Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
4.5
09:30 - 17:30
Monday
09:30 - 17:30
Tuesday
09:30 - 17:30
Wednesday
09:30 - 17:30
Thursday
09:30 - 17:30
Friday
09:30 - 17:30
Saturday
09:30 - 17:30
Sunday
09:30 - 17:30
About
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast. Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story. Countless Journeys. One Canada.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- williamNola314 contributionsif you love ellis island you will also like this placethis place is at the end of the boardwalk strip but well worth the walk. the film is more a commercial for canada than a story about past immigration- but watch it anyway. the exibits are self explanitory but try and take a free tour with one of the docents. it enhances the story. not as many details as you might like but staff is very nice and will answer any questions you might. it is cool to be in the actual place where the huddled masses got of the shipVisited May 2023Written 1 June 2023
- PavlaPavlaChrudim, Czech Republic6,560 contributionsA new homeThe place where immigrants first entered the territory of Canada after a long journey across the ocean is today a place that charts this history. There were two places in particular that caught my attention: an interactive map on which visitors used string to mark where they used to live before immigrating to Canada. And another one it was the place where people wrote messages; not in the guest book, but on pieces of paper and then hung them on strings. Messages from around the world and in many languages. The exhibition itself shows the objects that the immigrants had with them when they came to Canada, you can read their memories here, watch the film.Visited July 2023Written 14 July 2023
- MissKMississauga, Canada71 contributionsGo see the J.J. Lee exhibit while it's still hereWe planned to visit this Museum, with the knowledge that there would be a special exhibit about Chinese immigration. The exhibit showcased many artifacts, videos, clothing, and an actual head tax certificate and a rich culture that should be talked about more often. It is sad to hear how much racism Chinese people faced and are now finally able to share their stories to fill in missing parts of history. As a minority, I hope people take the opportunity to learn about previously unshared experiences. At least the museum recognizes the importance of Chinese culture so this was special. Definitely visit the museum. The location is gorgeous also as it's right along the water. The lady selling the tickets needs some lessons on friendly customer service, but otherwise it was good. There is plenty of parking available outdoors and you just need to pay at the meter. The bathrooms are clean also.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 July 2023
- Stirling BOttawa, Canada653 contributionsNew Life in CanadaThe Canadian Immigration Museum documents the lives of Immigrants who landed in Canada over a span of 40 years from the late 1920s to the early 1970s. Amongst the most interesting features is the messages written on paper from people who immigrated or had family who immigrated to Canada. Well worth a visit when in HalifaxVisited July 2023Written 26 July 2023
- JCLondon, United Kingdom28 contributionsVery informative and worthwhile visit!I was not sure what to expect when we visited the Museum, however I found it so interesting and informative. The tour guides were very good in the way they explained things and were open to questions from the visitors. I had not realised how important Pier 21 was and the scale in which it operated. I would highly recommend visiting the museum if you get the chance!Visited September 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 July 2023
- Mario AMontreal, Canada2 contributionsMom’s entry from Italy to CanadaWas really heart warming to relive my parents’ footsteps from when they entered Canada in 1957/58. Tours run frequently in English and French and explained in detail. We walked around every room in the museum, simulating every step immigrants had to go through. There are also lots of personal stories and personal belongings throughout the museum. We also watched a video documenting peoples’ journeys. Worth the visit.Visited August 2023Written 10 August 2023
- Penny MaddyIdaho City, Idaho5 contributionsAmazing experience! A must-see for everyoneThis museum goes above and beyond and shows a lot about Canadian history. Beautiful exhibits and activities, and the staff were incredibly knowledgeable. Brunette lady had a lot of interesting info to share. The museum is kid-friendly but will probably be appreciated more by adults. Easy to access from the docks. Would definitely visit again.Visited August 2023Written 20 August 2023
- DaveygrohlYorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom350 contributionsWell worth a visitIf you’re visiting on a cruise, it’s in the same building so really handy. We spent over two hours here, it really is one of the best put together museums I’ve been to. It was incredibly moving and sensitively put together.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 September 2023
