Viator Rating : 4 (3 reviews)
Halifax
Halifax Explosion Audio Tour: Stories & Landmarks
Overview
Halifax Explosion Smartphone Audio Walking Tour takes travelers on a journey through one of Canada's most significant historical events. Guided by Jeff on a smartphone, this tour explores the tragic Halifax Explosion of 1917, allowing people to see historical sites and hear powerful stories of survival and perseverance. This is a self-guided walking tour.
As people walk, the tour automatically plays commentary at each point of interest, and a GPS map shows exactly where they are and where to go next. The tour highlights iconic landmarks such as the Halifax Explosion Memorial Tour, Hydrostone District, and the poignant site of the SS Mont-Blanc and SS Imo collision. People will also learn about the miracle of Ashpan Annie and the adventures of Billy Wells.
This experience includes a download on WIFI (no data used during tour), a live GPS map, flexible dates to enjoy the tour anytime, customer service via phone and email, and optional trivia questions at each stop. Please note that a smartphone/tablet/headphones are not included. Some attractions may be closed. With Tripvia Tours, people can trust that they're in good hands. They have over 75 tours and 25,000+ happy customers. 
Highlights
Explore at Your Own Pace: Start, stop, and explore anytime. The tour is people's to keep and enjoy whenever they want.
Discover Halifax's History: Uncover stories of survival and see landmarks of the 1917 Halifax Explosion.
Interactive Trivia Game: Test knowledge at each stop with a fun, location-based trivia game.
Easy to Use: GPS map and automatic audio commentary make navigation simple.
Sentiment Analysis
The audio tour shares amazing stories about the Halifax Explosion.
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Kids enjoyed the tour's trivia game, making it fun for families.
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The tour lets people learn a lot about the Halifax Explosion.
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It's easy to follow and helps people understand what happened during the event.
Some people found the walk was too far.
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Some users had difficulty with the app initially.
The Journey
Halifax Explosion Memorial Tour
Delve into the heart of the Halifax Explosion with a self-guided tour, led by virtual tour guide Jeff. Explore pivotal historical sites like the Memorial Bell Tower and the Hydrostone District while uncovering incredible stories of survival, like Ashpan Annie's miraculous rescue and Billy Wells' daring adventure. Experience the tour at your own pace, complete with location-based trivia and automatic commentary, offering a personal and immersive encounter with this pivotal moment in Canadian history.
St. Joseph's Catholic Parish Memorial
Reflect at the memorial dedicated to the Catholic Parish of St. Joseph’s, a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the community shattered by the Halifax Explosion. This site serves as a solemn tribute, offering a moment to contemplate the far-reaching impact of the tragedy and the enduring spirit of remembrance within the community.
Military Grounds Memorial Park
Explore this park, once a military ground, transformed into a vibrant neighborhood space and memorial. Discover how the area was rebuilt and reimagined after the Halifax Explosion, serving as a testament to the city's resilience and its commitment to honoring the past while fostering community growth.
Site of the SS Mont-Blanc and SS Imo Collision
Visit the site where the SS Mont-Blanc and SS Imo collided, triggering the devastating Halifax Explosion. Understand the sequence of events that led to the disaster and learn about the critical roles these ships played in one of history's largest artificial non-nuclear explosions.
Halifax Explosion Monument
Stand before the impressive monument dedicated to the people of Halifax and Dartmouth, those who directly experienced the horrors of the 1917 explosion. This imposing structure serves as a powerful reminder of the devastation and the remarkable strength demonstrated by the community in its aftermath.
Richmond Staircase
Discover the symbolism embedded within the Richmond Staircase, a memorial adorned with the names of businesses destroyed in the Halifax Explosion. The staircase and railings provide a physical connection to the past, allowing visitors to reflect on the economic and social impact of the disaster on the Richmond district.
Richmond School
Visit the Richmond School, constructed immediately after the Halifax Explosion to replace the destroyed Roome School. This building represents the immediate response to the tragedy and the community's commitment to rebuilding essential services and providing education to the children affected by the disaster.
Secret of the Trees
Uncover the 'secret of the trees' near the Halifax Explosion site, a tale that made them infamous in lumber mills from Canada to the southern United States. Learn about the unique characteristics of these trees that survived the blast and how they became a part of local folklore.
Francis Mackey's Story Location
Reflect on the story of Francis Mackey, the pilot aboard the Mont-Blanc, and understand how the Halifax Explosion profoundly changed his life. Learn about his experiences leading up to and following the disaster, and contemplate the personal impact of the tragedy on those directly involved.
Robie Street Water Reservoir
Explore the Robie Street Water Reservoir, built in 1913, and discover its remarkable survival during the Halifax Explosion. Learn about its significance to the city's infrastructure and its special designation, reflecting its historical and functional importance.
Patricia Firefighter's Memorial
Pay tribute at the monument dedicated to the firefighters of Halifax who lost their lives on that fateful day in 1917, including information about the fire engine 'Patricia'. Honor their bravery and sacrifice, understanding the crucial role they played in the immediate aftermath of the explosion.
