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.

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.

This came highly recommended as one of the top museums in Halifax and it did not disappoint. We have no connection to anyone who immigrated, but that doesn’t matter; very informative. We did the short 30 min. guided tour before exploring on our own. Also, don’t miss the I’m Canada film. All very worthwhile. Really interesting seeing the interactive display of where immigrants originated over the last 500 years. If you have time for only one museum, make this that one.

This is a great little museum in a prime location. We really enjoyed the film about modern immigration (made us proud to be Canadian) and had a wonderful free tour. The guide helped us to understand and empathize with the immigrants who came through Pier 21 and she was clearly very proud to work at the museum.

We were disappointed on being unable to visit on our previous visit to Halifax, have been waiting 5 years for another opportunity - but it was well worth the wait. Absolutely excellent museum. Two main areas One side covers the history of the Canadian Immigration at Pier 21 itself with 30 minute guided tour with stories and 22 minute video covering various immigrants.. The other covers the people aspects historically and their stories / impact on them personally. Both are visually very well presented and have ample artefacts, photos, videos etc. We found it all fascinating. So much so that we were there for 5 hours! The cafe was small / adequate but it didn't need to be more than that seeing as you were free to come and go during your stay ( just keep your badge!) and many eateries are within say 10- 15 minutes proximity. Nice little gift shop. It's very different to Ellis Island - both are excellent in different ways.

The staff at the museum are very friendly and accommodating to visitors. The museum has a nice pace of information, excellent story telling and images to demonstrate the history of immigration to Canada and original stories. It’s a memorable space and a unique experience to stand where so many people from around the world landed in Canada for the first time.

This is my favorite museum in town as it tells the unique story of the immigrants who came to Canada. You will find it on the Harbourside Boardwalk and near the cruise terminal. This is a suitable location as the ships carrying Canadian immigrants docked here. Lots of personal stories inside.

This is a well designed museum with interesting exhibits and a free guided tour with admission. We appreciated the honesty and information offered about the history of immigration in Canada. We learned many new things and we recommend this to any visitor.

What a wonderful museum. History, exhibits - I won’t forget the time we spent there. The best part was they offer to trace your family as it was a major point of entry for people coming to immigrate to our country. And yes, we did trace family back several generations.

A very interesting visit to this well located, modern, spacious museum. It gives a good picture of post-war immigration to Canada. We went on the 30 minute guided tour which helped bring the whole story to life - thanks James! We were disappointed that the museum doesn’t cover the earlier migrations of French and Scots to country. Seems strange considering both have had such a huge influence on the country. Perhaps because they are seen as colonisers?? Whatever, it is a big gap in the immigration story of Canada at this otherwise excellent museum.