The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (MMA) is one of Halifax’s best stops to explore Canada’s maritime past. Inside, you’ll find shipwreck stories (including Titanic), naval history, boat building, and exhibits showing how the sea shaped Nova Scotia. Its spot on the Halifax waterfront adds to the charm—harbour views, ships, docks, and boardwalks right outside.
Getting There
-
By Foot: The museum is right on the Halifax waterfront boardwalk—an easy walk from downtown hotels, restaurants, and ferry terminals.
-
By Car: Paid parking lots and street parking are nearby. The closest large lots are along Lower Water Street and at the Scotia Square area (about 10 minutes’ walk).
-
By Transit: Several Halifax Transit bus routes stop near Lower Water Street; it’s also a short walk from the ferry terminal.
-
By Cruise Ship: If you’re arriving on a cruise, the museum is only about a 10–15 minute walk from the Halifax Seaport.
You can also check the Translink website for Skytrain schedules.
First Impressions
- Address: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 1S3
- Setting: Right in Halifax’s historic waterfront district. Easy to combine with harbour walks and close to downtown restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Hours & Admission
Hours:
-
May 1 – October 31: Open every day, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Tuesdays open late until 8:00 pm.
-
November 1 – April 30: Closed on Mondays. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Tuesdays open late until 8:00 pm.
Free & Special Days:
- Free Tuesday Nights (5 pm – 8 pm) year-round.
- Some special dates (e.g., Truth and Reconciliation Day) feature free admission or special programming.
What’s Inside: Exhibits & Collections
Permanent Exhibits:
-
Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax – Halifax’s role in the Titanic recovery.
-
Halifax Explosion / Halifax Wrecked – telling the story of the 1917 disaster.
-
Age of Sail & Small Craft Gallery – sailboats, schooners, dories, and ship models.
-
Naval History – convoys, naval badges, and warship models.
Highlights & Collections:
-
Shoes of the Titanic’s “Unknown Child.”
-
First Order Lens from Sambro Island Lighthouse.
-
Canada’s largest collection of ship portraits.
-
Thousands of artifacts, photographs, nautical charts, and vessel plans.
-
Research resources at the Niels Jannasch Library.
Outdoor / Dockside:
-
CSS Acadia – Canada’s only surviving hydrographic survey ship, moored just outside. Open seasonally (May–October).
Visitor Experience: What to Do & How Much Time
Suggested Duration: 1.5–2 hours to enjoy major exhibits and dockside views. More if you want to read deeply or attend talks/programs.
Good Order of Visit:
-
Pick up a map at the entrance.
-
Start with the Titanic and Halifax Explosion exhibits (they’re popular).
-
Move on to naval history and small craft galleries.
-
Step aboard CSS Acadia (if in season).
-
Check for special exhibitions or talks.
-
End with the waterfront area outside.
Tips Before You Go
-
Visit Tuesday evenings for free admission and a quieter pace.
-
Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
-
Dress in layers—indoors can be cool, and the waterfront is often breezy.
-
Allow extra time if you want to take photos or watch short films in the galleries.
Getting Back & Nearby Attractions
After the museum, enjoy a stroll on the Halifax boardwalk. Shops, restaurants, and cafés line the waterfront.
Other nearby highlights:
-
HMCS Sackville (Canada’s last WWII corvette).
-
Harbour cruises departing nearby piers.
-
Historic Properties and downtown Halifax shopping.
Public transportation, taxis, and parking options are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Final Note
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is more than a collection of artifacts—it’s a place of powerful stories. From the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion to shipwrecks, naval history, and Canada’s sailing heritage, it captures the deep connection between Nova Scotia and the sea. A must-see stop in Halifax for anyone who loves history, ships, or the ocean itself.