The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic presents stories, events and people connected with Nova Scotia’s relationship with the sea. It stands at 1675 Lower Water Street on Halifax’s historic waterfront, a practical stop to pair with a trip across the harbour from Dartmouth.
- Location: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax.
- Typical hours: Open daily
- Admission: seasonal rates apply, and Tuesday evening admission is free.
What the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic covers
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic explores Nova Scotia’s connections with the sea through stories, events and people. Its address at 1675 Lower Water Street places it on Halifax’s historic waterfront, where the harbour setting gives context to the subject matter.
The museum’s focus is broader than vessels alone: its stated scope includes the people and events that have shaped the province’s relationship with the sea. You can make the waterfront itself part of your visit, then set aside time for the museum’s galleries.
For another downtown Halifax stop, include Grand Parade in a Dartmouth-and-Halifax day plan.
Exhibits and highlights to look for
CSS Acadia is a notable vessel in the museum’s story, with a history tied to northern-water surveying and both world wars. It arrived in Halifax in 1913, served until 1969, was designed to survey Canada’s northern waters and also served as HMCS Acadia during both world wars.
The museum presents maritime stories through its exhibits.
For another Halifax waterfront vessel with a naval history, the historic HMCS Sackville is a separate subject to consider when planning your day.
Tickets, hours and accessibility to check
Admission rates and opening hours change by season, and the museum offers free Tuesday evening admission. Check the official site before you go.
Hours and admission by season
Opening hours
- Monday and Wednesday to Sunday: 9:30–16:30
- Tuesday: 9:30–20:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission is free on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The posted rates from November 1 to April 30 are $5.15 for adults, $4.35 for seniors aged 65 and over, $3 for youth aged 6–17, free for children 5 and under, and $11.90 for a family consisting of youth under 17 and two adults.
From May 1 to October 31, the corresponding rates are $11 for adults, $10 for seniors aged 65 and over, $6.50 for youth aged 6–17, free for children 5 and under, and $27 for a family with youth under 17 and two adults.
Admission is free for Indigenous Peoples, and an accessibility support person is admitted free. Annual passes cost $24.30 for adults, $17.80 for seniors aged 65 and over, $12.40 for youth aged 6–17, and $42.15 for a family of youth aged 17 and younger plus two adults.
Nova Scotia Museum annual passes cost $46.45 for an individual aged 18 or older and $91.85 for two adults and their children aged 17 and under.
Groups of 10 or more paying in one transaction can book specialized group rates, but visits must be booked in advance.
Access and parking
A drop-off lane is on Lower Water Street, and automatic door buttons are at both the Lower Water Street and waterfront entrances. An elevator serves the upper-level galleries.
Seating is available throughout the exhibit galleries, which have wide pathways, and a single-use, gender-neutral large washroom is near reception. Two wheelchairs are available first come, first served. Fire alarms use auditory and visual signals, and the museum is an Aira Access Partner.
Downtown Halifax on-street parking uses pay-by-plate, pay-by-zone stations. You can pay with coins, a credit card, a debit card or the HotSpot mobile app.
How do you get from Dartmouth to the waterfront?
The Alderney Ferry connects Halifax’s waterfront with Alderney Landing in downtown Dartmouth, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is about a 17-minute drive or a 62-minute walk from Lake City Motel.
Ferry service runs every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. The fare is $3, and the terminal accepts exact change, Halifax Transit tickets or payment through the HFXGO mobile app. The service is accessible, but it does not operate on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday or Easter Sunday.
If you are building a wider visit around both sides of the harbour, a Dartmouth-and-Halifax day itinerary can help you think about how to combine them.
FAQs
When is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic open?
Open daily.
When is admission free?
Admission is free on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Indigenous Peoples and accessibility support people are also admitted free.
Can you take the ferry from Dartmouth to Halifax?
Yes. The Alderney Ferry links Alderney Landing in downtown Dartmouth with Halifax’s waterfront. Its crossing takes approximately 15 minutes.
Is parking available near the museum?
Downtown Halifax has on-street pay-by-plate, pay-by-zone parking stations. Payment options include coins, credit and debit cards, and the HotSpot mobile app.