The Ghosts of the Halifax Citadel: Canada’s Haunted Fortress



Standing atop Citadel Hill in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Halifax Citadel is a historic military fortress with a past steeped in war, hardship, and eerie ghost stories. Originally built in 1749, the citadel has undergone several reconstructions, with the current star-shaped structure completed in 1856. While it served as a key defensive position for the British and Canadian military, the Citadel is now best known for its paranormal activity, with countless reports of phantom soldiers, disembodied voices, and ghostly figures roaming its walls.

The Haunting History

The Halifax Citadel saw centuries of military conflict, harsh conditions, and tragic deaths. Soldiers stationed here endured brutal winters, battles, and disease, and many never left. These restless spirits are said to haunt the fortress to this day.

Ghostly Encounters

The Phantom Soldier

One of the most commonly reported apparitions is that of a 19th-century soldier in a red British uniform. Visitors and staff have seen him wandering the corridors, only for him to vanish into thin air. Some even claim to have felt an unseen presence brush past them in the dimly lit tunnels.

The Mysterious Man in the Cavalier Building

The Cavalier Building, which once housed officers, is said to be haunted by a shadowy male figure. Witnesses report seeing his dark silhouette standing at the top of staircases or near windows, silently watching before fading away.

Disembodied Voices and Footsteps

Throughout the fortress, visitors and staff frequently hear unexplained footsteps echoing through empty hallways. Ghostly whispers, unintelligible murmurs, and even the sound of marching boots have been recorded in various rooms and tunnels.

The Tragic Woman of the Citadel

A lesser-known ghost story involves a woman dressed in 19th-century clothing, often seen crying in distress near one of the fortress's entrances. Some speculate she was the widow of a fallen soldier, forever mourning her lost love.

Poltergeist Activity in the Tunnels

The underground passages beneath the Citadel have an eerie reputation. Paranormal investigators have recorded objects moving on their own, sudden temperature drops, and ghostly hands tugging at clothing. Many visitors refuse to enter these tunnels alone.

A Paranormal Hotspot

Today, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is a popular tourist attraction, and it even offers ghost tours for those brave enough to explore its haunted past. Paranormal investigators, historians, and visitors all agree—the spirits of the past still linger within its walls. Would you dare to walk through the haunted halls of the Halifax Citadel at night?