNabs Island. Allow at least two hours to do it properly. The site is open daily May through October; the rest of the year the grounds remain accessible but the buildings are closed.