Description

The Echoes of 1917: Halifax Explosion Historical Boat Tour

Witness the scale of history from the very water where it happened.

On December 6, 1917, the face of Halifax was changed forever. While many explore this history through monuments on land, the true scale of the Halifax Explosion can only be fully understood from the harbour.

Join Halifax Harbour Tours for a commemorative journey into the past. This specialized tour traces the fateful paths of the SS Mont-Blanc and the SS Imo, leading you through the Narrows to the epicenter of one of the most devastating man-made explosions in human history.

An Expert Perspective

We are proud to feature Kara Gordon-Mackay as your expert guide for this experience. A former Halifax Harbour Tours veteran and current full-time staff member at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Kara brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge to the tour. Her daily work at the museum is dedicated to preserving Halifax’s maritime legacy, making her the ultimate storyteller to guide you through the events, the heroes, and the heartbreak of 1917.

The Journey

Setting out from our dock at Sackville Landing, we head north toward the historic site of the collision near Pier 6. Along the way, you will:

• Trace the Collision Course: See the exact stretch of water where the Mont-Blanc and Imo met.
• Understand the Geography: From the water, you’ll gain a unique perspective on how the Richmond district’s topography amplified the blast’s impact.
• Hear Untold Stories: Move beyond the basic facts with curated accounts of survival, the immediate relief efforts, and the resilience of a city that refused to stay down.
• Experience the “Narrows”: Navigate the narrowest part of the harbour to understand the navigational challenges that led to the disaster.

Why See it by Boat?

The Halifax Explosion was a maritime event. To stand on the deck of our eco-friendly vessel and look toward the shore of the North End is to see the disaster as the sailors and dockworkers saw it that morning. It provides a sense of scale and distance that is impossible to replicate on a walking or bus tour.

Tour Details

• Departure Point: Sackville Landing (Next to the Wave).
• Expert Guide: Kara Gordon-Mackay (Maritime Museum of the Atlantic).
• Themes: Local History, Maritime Navigation, Post-Explosion Recovery.
• Vessel: Our quiet, comfortable boats allow for clear narration and an intimate atmosphere for questions and discussion.

Space is limited for this special themed event. Book your passage into Halifax history today.