Ready! Aim! Fire!

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Join the ranks of the 78th Highlanders and fire an authentic Snider-Enfield rifle — just as they did in 1869!

Ready, aim, fire like a 78th Highlander at the Halifax Citadel!

Transcript

[ This video contains no spoken words ]

Parks Canada beaver logo

[Interior of Halifax Citadel. Two soldiers dressed as 78th Highlanders stand at the top of ramp looking towards camera waiting for visitors.]

Text: "Halifax Citadel National Historic Site Nova Scotia".

[Young couple (male and female) walk up ramp towards soldiers.]

[Couple put on red doublets with soldier's assistance.]

[78th Highlander reaches to pick up historic rifle from wooden table.]

[One 78th Highlander points to the historic rifle and explains how to load ammunition.]

[Close up of female visitor dressed in red doublet and safety glasses.]

[Close up of male visitor dressed in red doublet and safety glasses.]

[Couple watch 78th Highlander aim historic rifle while other soldier watches.]

[Close up of female visitor watching 78th Highlander holding historic rifle.]

Rifle: Bang! Bang!

[Close up of female visitor firing historic rifle.]

[78th Highlander talking with couple in background.]

[Close up of 78th Highlander loading ammunition into historic rifle]

Rifle: Bang!

[Male visitor firing historic rifle with 78th Highlanders watching.]

[78th Highlander laughing with male visitor.]

[Male visitor holding historic rifle and standing with two 78th Highlanders while female visitor takes their picture.] "Halifax Citadel National Historic Site" logo on image.

Credits:

Parks Canada logo.

Canada wordmark.

Description

This hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to go beyond observation and take part in a defining element of life at the Halifax Citadel. Step into the role of a 78th Highlander and experience the power and precision of 19th-century military training. This is 19th-century fire power at its best!

Under the guidance of a costumed interpreter, learn how to safely load and fire blank rounds from an authentic Snider-Enfield rifle — the standard-issue weapon of British infantry soldiers in the late 1860
Feel the weight of the barrel as it presses against your cheek
Stand tall, hold the rifle steady and pull the trigger

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times

June 15 to August 31
Daily, except on a few special event days: Canada Day and August 19
Between 10 am and 3 pm — please arrive no later than 2 pm to allow time for orientation

Duration

10 minutes

Location

On the ramparts level, at the southwest corner
At the top of the ramp that leads up onto the ramparts (southwest corner)
Walk up the ramp or take the elevator behind the Cavalier Building
Map

Languages

English
French

Ages

Only participants aged 16 years and over can fire a rifle — photo ID required
Participants aged 16 or 17 must have a parent/guardian with them for the entire program

Reservations and payment

Prices

Cost: See Halifax Citadel Society prices
Travel trade fees: Please contact Halifax Citadel Society

How to book

Pay when you arrive at the admission kiosks or at the Information Centre

Facilities and services

Washrooms

Washrooms are located across from the Cavalier Building near the front gate, next to the security office
There is a ramp to the washrooms
More information about the washrooms

Parking

Parking fees are in effect May 7 to October 31
Accessible parking near the front entrance kiosk (facing the Old Town Clock and Brunswick Street)
Parking lot for 80 cars in the West Ditch; stairs from the parking lot into the fort
Motorcoach and large vehicle/motorhome parking in designated areas around the Citadel Hill Access Road, permits required
More information about parking

Accessibility considerations

This is a physically demanding program that requires physical strength and stamina.

Adaptive equipment

If you wish to borrow a wheelchair or rollator walker (walker with wheels and a seat), please email: info@halifaxcitadel.ca
More information about wheelchairs and walkers available to borrow

Sound and sensory considerations

The Snider-Enfield rifle produces a loud, sudden noise and smoke with a distinct sulfur-like smell

Contact The Halifax Citadel Society

bookings@halifaxcitadel.ca
902-426-1990, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm

Map

Map locations
Name	Description	Icon	Category
Ready! Aim! Fire! program location			Location 1
Entrance Kiosk			Information
Information Centre			Information
Washrooms			Washroom
Parking Entrance Kiosk			Information
Parking Lot			Parking
Accessible parking spot			Accessible parking
Bicycle parking			Bicycles
Elevator			Barrier-free access