Historic Beauty

     One of the region’s best historic sites, the park began as a fortress due to its strategic location in the Halifax Harbour defence network.  Remnants of the harbour defence fortifications also exist on McNabs Island and York Redoubt. Its military use began in the mid-1700s and ended after the first world war, but the remnants of old fortifications (much of it built from stone from “King’s Quarry” in the Purcell’s Cove Backlands) can still be seen today.

     The Point Pleasant Battery,  Fort Ogilvie, the Northwest Arm Battery, Cambridge Battery, and the oldest Martello Tower in North America; the Prince Of Wales Tower are scattered through the park in varying stages of disrepair.

     Memorials of great historic significance also dot the park and pay tribute to the importance of Halifax’s Naval Past.  For more info on Halifax’s military heritage, I highly recommend checking out the Halifax Military Heritage Society and supporting their mission to promote and preserve Halifax’s military heritage.

The Heart Of Halifax

     With great views of the mouth of Halifax Harbour and the NorthWest Arm, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the serenity.  The park’s “Black Rock Beach”, where pirates were once hung, enjoys a much more peaceful existence today.

     The park can be fairly crowded at peak times, but in general, it is a calm experience.  Whether you want to take in a play at Shakespeare by the sea, take the family for a Sunday stroll, or shed some pounds with some scenic exercise this is the place to be in Halifax.

     The true heart of the city resides in Point Pleasant Park and it continues beating from season to season, generation after generation through natural and man-made disasters.