About Pier 21 National Historic Site
Canada's national immigration museum, on the Halifax waterfront at 1055 Marginal Road. Between 1928 and 1971 the pier processed roughly one in five new Canadians - over one million immigrants, refugees, war brides, and evacuee children - and the museum tells their stories through immersive exhibits, oral histories, and a family history research centre. Open daily 9:30 am to 5:30 pm until October 31 (adult $19, family $50, free under 6); allow 1 to 2 hours.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Pier 21 National Historic Site
Standing on the historic Halifax waterfront, Pier 21 National Historic Site represents one of Canada's most significant immigration landmarks. As the gateway for nearly one million newcomers between 1928 and 1971, this former ocean liner terminal has been transformed into Canada's sixth national museum, dedicated to preserving the powerful stories of immigration that shaped the nation. It is the last remaining ocean immigration shed in Canada, and for descendants of the roughly one million newcomers who arrived through its halls, standing in the same building where their families first stepped onto Canadian soil makes it the most personally resonant stop on the Halifax waterfront. The museum's interactive exhibits, personal artifacts, and oral histories carry those stories from the European immigration waves through post-war refugee processing to the present day. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (frequently searched online as “pier21”, one word) offers visitors a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who arrived seeking new beginnings, with exhibits that bring to life the emotional journeys, challenges, and triumphs of generations of immigrants. Located in the heart of Halifax's waterfront district, this National Historic Site continues to serve as a living tribute to Canada's multicultural heritage while providing modern visitors with an immersive educational experience that connects past and present.
Practical Information
Planning your visit to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is straightforward. Here is the essential information you need to know.
- Address: The museum is located at 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS, situated directly on the Halifax waterfront. It is easily walkable from downtown Halifax and the ferry terminal.
- Hours (2026):
- May to October 31: Seven days a week, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
- November to April 30: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- See pier21.ca for holiday closures and changes.
- Admission (2026):
- Adult: CA$19.00
- Senior (60+): CA$15.00
- Youth (6-16) / Student (with valid ID): CA$13.00
- Children (5 and under): Free
- Family Rate (2 adults/3 children): CA$50.00
- Additional Child: CA$6.00
- Group Rate: CA$13.00 per person
- Free admission year-round for Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) and for attendants accompanying visitors with disabilities; free for everyone on Canada Day (July 1). The Canada Strong Pass youth promotion ran June 19–September 7, 2026 and has ended.
- Accessibility: Pier 21 is fully wheelchair accessible. Amenities include accessible routes throughout all floors, theatre seating, drinking fountains, on-site parking, and provisions for service animals. Alternate formats of accessibility information are available upon request.
- Transportation & Parking: The museum is in the heart of the waterfront district and is accessible by public transportation. On-site parking is available for visitors.
- Booking: While walk-in visitors are typically welcome, guided tours and group visits require advance reservations, which can be arranged through the "Group Reservations" section of the official website.
- Pro Tip: For the most up-to-date information, always check the official website at pier21.ca before your visit, as details can change seasonally.
At a Glance
| Address | 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (902) 425-7770 |
| Website | https://pier21.ca/ |
| Hours | Daily 9:30 am to 5:30 pm until October 31; November to April 30: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Admission | Adult CA$19; senior (60+) CA$15; youth (6-16)/student CA$13; family (2 adults, 3 children) CA$50; children 5 and under free |
| Google rating | 4.7 (3,646 reviews) |
| Time needed | Allow 1 to 2 hours |
| Accessibility | Fully wheelchair accessible; on-site parking and service animal provisions |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pier 21?
It is Canada's national immigration museum in [Halifax](/regions/halifax/) and the last remaining ocean immigration shed in Canada. Between 1928 and 1971 it processed roughly one in five new Canadians: almost one million immigrants, refugees, war brides, and evacuee children.
How much is admission?
Adults pay CA$19, seniors (60+) CA$15, and youth (6-16) or students CA$13; the family rate for two adults and three children is CA$50, and children 5 and under enter free. Admission is free year-round for Indigenous Peoples (including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) and for a single attendant accompanying a visitor with a disability.
When is the museum open?
It is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm until October 31. From November to April 30, hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; check pier21.ca for holiday closures and changes, and see [Nova Scotia Events](/events/) to time the rest of your trip.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Plan for 1 to 2 hours, then browse our [Things to Do in Halifax](/guides/things-to-do-in-halifax/) guide for the rest of your day. Exhibits include interactive exhibits, personal artifacts, and oral histories, plus a family history research centre.
Is the site accessible, and is there parking?
Yes: Pier 21 is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible routes on all floors, theatre seating, on-site parking, and provisions for service animals. A single attendant accompanying a visitor with a disability receives free admission.
Do I need to book ahead?
Walk-in visitors are typically welcome, but guided tours and group visits require advance reservations through the Group Reservations section of the official website, pier21.ca — and our [Plan Your Trip](/plan-your-trip/) guide covers the rest of the planning basics.
