Halifax Sport Heritage
Tour Description
Explore historic sport sites in the Halifax region through the stories in this tour. Discover where major sporting events took place and the city's connections to some of Nova Scotia's great athletes. You will find that some of the city's well-known landmarks have rich sport heritage and sport is connected to cultural, natural, and even world history in Nova Scotia's capital.
This tour will grow and change as more stories about sport in the Halifax region are published on Historic Nova Scotia.
Locations for Tour
Halifax Common
According to a 1759 survey, the land now known as the Halifax Common was a swampy area at the base of the Citadel. Its original purpose was military defense, keeping the area around the Citadel clear in case of any enemy attack by land. In 1763, King…
Ahern Avenue
Born in 1897, John "Gee" Edward Ahern was educated at Saint Mary’s University before attending Law School at Dalhousie University. From there, he entered into the world of publishing and editing before launching his political career. He served as…
The Halifax Skating Rink
In 1862, the Halifax Skating Club was formed by a winter-hardy group of 'fancy skating' enthusiasts. They first took to the ice to perform the Lancers on Griffin's Pond in the Horticultural Society's Grounds, now commonly known as the Public Gardens.…
Halifax Public Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens is surely one of the City of Halifax’s most recognizable historic places. The stunning sixteen acres bordered by Spring Garden Road, South Park Street, Summer Street and Sackville Street are right in the middle of city…
South End Lawn Tennis Club
The South End Tennis Club's land was originally owned by wealthy New York businessman, John S. MacLean.MacLean was the son of a Scottish immigrant preacher, who was the head of the Bank of Nova Scotia from 1874 until his death in 1889. John S.…
Dalhousie University - Studley Gymnasium
Dalhousie's Studley Gym is one of the oldest buildings on campus. Before it, Dalhousie had a temporary gymnasium, built in 1921. When that was destroyed by fire in May 1931, plans for a replacement were immediately begun. Funding for the new gym…
Aileen Meagher (1910-1987)
Aileen Aletha Meagher (1910-1987) exemplifies versatility. She ventured down various paths in her life and stood out in each one.
Aileen first came to prominence at track and field. At the time, especially at the Halifax convent school she attended,…
Studley Quoit Club
The game of quoits is recorded as having been played as early as 1762 on McNabs Island by British settlers – the earliest recorded use of the island for recreation. In addition to quoits, McNabs Island was also a gathering place for rowing clubs. The…
George Dixon (1870-1908)
Born in Africville, George Dixon (1870-1908) accomplished something no person of African descent – anywhere in North America – had ever done. Dixon became a world champion in boxing, not once but twice.
George turned to boxing when he was young,…
Mayflower Curling Club
Halifax’s Mayflower Curling Club has produced champion-quality curlers since its foundation in 1905. Notable among them were teams headed by Colleen Jones and Mark Dacey, both of whom cleaned-up competitions during their primes. But the Mayflower’s…
George Brown (1839-1875)
Nova Scotia has produced many great rowers and paddlers over the past 150 years. The tradition began in our seaside province back in the 1800s and continues today, though now more commonly on lakes and rivers with canoes and kayaks. The most renowned…
Lake Banook
Some of Nova Scotia's most prominent canoeing, kayak, and rowing athletes got their starts on Dartmouth's own Lake Banook. People of all ages enjoy paddling its waters, competing in regattas, and honing their skills. But the shining lake of…