- Dave UWest End, Honduras4 contributionsHelpful and FriendlyWe had a few minutes before we had to reboard our cruise ship at the end of the day, so we strolled down to the "Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21". After chatting with one of the employees for a couple of moments, they assisted me with finding my ancestors who immigrated to Canada from England. They quickly found the immigration card signed by my grandmother, who lied about her age to permit her to travel alone. They found information on her older sister who had travelled to Canada before her. Although it was less than 30 minutes in total, their team provided me with some information and insight into my ancestors which I had never known. Wonderful place, I will attempt to stop by again whenever I am in the area.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 September 2023
- joe-chicago-23Chesterfield, Missouri1,114 contributionsFascinatingWe planned in advance to go to this museum even before we discovered that it was next to where our ship was docked. It's certainly worth the admission price. We started with a guided tour portion. The stories we heard were amazing and we have no reason to believe they were not true. Many photos and displays are available for viewing. Canadian immigration has a long history and its laws have changed numerous times.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 September 2023
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4.5
1,973 reviews
Excellent
1,235
Very good
545
Average
143
Poor
34
Terrible
16
Lauryn Collins
Halifax, Canada14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Went with a close friend to trace check out the museum's offerings and to trace our history, as we both had ancestors who had gone through Pier 21. Poignant, informative, and engaging, we had an impeccable learning experience and got to connect a bit to our individual histories using the on-sight archival services. Whether or not you have a personal connection the Pier 21, this is well worth a visit while you're in Halifax!
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Foodange
Manchester, UK2,824 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Both the Pier 21 and the Canadian Immigration Story Exhibits are really worth a visit; we learned so much.
Surprised by the blatant racism of Canada not that long ago, wanting only white Europeans until relatively recently.
A bit of a contrast with USA and UK but full marks for the honesty.
There are also desks downstairs in the Family History Center where you can start the search for answers about your ancestors, which we did.
Surprised by the blatant racism of Canada not that long ago, wanting only white Europeans until relatively recently.
A bit of a contrast with USA and UK but full marks for the honesty.
There are also desks downstairs in the Family History Center where you can start the search for answers about your ancestors, which we did.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardiner W
Vancouver, Canada430 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
The museum provides huge insights into the waves of immigration which kickstarted modern Canada - most early immigrants were from Europe and came by ship which meant coming through Halifax. Get yourself on a tour as the guides provide interesting additional insights into the lives and experience of those who arrived. Who knew there were 42,000 war brides who married Canadian servicemen just at the end of WW II who arrived in Canada through Halifax. And there is a section where you can search for your forebearers...I found reference to my grandfather who arrived in Canada from Scotland in 1911. Well worth several hours.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neal R
North Adams, MA51 contributions
Oct 2023
The Canadian Museum of Immigration is a must see during a visit to Halifax. In a short time, 1-2 hours, you can learn a lot about how Canada attracted immigrants. And the museum, in a balanced way, explained the impact of immigration on First Nations and highlighted the historical preferences and prejudices that helped some immigrants and hurt others.
All in all, a great way to learn about how Canada became a multi-cultural and dynamic country in the 21st Century by doing many things on immigration right. But the museum does not gloss over the problems and challenges of immigration--past and present.
All in all, a great way to learn about how Canada became a multi-cultural and dynamic country in the 21st Century by doing many things on immigration right. But the museum does not gloss over the problems and challenges of immigration--past and present.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joe-chicago-23
Chesterfield, MO1,114 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We planned in advance to go to this museum even before we discovered that it was next to where our ship was docked. It's certainly worth the admission price.
We started with a guided tour portion. The stories we heard were amazing and we have no reason to believe they were not true. Many photos and displays are available for viewing. Canadian immigration has a long history and its laws have changed numerous times.
We started with a guided tour portion. The stories we heard were amazing and we have no reason to believe they were not true. Many photos and displays are available for viewing. Canadian immigration has a long history and its laws have changed numerous times.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Griswold Vacations
14 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We went to the Pier 21 Immigration Museum in Halifax. I have been wanting to visit this museum to retrace where we landed as new immigrants to Canada.
