Outdoor skating at the Halifax Citadel

Release:
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, February 18, 2011 – Parks Canada is celebrating our 100th birthday and invites you to experience a glimpse of a Victorian-era winter and try out our cozy skating rink at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

From February 21st to 26th, from 10a.m. to 2p.m., to celebrate the British garrison’s love of sport, the 78th Highlanders will present Victorian Hockey.  They will be skating (weather permitting) in period hockey outfits to represent the early days of this now all-popular past-time.  Also weather permitting; you can skate on our 30’ by 80’ (9m by 24m) rink.  You can also explore the 19th century fort – you won’t want to miss the historic noon gun fired daily or a firing demonstration of an original Snider-Enfield rifle.

Halifax Citadel NHS is open daily from 10a.m.-2p.m., until to Saturday, February 26th.  Admission is FREE!  

The British garrison in Halifax contributed to the development of winter sport in Canada.  In addition to skating and curling, organized hockey games between regimental teams, including the 78th Highlanders from the Halifax Citadel, were played on the Dartmouth Lakes, the Northwest Arm, and on the various rinks in the city.

Parks Canada will welcome visitors to the Halifax Citadel NHS through our parking lot entrance, which faces Ahern Ave.  Stonework is currently underway and the front gate is therefore closed.

For information, contact (902) 426-5080 or visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/halifaxcitadel.

Parks Canada is pleased to offer this new winter experience at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in celebration of our 100th anniversary of the world’s first national park service and the 2011 Halifax Canada Games.