St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Halifax is the oldest Protestant church in Canada, built in 1750. It has been a central landmark in the city for centuries and holds an incredible collection of historic architecture, artefacts, and stories.
The church survived the Halifax Explosion of 1917, and even today, you can still see remnants of that event inside. It’s not just a place of worship but also a living piece of Canadian history.
Getting There & Access
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Address: 1749 Argyle Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
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By Transit: Several Halifax Transit bus routes stop nearby on Barrington Street, just a short walk from the church.
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By Car: Metered street parking is available on Argyle Street and nearby side streets. There are also several parking garages within a 5–10 minute walk.
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On Foot: Located right downtown near Grand Parade and City Hall, it’s very walkable from the Halifax waterfront.
You can also check the Translink Website for the Skytrain Schedules.
What You’ll Find Inside
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Historic Architecture: Georgian style, modelled after St. Peter’s Church in London, UK.
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Artefacts: Includes communion silver gifted by King George II and furnishings dating back to the church’s early years.
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Halifax Explosion Remnants: Inside, you can see a piece of wooden window frame embedded in the wall — blasted there during the 1917 explosion.
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Memorials & Plaques: Commemorations of naval officers, governors, and parishioners.
Self-Guided Tours & Visiting
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Hours: Self-guided tours are generally available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
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Wednesdays: After the 11:00 AM Eucharist service, the church closes at noon for outreach lunch and reopens at 1:00 PM until closing.
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Cost: Free admission for self-guided visits.
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Tour Pamphlets: Available in several languages at the entrance to guide you through key features.
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Volunteer Guides: Sometimes available to answer questions, but not always scheduled.
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Restrictions: Visitors are asked not to enter the upstairs gallery, areas behind the altar rail, or closed back rooms.
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Quiet Visits: The nave is open for quiet reflection and prayer during visitation hours.
Tips for Visitors
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Plan at least 30–45 minutes to enjoy the church and read through the historical details.
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Be respectful — this is still an active place of worship. Keep voices low, especially if services or private prayers are happening.
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Bring a camera, but avoid flash photography during worship or events.
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Combine your visit with other downtown Halifax landmarks like Province House or the waterfront boardwalk.
Final Note
St. Paul’s Church is more than just Canada’s oldest Protestant church — it’s a place where history, faith, and community meet. From the Halifax Explosion relics to the centuries-old memorials, it tells the story of Halifax in a way few other sites can. Whether you’re there for a quiet moment, to explore history, or as part of a walking tour of downtown, it’s well worth the visit.