The provincial capital is the commercial, administrative and maritime center for the whole of Atlantic Canada. Situated at the mouth of the Bedford Basin, it is the second-largest natural harbor in the world (after Sydney in Australia) and has a long and distinguished history as a naval and military base. Harbour tours and deep-sea fishing charters are available. Despite the city’s boom over the past 15 years, the historic Waterfront Area, comprising important 18th- and 19th-century buildings, has been kept intact. Excellent shopping, nightlife and restaurants are to be found in both the old and new sections of the city. Worth seeing are Province House, the birthplace of Canadian democracy in 1819; St Paul’s, the oldest Protestant church in Canada; the Museum of Natural History; the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (featuring Titanic exhibits) and the 17-acre Victorian Halifax Public Gardens. The 1km- (0.6 mile-) long Boardwalk is also worth a visit. Halifax itself is dominated by the Citadel, a star-shaped granite fortress built in 1749 and one of Canada’s most visited National Historic Sites. It is known for its kilted regiment and changing of the guard display. A good view of the city and harbor can be had from its ramparts.