Halifax Explosion Ground Zero
Imagine the horrific conditions of 'fire and ice and black rain' as you stand near ground zero of the Halifax Explosion. Understand the devastation faced by survivors as the explosion and ensuing weather created unimaginable challenges for rescue and recovery efforts.
Halifax Explosion Tsunami Site
Visualize the tsunami that swept up this hillside during the Halifax Explosion and reflect on the immense power of the blast. Understand how the tsunami contributed to the destruction and loss of life, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape.
House Holes
Observe the 'house holes,' ghostly markers of where homes once stood before the Halifax Explosion. Visualize the community that once thrived here and hear stories of the people who lived and died, allowing you to contemplate the human cost of the disaster and the lasting impact on the landscape.
Vincent Coleman Memorial
Understand why Vincent Coleman is remembered as a hero in Halifax, credited with potentially saving hundreds of lives during the Halifax Explosion. Learn about his courageous actions and the lasting legacy he left on the city and its people.
Campbell Road (Original)
Imagine Campbell Road as it once was: a simple dirt road lined with shops and houses before the Halifax Explosion. Learn about the daily life and commerce that characterized this area and its vital role in the community before the tragedy struck.
Ashpan Annie's Miraculous Survival
Discover the remarkable story of 'Ashpan Annie,' a baby who miraculously survived the Halifax Explosion. Experience the joy and hope that her survival brought to the community amidst the devastation, a symbol of resilience and the will to live.
Unidentified Structure
Learn about the controversy surrounding this structure and the reasons behind its location. Unearth the historical context and the debates that shaped its construction, offering a unique perspective on community planning and historical preservation.
Billy Wells' Adventure Location
Hear the incredible story of Billy Wells' adventure during the Halifax Explosion. Learn about his daring escape and the challenges he faced, offering an inspiring tale of courage and resilience amidst the chaos.
Halifax Protestant Orphanage Memorial
See the colorful memorial on the white picket fence, painted by the children of the Veith House, dedicated to the Halifax Protestant Orphanage. Reflect on the impact of the Halifax Explosion on the city's orphaned children and the community's efforts to care for them in the aftermath.
Royal Navy College Site
Learn how the co-commander’s efficiency helped everyone survive the Halifax Explosion. Explore the grounds that once held the Royal Navy College and learn how they supported the community after the event.
International Rescue Memorial
Reflect on the amazing help Halifax received from around the world after the explosion. Learn about the international aid that poured into the city and the tradition of gratitude that continues to be followed today, highlighting the global community's support during the tragedy.
Hydrostone District
Explore the Hydrostone District and learn about the town planner who brought the concept of English garden cities to Halifax. Discover the unique architecture and community-focused design of this neighborhood, built to house those displaced by the explosion.
Hydrostone's Back Lanes
Explore the Hydrostone district's back lanes and understand the reason for 'back-lane' business. Learn about the urban planning considerations and the unique features of these lanes that contribute to the neighborhood's distinctive character and functionality.
Hydrostone Tudor Revival Cottages
Walk through the Hydrostone District and observe the Tudor Revival rowhouse cottages, built in the English style for surviving families. Appreciate the architectural design and the historical significance of these homes in providing shelter and stability after the Halifax Explosion.
Halifax Relief Commission Building
Visit the Halifax Relief Commission Building, now a designated cultural historic site, and learn about the committee formed to deal with the emergency in this building. Understand the administrative and logistical efforts required to support the victims and rebuild the city in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion.
Hydrostone Market
Conclude your tour at the Hydrostone Market, a vibrant hub of community life. Reflect on the stories of the people who lived through the Halifax Explosion and those who rushed to help, understanding that this tour is a tribute to their resilience, compassion, and enduring spirit.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes a download on WIFI before the tour so no data is used during the tour, a live GPS map showing the route and location, flexible dates, customer service via phone and email, and optional trivia questions at each stop. Not included are a smartphone/tablet/headphones. Please remember that attractions may be closed or inaccessible due to season or reasons beyond anyone's control.
Hot Tip
Download the tour on WIFI before starting to avoid using mobile data. Also, bring headphones for a more immersive experience and to respect others nearby.
Review Summary
People find this Halifax Explosion Smartphone Audio Walking Tour to be an engaging, self-paced learning experience that effectively brings the 1917 tragedy to life through Jeff's compelling storytelling and GPS-triggered commentary. Travelers consistently praise the convenience of exploring at their own pace without tour group crowds or rigid schedules, the informative historical content covering lesser-known stories like Ashpan Annie and Billy Wells, and the added trivia game that enhances interactivity. Common positive mentions include excellent value for the price point, flexibility to complete the tour anytime after booking, and accessibility features for various mobility levels. Some travelers note that weather conditions and seasonal closures of certain landmarks mentioned in the tour can occasionally impact the experience, and a few suggest downloading the app on a strong WiFi connection to ensure smooth playback.
Frequently Asked Questions
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