The paper first began publishing in 1868, making it the oldest continually operating student newspaper in North America followed by The Harvard Crimson (1873) and The Columbia Daily Spectator (1877).

As one of Halifax's major independent publications, the Gazette's Dalhousie-centric mandate has often been expanded to include issues outside of the university community proper.

Reflecting this independent disposition, the Gazette's layout has dispensed with front-page story copy, printing instead a full-cover graphic (usually a photograph) and large teasers with page numbers under the fold.

Along with their Dalhousie counterparts, University of King's College students have made significant contributions to the paper despite being outside of the Gazette's levy umbrella.

Aside from providing the paper with many staff reporters and photographers, King's students and alumni have recently filled some of the Gazette's top editorial positions.