You’ll never see downtown the same way again!

Join us for interactive walking tours that share the complex working class history of downtown Halifax. Each tour takes a different path through the city core and discusses different aspects of working class history and culture. The tours are designed to be stand alone but also work as a series, with each tour covering different topics and following a different path.

General Tour Notes:

• Each tour is approximately 90 minutes in duration with regular stops for discussion along the way.
• Washrooms and parking are available near the beginning and end of each tour.
• Places to sit or perch are present at most tour stops
• The tours run over and downhill only
• The tours follow paths that only include intersections with curb cuts and follow sidewalks that are in good shape.
• The tour has been designed with accessibility in mind. If you would like more information on the tour’s accessibility please email: info@mayworkskjipuktukhfx.ca

 ASL interpretation will be provided for all three tours.

Tour 1: Where We Stand

Date: Saturday, May 3rd
Time: 1:00 PM
Departure: Old Spring Garden Library (corner of Brunswick St and Spring Garden Rd)

Moving through downtown we will talk about the impact of people, land, and power on the evolution of the colonial urban centre over the last 300 years while experiencing the city around us. From the paupers grounds of the 18th century, integrated neighbourhoods of the 19th century, strikes of the 20th century and movements for social justice today. This tour begins at the old Memorial Library and ends at the waterfront.

The Only Wealth Is Labour: Artists Sarah Mosher & Hanah Genosko will be carrying their crafted banner along for the tour!

Click Here For Detailed Tour Notes

Pictured: 19th century market site in downtown Halifax. NS Archives.

Tour 2: Scratch the Surface

Date: Saturday, May 10th
Time: 1:00 PM
Departure: Old Spring Garden Library (corner of Brunswick St and Spring Garden Rd)

Walking along the streets of today we’ll explore the many types of work that used to take place where we now see offices, shops and restaurants. We’ll pull back the curtain on what it was like to work in the laundries, factories, and food manufacturing plants of Halifax and what we can still see of this industrial past. This tour begins at the old Memorial Library and ends near Granville Mall.

Click Here For Detailed Tour Notes

Pictured: Early 20th century women sewing in a Halifax factory. NS Archives.

Tour 3: By Choice or By Force

Date: Sunday, May 11th
Time: 1:00 PM
Departure: Peace & Friendship Park (1170 Hollis St)

Looking at a part of downtown now dominated by railroad tracks, hotels and modern apartment buildings we’ll remember the story of immigrants and  migrants to Halifax, both those who came by choice, force or a lack of other options. This tour will discuss the complex history of racial and cultural  interactions in Nova Scotia and shed light on how Halifax has always had a diverse population. This tour will begin at Peace and Friendship Park and end  near the Seaport Market (formerly Cunard Centre)

The Only Wealth Is Labour: Artists Sarah Mosher & Hanah Genosko will be carrying their crafted banner along for the tour!

Click Here For Detailed Tour Notes

Pictured: Charlie Wah laundry back room. Photo: J.J. Lee

Emma Lang

Emma Lang is a public heritage professional, folklorist and tour guide. She’s been sharing her research and excitement in labour history to anyone interested for more than 20 years.

Photo above and Banner image: Photos by Tee Porter.