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Mont-Blanc Anchor Site

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A solemn memorial in Halifax commemorating the devastating 1917 explosion and honoring the city's resilience.

The Mont-Blanc Anchor Site in Halifax is a poignant memorial commemorating the 1917 Halifax Explosion. The site features the recovered anchor shaft from the SS Mont-Blanc, the French munitions ship that exploded in Halifax Harbour, causing immense devastation. It serves as a reminder of the tragedy and a symbol of the city's resilience.

A brief summary to Mont-Blanc Anchor Site

  • 110 Spinnaker Dr, Halifax, Armdale, Nova Scotia, B3N 3B9, CA
  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mont-Blanc Anchor Site.

  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photography.
  • Take time to read the informational plaques to gain a deeper understanding of the site's history and the Halifax Explosion.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby waterfront to enjoy the scenic views.
  • Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the peaceful surroundings of the site.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Mont-Blanc Anchor Site via public transport from downtown Halifax, start at the Halifax Transit Exchange. Take either the Route 14 (Dartmouth) or Route 1 (Halifax) bus towards the Armdale area. After approximately 30 minutes, disembark at the Armdale Roundabout stop. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to the site. Head towards St. Margaret's Bay Road (NS-3) and follow the signs to 110 Spinnaker Dr. A single adult fare on Halifax Transit is $3. Tickets are valid for 150 minutes and can be used to transfer to another bus or ferry. Tickets can be purchased using the HFXGO mobile app, at retail outlets, or with exact change when boarding.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Halifax waterfront, you can walk to the Mont-Blanc Anchor Site by combining a ferry and walking. First, walk to the Halifax Seaport and follow the boardwalk to the ferry terminal. Take the ferry to Dartmouth. Once in Dartmouth, walk to Alderney Drive and catch the number 14 bus to Herring Cove. Get off the bus at 'Herring Cove Rd & Spinnaker Dr'. Walk down Spinnaker Drive for about 10 minutes until you reach the site at 110 Spinnaker Dr. The Halifax-Dartmouth ferry costs $3 for a single adult fare. This fare also includes the bus fare, as tickets are valid for 150 minutes and can be used to transfer to another bus or ferry.

Discover more about Mont-Blanc Anchor Site

The Mont-Blanc Anchor Site is a heritage preservation site located in a quiet residential area of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It marks the location where a piece of the SS Mont-Blanc landed after the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917. The explosion, caused by a collision between the Mont-Blanc and the Norwegian vessel Imo, was one of the largest man-made explosions prior to Hiroshima.The SS Mont-Blanc was a French cargo ship carrying a highly explosive cargo of TNT, picric acid, and benzol. After the collision, the burning Mont-Blanc drifted towards Halifax and eventually exploded. The force of the explosion sent debris flying across the city, including the Mont-Blanc's anchor shaft, which landed nearly 4 kilometers away.The anchor shaft now stands as a monument to the tragedy. Informational plaques at the site provide context about the explosion and its impact on Halifax. The site offers a place for reflection and remembrance, set within a beautifully landscaped area. Visitors can contemplate the events of 1917 while enjoying views of the harbor.
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