In May and June 2023, we travelled from east to west across Canada. From Halifax in Nova Scotia to Montreal in Quebec, to Toronto in Ontario, to Vancouver and Whistler in British Columbia. Along the way some night trains and commuter trains, the Niagara Falls and – imagine this – a bus journey. A true Trans-Canada Train Trek.

We started our exploration of Halifax with the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. That’s its full name. It’s a nice follow-up on visits of other immigration museums such as the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp and the National Immigration Museum on Ellis Island in New York. 

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is situated at Pier 21, which was the gateway to Canada for over one million immigrants and refugees between 1928 and 1971. The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of immigration to Canada, particularly through Pier 21.

Pier 21 served as an immigration facility where newcomers to Canada arrived by ship, underwent processing, and began their new lives in the country. The museum’s main focus is on the period from 1928 to 1971 when Pier 21 operated as an immigration terminal. It explores the experiences of immigrants, refugees, war brides, displaced persons, and other individuals who passed through the pier during this time.

The museum offers various exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that showcase the diverse journeys of people who came to Canada seeking a better life. It highlights the challenges, successes, and contributions of immigrants to Canadian society, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the immigration experience and its impact on the country’s history.

In addition to its exhibitions, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 also conducts educational programs, research initiatives, and community outreach activities. It serves as a significant resource for genealogical research, providing access to immigration records and archives. 

The museum’s goal is to foster dialogue and understanding about the importance of immigration to Canada’s identity and to promote an appreciation for the experiences of newcomers to the country. It serves as a commemorative site, acknowledging the significant role that Pier 21 played in shaping the nation’s multicultural fabric.

Temporary exhibitions

There are temporary exhibitions. While we we were there, the was ‘Revealing Chignecto‘. Visitors can explore life in Chignecto’s shared Mi’kmaw and Acadian space up to the late 18th century through oral history, archaeology, and written records. Illustrated with beautiful original artworks by Réjean Roy, this exhibit invites visitors to handle high-quality reproductions of archaeological artifacts, listen to oral histories in Mi’kmaw with interpretive text and illustrations to guide them, and explore interactive maps that show changes in the region over time.

The other was ‘我的昨日拾光 In My Yesterday‘. Artwork, historical objects and documents reflect artist JJ Lee’s Chinese maritime family’s immigration experience in this new temporary exhibition. The mixed media installation tells the remarkable story of her family’s multi-generational emigration from China, between 1916 and 1957.

A visit

While always an interesting topic, I wasn’t overwhelmed by Pier 21. Surely, the museums explores many aspects of migration and its Canadian context, but it could have been more enticing. 

A fun activity to do is take a simplified or full citizenship test to see if you can stay in Canada. Sam, Danny and I took the simplified, 8-questions test. I had six out of eight answers correct so I could stay. 

Still, a to-do museum in Halifax. Allow two or three hours. 

2023 Trans-Canada Train Trek

1. REVIEW | Brussels Airlines Brussels to Munich in Economy.
2. REVIEW | Lufthansa Premium Economy Munich to Montreal.
3. REVIEW | Air Canada Economy Montreal to Halifax.
4. Flying Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and Air Canada Brussels – Munich – Montreal – Halifax in minimal economy.