About
The Old Burying Ground sits on Barrington Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is the city's oldest cemetery. It was established in 1749, and it remains a quiet, green space in the middle of the downtown core, where the city's early history is written across its stones.
What you will see
Weathered headstones stand among mature trees, and the older markers lean and wear with age. The grounds are the resting place of a number of notable historical figures, so a visit suits anyone curious about the people who shaped the city in its formative years. Many of the inscriptions are worn, which adds to the sense of stepping back in time.
Why visit
- It offers a direct glimpse of Halifax's colonial past and early settlement history.
- It is an atmospheric, reflective place to walk slowly and read the stones.
- It is easy to reach on foot, so it fits well into a day of exploring the downtown area.
Because it is a burial ground, visitors are asked to treat the site with respect, keeping to the paths and speaking quietly, as one would in any graveyard.
Around the site
The cemetery's location on Barrington Street places it within walking distance of other parts of central Halifax, including the waterfront and the surrounding historic streets. Pairing a visit here with time along the harbour makes for a balanced look at the city, where its older history and its living streets sit close together.