While on a recent visit to York ReDoubt National Historic Site, I couldn’t help but notice a pattern that was emerging as I snapped pictures. Doors kept popping up. I guess it is a fort after all and it’s supposed to keep people out.
So, here’s my collection of doors. What’s behind door #1?
What’s behind door #2?
What’s behind door #3?
As often as we can, my husband and I organize “family days”. We like to create adventures wherever we go. Since we haven’t been to York ReDoubt, we knew this would be cool place to check out.
So we pried the kids off the computer and followed the well marked signs along Purcell’s Cove road to York ReDoubt National Historic Site (which was about 15 minutes from the Armdale Rotary).
Once there, we quickly paired off to explore the rooms of the fort on our own. By the way, this is THE perfect place to play tag or hide and seek!
Built in 1793 by the Duke of Kent to defend Halifax from invasion from the French, the walls of the fort are rock solid. To get to the other side of the fort, you can walk through a long tunnel to get to the other side. York ReDoubt is part of the Halifax defense complex comprised of Citadel Hill, Prince of Wales Tower, Fort McNab and George’s Island. I’m told that, back in the day, they all communicated to each other using an elaborate flag system.
After going through a tunnel that takes you to the ocean side of the fort, we discovered many hiking trails. As we walked along, we noticed a cruise ship leaving the harbour, a bunch of blackberry bushes that were bursting with berries too early to pick (darn!) Along the way by daughter collected burrs that, unbeknownst to me, were secretly placed all over my back.
One trail led us to York Shore Battery, an abandoned WWII Command Centre where you can still explore around the rooms and all but climb onto the grass roofs. There is also an informative display panel explaining the role the facility had during its operation. One of them was keeping a watchful eye on German U-Boats that floated just outside the Halifax harbour. A giant underwater gate ran from here to McNab’s Island that kept the U-Boats out and our ships (and city) safe from attack.
The walk back to the car was another adventure. A shortcut to connect onto the path to the tunnel, ended up being a steep crazy climb. We happened to arrive at the tunnel entrance just in time, because the park attendant was about to lock up for the night. I am glad we took the shortcut.
A place that is very near and dear to my heart is Pier 21. It’s a museum/interpretive centre/art gallery located along Halifax’s waterfront. In 2007, it was voted one of Canada’s Seven Wonders in a national contest.
It was at Pier 21 where 1 million immigrants, displaced persons and war brides first stepped foot on Canadian soil between the years of 1928 and 1971. To these people, every day was Canada Day. Canada was a country of hope and promise for a better future.
This National Historic Site was lovingly restored and re-opened with national fanfare on July 1st, 1999. I had the privilege of working at Pier 21 for 4 1/2 years. I’ve never worked in a place where I was so inspired and so moved. It instilled in me a strong pride in my country and it’s immigrants. Cause, when you think of it, we are all immigrants (with the exception of First Nations, such as the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq).
We all have a story to tell and Pier 21 is all about stories. Some are poignant, of surviving the holocaust and weeping for joy when finally arriving in Halifax to start anew. It was always nice to see them, years later, return to the new Pier 21 with their families. The emotions of that day of arrival are still very raw and sometimes there are tears. I recall one day a man stood quietly alone, looking pensive, after a very long time, he knelt down and kissed the floor.
That’s my Canada.
P.S. The guy in the photo is our friend Rob from BC. His father arrived in Canada through Pier 21 from Holland.
Take the challenge of counting how many steps there are climbing up to the Dingle Tower. When you reach the top your reward is a panoramic view of Northwest Arm. This park is also known as Flemming Park in Halifax.
The Right Coast Nova Scotia 