Seeing the images and videos of the new immigrants coming through Pier 21 over the years was very emotional.
Reflecting on the many immigration stories similar to that of our family was emotional.
The displays in the museum are well presented and worth the time to explore, whether or not you came through Pier 21 as a new immigrant to Canada.
Seeing the images and videos of the new immigrants coming through Pier 21 over the years was very emotional.
Reflecting on the many immigration stories similar to that of our family was emotional.
The displays in the museum are well presented and worth the time to explore, whether or not you came through Pier 21 as a new immigrant to Canada.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave U
West End, Honduras4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We had a few minutes before we had to reboard our cruise ship at the end of the day, so we strolled down to the "Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21". After chatting with one of the employees for a couple of moments, they assisted me with finding my ancestors who immigrated to Canada from England. They quickly found the immigration card signed by my grandmother, who lied about her age to permit her to travel alone. They found information on her older sister who had travelled to Canada before her. Although it was less than 30 minutes in total, their team provided me with some information and insight into my ancestors which I had never known. Wonderful place, I will attempt to stop by again whenever I am in the area.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mabh1504
Berkeley, CA19 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Really informative, interactive displays & much less crowded than Ellis Island (at least when we were there). Would definitely recommend.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daveygrohl
Yorkshire Dales National Park, UK350 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
If you’re visiting on a cruise, it’s in the same building so really handy. We spent over two hours here, it really is one of the best put together museums I’ve been to. It was incredibly moving and sensitively put together.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela M
Preston, UK134 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Leave enough time to thoroughly enjoy and get the most of your visit. Excellent displays , film and tour staff all very helpful
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jay m
Edmonton, Canada
im curious if back100 years ago ,if these immigrants had any support agencies like we have now a days
DeanMurphy2020
Orlando, FL7,549 contributions
Jay: The simple answer is no. There were no government agencies. Church members and good-natured people assisted where they could, but many people feared an influx of immigrants who would work for substandard wages--economic discrimination. My forbear Josephus Murphy at age 14 immigrated from Ireland in the 1840s. His parents died on the ship. It was a harsh beginning in a new world. This is what impressed me about Halifax and the Maritimes. Immigrants are welcomed, and there are agencies that assist the transition. I'm amazed by the generosity of Haligonians.
jjsum
New Fairfield, CT30 contributions
Can you look up family names at this location?
CMIP21
Halifax, Canada
hello! yes, you can do family history research and immigration records research at the Museum's Scotiabank Family History Centre. It's a good idea to read through their website to find out specifics of what kind of information they can find. Note some immigration records are still sealed by Canada's privacy laws:
Melanie B
Toronto, Canada73 contributions
Could you advise if there is a typical line up on a Saturday or Sunday morning ? Travelling with an elderly mother in law and line ups without place to sit is going to prove to be challenging.
thank you
shopper4
Toronto, Canada52 contributions
I was just there recently, there was not much of a line. If you are
waiting for the guided tour there is some people waiting or you can visit it on your own at your own pace. The only line up I saw
was for people to get records which now I know only the actual people that arrived at Pier 21 can get access to. Hope this helps
jpmack210
Baltimore, MD135 contributions
We are planning a Nova Scotia cruise on Holland America in early August and would like to visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to explore family history. I'm wondering how much time you might suggest be budgeted? Depending upon how much time is necessary, we might like to explore some of the other area historical and scenic attractions (Citadel, Maritime museum, Public Gardens, etc.).
Thank you for any insights and advice you might offer.
CMIP21
Halifax, Canada
Hi Jpmack210,
If you would like to see both exhibitions, the film In Canada and to visit the Scotiabank Family History Centre we recommend 2 to 3 hours. Your ship will be right in front of the museum so you may want to visit us first then go to the other sites or see them and come to the Canadian Museum of Immigration last. Whatever route you plan one day is sufficient for all of the things you mentioned.
We hope to see you in August! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to get more information or visit our website.
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Claim your listingCANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
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