Young Nova Scotians can now attend boat school on Halifax waterfront

A new boat school is opening its doors on the Halifax waterfront.

A new boat school facility is opening at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the Halifax waterfront.

Young Nova Scotians can enroll to study boating skills like hands-on boatbuilding and on-the-water experiences.

While Boat School says its primary mission is to serve youth – especially those from underserved communities – it welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The $15-million project also includes upgrades to the wharf and pier.

The Province of Nova Scotia and Government of Canada announced spending on June 20, 2025, in support of the initiative.

Boat School received $7 million from the province, more than $3.2 million from the federal government, and $4.6 million for construction and program delivery from donors to the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation.

“The opening of the Boat School at the Maritime Museum is the realization of a years-long dream that couldn’t have happened without the vision of museum staff, the dedication of our fundraisers and the generosity of our donors,” says John Hennigar Shuh, president of the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation, in the province’s news release.

“It will make a positive difference in the lives of young Nova Scotians for years to come,” he adds.

Construction was managed by Build Nova Scotia with support from the Department of Public Works.

It was designed and built with climate-resilient features to withstand hurricanes and sea-level rise.

“Build Nova Scotia is proud to play a key role in bringing this vision to fruition, allowing more people to connect with the water and with our maritime heritage,” said David Benoit, president and CEO of Build Nova Scotia, on their Boat School webpage.

The new facility will allow the Maritime Museum to meet growing demand for the boatbuilding programs, which have been delivered from small sheds in previous years.

Programming opportunities will be announced soon.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page