Parks Canada - Mainland Nova Scotia
Special Events 2013
Visit this page regularly as additional events will be added.
July August September October November
July 1 12:00 pm-3:00 pm Free!
Canada Day
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Join in the singing of “O Canada” at the flag raising ceremony, walk in the procession from Town Hall to the grounds at Fort Anne, eat a slice of Canada Day cake, play a game of croquet, listen to musical entertainment and take part in children’s activities.
July 1 10am-2:30pm Free!
Canada Day
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Halifax Regional Municipality’s official celebration of Canada Day featuring the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo Choir and the Royal Canadian Navy’s Stadacona Band. Following the traditional noon gun and the twenty-one gun salute, the official Canada Day cake will be served. Be part of this annual historic celebration!
July 1 10 am–4 pm Free!
Canada Day
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
Celebrate Canada’s birthday with a guided hike, a canoe paddle or campfire program and enjoy everything that Keji has to offer including a slice of birthday cake! July 1st is also the official launch of the Friends of Keji Photo Contest and the 2013 Xplorers Program for kids. Don’t miss the opportunity to kick off the summer and have some fun!
July 12
Public ghost tours
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Public ghost tours begin for 2013 season.
July 14 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Mi’kmaq Heritage Day
Port-Royal National Historic Site
Come and experience Mi’kmaw traditions, history, drumming, song and lifestyle. Sing a Mi’kmaw song, participate in a game of ‘waltes’ and be certain to visit the wigwam.
July 20
Kejimkujik Storytelling Festival on Parks Day
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
Participate in workshops, demonstrations by local artisans and traditional storytelling in Kejimkujik’s Mi’kmaw cultural landscape. Enjoy music, food sampling, free BBQ, children’s programs and other activities to celebrate the art of storytelling.
July 20-21
Explore Georges Island 2013 Open House
Georges Island National Historic Site
Your chance to explore Georges Island is back this summer! Don’t miss the opportunity to see first hand one of the most important British forts that defended Halifax. Tunnel tours, guided interpretation and an 1812 encampment – interactive fun for the whole family. Stay tuned for more details including how to get your tickets to this special weekend.
August 2-4
Encampment Days
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Step back in time to the early 18th century and experience what life would have been like for the soldiers and their families during this time with the 84th Regiment of Foot military reenactors. Take in the many stories and hear the crack of a rifle and the smell of black powder from firing demonstrations. Fun and learning for the whole family!
August 3
Keji’s 44th Birthday Party
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
Celebrate Kejimkujik’s birthday with cake and refreshments at the Visitor Centre and enter the 4th Annual Campground BBQ competition. This event is presented with the assistance of the Friends of Keji.
August 9-11
Dark Sky Weekend
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
Celebrate Kejimkujik’s designation as a Dark Sky Preserve. Keji’s dark skies have provided an incredible view of the stars, constellations and astronomical events for thousands of years. Join Parks Canada staff and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at the Sky Circle for dark sky viewing programs throughout the weekend – fun for the whole family!
August 17-18
Celebrate ‘Fab Forts’
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Halifax Citadel was built to protect a city, a culture, and a way of life. Rediscover the reason why the Halifax Citadel is so fabulous! Highlighting the Citadel and Halifax’s connection to the war of 1812. Special activities planned for the entire family to enjoy – watch for more details coming soon!
August 18 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Construction Traditions at Port-Royal
Port-Royal National Historic Site
The Port-Royal Habitation was Parks Canada’s first major reconstruction and was a milestone in the preservation movement in Canada. Learn first-hand from craftsmen who will share their knowledge of the techniques and materials used in this heritage reconstruction.
August 23 11am–1pm
Freedom of the City
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Halifax Citadel’s iconic 78th Highlanders exercise the Freedom of the City of Halifax by parading through the town with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed. Parade begins at the Halifax Citadel at 11am and continues to Grand Parade and Government House. Dedicated for a second year to the War of 1812.
August 24-25
Kejimkujik Canoe Festival
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
Join Parks Canada and Canoe Kayak NS for a fun-filled weekend celebration complete with canoeing and kayking demonstrations, clinics and activities – perfect for the beginner to seasoned paddler alike. Rentals available.
August 29–September 1
American Revolutionary War to War of 1812 Grand Encampment
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Discover a pivotal event in the making of both Canada and the United States: the American Revolution! This living history event will feature a military encampment and demonstrations of authentic camp cooking and period food, as well as battle tactics, cannon and musket firings from the late 18th century.
September 1 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Mi’kmaq Heritage Day
Port-Royal National Historic Site
Come and experience Mi’kmaw traditions, history, drumming, song and lifestyle. Sing a Mi’kmaw song, participate in a game of ‘waltes’ and be certain to visit the wigwam.
October 11-14
Thanksgiving Weekend
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
Enjoy the brilliant colours of fall and the annual pumpkin carving contest – this is one of Keji’s most popular weekends of the year! Take a dip at the 6th annual Cold Turkey Swim or just relax and have fun with friends and family. Book your campsite early – reservations begin on April 16th, reserve online or call 1-877-RESERVE.
October 19-20
World War II Living History Encampment
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Halifax Citadel recalls its role during the Second World War - members of the Atlantic WWII Living History Association will again be at the Halifax Citadel NHS dressed in the uniforms of Canadian, British, American, German and Russian troops, and will join members of the Citadel’s garrison who will interpret the Canadian troops who defended Halifax during this dark time in world history.
November 23-24 12 noon–4 pm
24th Annual Victorian Christmas
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Experience the traditions of Christmas as enjoyed by Queen Victoria’s soldiers and their families inside the Halifax Citadel at the 24th Annual Victorian Christmas. See how the troops celebrated the season in the barracks, enjoy a soldier’s version of Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” meet Father Christmas, enjoy musical performances – it’s a family tradition!