About Halifax Explosion Memorial
Memorial sites commemorating the 1917 Halifax Explosion, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. These locations offer an educational look into a significant local historical event.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Halifax Explosion Memorial
On December 6, 1917, the city of Halifax experienced one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in human history when the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with wartime explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Narrows. The resulting blast killed approximately 2,000 people, injured 9,000 more, and devastated the city's North End. Today, several memorial sites across Halifax commemorate the disaster. The Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower at Fort Needham Memorial Park is the primary tribute, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic's permanent exhibits fill in the full story of the blast and its aftermath.
Practical Information
Fort Needham Memorial Park & Bell Tower
- Address: 3340 Union Street, Halifax, NS B3K 5H1.
- Hours: This outdoor public park is open 24/7.
- Cost: Free admission; no booking required.
- Essentials: Located at one of Halifax's highest points in the Hydrostone District, the park offers magnificent views over the harbour and the site of the 1917 explosion. It is wheelchair-accessible and is the location of the annual memorial service on December 6th.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
- Address: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 1S3.
- Hours (Seasonal): From May 1 to October 31, open daily 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Tuesdays until 8:00 PM). From November 1 to April 30, open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (closed Mondays).
- Cost: Admission fee applies; check the museum's website for current pricing.
- Essentials: Home to the permanent "Explosion in The Narrows" exhibit, which provides deep historical context and features a Memorial Book listing victims. The museum is wheelchair-accessible.
Halifax North Memorial Library
- Essentials: Built specifically to commemorate the explosion victims, the library entrance features the first monument to the disaster and houses a copy of the Memorial Book. As a public library, admission is free during its regular operating hours, which should be verified directly with Halifax Public Libraries.
Additional Resources:
For a self-guided experience, consider an affordable smartphone audio tour from services like Tripvia Tours to explore key Halifax Explosion history sites.
The two anchor sites work well together. The Bell Tower is free, outdoors, and open around the clock, while the museum's "Explosion in The Narrows" exhibit adds the detail — including the Memorial Book listing the victims. History-minded visitors can see both in a single day, with the North Memorial Library's monument as a quiet third stop.
At a Glance
| What it is | Memorial sites commemorating the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history |
|---|---|
| Cause | The munitions ship SS Mont-Blanc collided with the SS Imo in the Narrows; about 2,000 people died and 9,000 were injured |
| Primary site | Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower, Fort Needham Memorial Park, 3340 Union Street |
| Park hours | Open 24/7, free admission, no booking required |
| Setting | One of Halifax's highest points in the Hydrostone District, with views over the harbour and the explosion site |
| Annual service | The memorial service is held at the park on December 6 each year |
| Museum context | The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic's Explosion in The Narrows exhibit and Memorial Book |
| Third stop | Halifax North Memorial Library, whose entrance features the first monument to the disaster |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Halifax Explosion?
On December 6, 1917, the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with wartime explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Narrows. The resulting blast killed approximately 2,000 people, injured 9,000 more and devastated the city's North End, and it stands as one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in human history.
Where is the main memorial?
The Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower stands in Fort Needham Memorial Park at 3340 Union Street, in the Hydrostone District. The park sits at one of Halifax's highest points and offers views over the harbour and the site of the 1917 explosion. It is wheelchair-accessible.
When can I visit, and does it cost anything?
The outdoor public park is open 24/7 with free admission and no booking required. It is also the location of the annual memorial service, held on December 6th each year to mark the anniversary of the disaster.
Where can I learn the full story?
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the waterfront is home to the permanent Explosion in The Narrows exhibit, which provides deep historical context and features a Memorial Book listing the victims. The museum charges admission and keeps seasonal hours, so check timing before you go.
Is there another monument to see?
Yes. The Halifax North Memorial Library was built specifically to commemorate the explosion victims; its entrance features the first monument to the disaster, and it houses a copy of the Memorial Book. As a public library, admission is free during its regular operating hours.
Can I see both anchor sites in one day?
Yes, the two anchor sites work well together: the Bell Tower is free, outdoors and open around the clock, while the museum's exhibit adds the detail, including the Memorial Book listing the victims. For a self-guided experience, an affordable smartphone audio tour from services like Tripvia Tours explores key sites.
