Government House
For more than two centuries stately Government House in downtown Halifax has served the Crown and country in peace and war. The official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, it is described as “truly a treasure for Nova Scotia and Canada.” Of classic Georgian design, the building is the oldest consecutively occupied government residence and one of the oldest such official residences in North America.
Over the years Government House has hosted numerous Royal visitors, heads of states and thousands of national and international dignitaries as well as serving as a venue for awards ceremonies, cultural presentations and related public events. The military has also had lengthy association with Government House dating back to its opening during the Napoleonic Wars. Many of Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governors have served as military officers. Among the official residence’s many artifacts and displays are the stabilized Regimental and King’s Colours of the 25th (Nova Scotia) and 85th (Nova Scotia Highlanders) Battalions of the First World War.
Public tours of Government House are conducted during the summer.