Halifax

Travel Guide

Crystal Crescent Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views
Halifax which includes an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Fisherman\'s Cove which includes a bay or harbor
Halifax which includes a bay or harbor and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Enfield featuring a cemetery

Atlantic Canada’s harbor city is a treasure trove of maritime heritage, woodland parks and sandy beaches. 

Halifax possesses the community spirit of a little port town and the liveliness of a harborside city. Atlantic Canada’s largest city and the capital of Nova Scotia is home to over 400,000 people, and millions of visitors pass through its port each year. The atmosphere of local culture burns bright with Haligonians’ pride in their heritage, landscape and achievements.

The city is tucked into one of the largest natural harbors in the world. The port played a role in the British Empire, two World Wars and the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. Learn about the history of the port at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Stroll along the Halifax Harborwalk, a boardwalk that spans the harbor side of downtown across two miles (three kilometers). Public artworks, historical monuments and harbor views guide the way.

Catch a ferry to see the harbor from the water. Ferries leave from the Halifax Ferry Terminal along the Harborwalk. The two ferry routes to Dartmouth and Woodside are integrated with the affordable metro bus system, making them cheap and easy to use. Enjoy a clear panoramic outlook of the Halifax Harbor. Dine on fresh Atlantic seafood at one of the many restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.

Within ten minutes walking distance from the harbor, you can find yourself in the center of downtown Halifax. Explore the historic Grand Parade, with Halifax City Hall on the north side and St Paul’s Anglican Church and Province House in the south. The compact downtown area is easy to explore on foot.

Head further inland and you’ll come across Halifax’s leafy green sanctuary. Citadel Hill, the Museum of Natural History and Public Gardens Park await you in this quiet, tree-lined neighborhood.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located 22 miles (35 kilometers) from downtown Halifax, and is serviced by regular flights from all over the world. Arrive in August to maximize your outdoor adventures by the sea. Atlantic Canadian winters are relatively mild but you’ll need to rug up for the colder months.

Where to stay in Halifax

Halifax which includes an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

Downtown Halifax

4.5/5(322 area reviews)

A bustling financial and entertainment hub, Downtown Halifax boasts attractions like Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Citadel Hill, over 200 restaurants and bars, and shopping areas such as Park Lane and Spring Garden Road. Halifax Transit offers convenient public transit options.

Downtown Halifax
Halifax Public Gardens showing a pond and a park

South End

4/5(46 area reviews)

South End is beloved for its captivating waterfront views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Nova Scotia Archives and Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

South End
Fairview Cemetery featuring a cemetery and a memorial

North End

3.5/5(14 area reviews)

Thriving artistic community with musicians, painters, and writers, the area boasts historic churches, military installations, and the Halifax Shipyard. Gottingen Street offers shops, bars, and clubs, while Agricola Street features local galleries and restaurants.

North End
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Fairmount

While there might not be top attractions in Fairmount, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Chocolate Lake Beach and Halifax Shopping Centre.

Fairmount
The Cataract Gorge is in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.

Clayton Park

4/5(1 area review)

The restaurants and waterfront are just a few features travelers like about Clayton Park. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Halifax Mainland Common Park and Canada Games Centre are a few top places to visit.

Clayton Park
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Fairview

4/5(4 area reviews)

When in Fairview, you can plan a visit to Halifax Mainland Common Park and Fairview Lawn Cemetery, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fairview
The Barrington Hotel
The Barrington Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1875 Barrington St, Halifax, NS
$190 nightly
The price is $223 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$223 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,223 reviews)
"Great stay, great location."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

The Barrington Hotel
Cambridge Suites Hotel
Cambridge Suites Hotel
3 out of 5
1583 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS
$153 nightly
The price is $180 total per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
$180 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,965 reviews)
"Hotel room is spacious. A big outdated."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Cambridge Suites Hotel
The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
4.5 out of 5
1515 South Park Street, Halifax, NS
$190 nightly
The price is $223 total per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
$223 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,536 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. First class front desk and bellmen. We didnt eat here but restaurant looks nicr. Classy common areas. Nice walk to waterfront"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cameo Hotel and Suites
Cameo Hotel and Suites
3 out of 5
1572 Barrington St, Halifax, NS
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and Netflix. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (338 reviews)
"Easy self check in. Location was amazing if looking for a hotel close to restaurants and the waterfront."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Cameo Hotel and Suites
Seacliff- Luxury Halifax Waterfront Paradise -Pool, Hot Tub, Wharf & Boathouse
Seacliff- Luxury Halifax Waterfront Paradise -Pool, Hot Tub, Wharf & Boathouse
Halifax
Stay at this vacation home in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Scotiabank Centre are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Halifax
"Awesome house and location.Highly recommend this home to anyone visiting Halifax."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

Seacliff- Luxury Halifax Waterfront Paradise -Pool, Hot Tub, Wharf & Boathouse
Harbour View Penthouse Suite
Harbour View Penthouse Suite
Halifax
Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Casino Nova Scotia are located nearby.
Disappointed
"Suite was good. No bedding for the sofa bed. No facecloths."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Harbour View Penthouse Suite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Halifax

If you don’t mind walking up and down the occasional hill, then downtown Halifax will be easy for you to navigate on foot, which is always the best way to get to know a new place. In particular, the wooden waterfront boardwalk is worth checking out; it’s one of the longest of its kind in the world. Rent a bike or a car or get a bus around the city. Water taxis depart from the harbor. Visit the Metro TransitOpens in a new window website.Browse Halifax rental cars.

Best time to visit

To experience the best of Halifax’s weather, visit during the summer, when it gets pleasantly warm (average highs in the mid 70s F/mid 20s C) and the streets are lively with food stalls, music performances and festivals. If, however, you’re a skier or snowboarder, then Halifax is a great base for enjoying the slopes of Nova Scotia in the winter. Skating on the Emera Oval in Halifax itself is also good fun.

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