Halifax

Planning Your Trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia: A Complete Travel Guide

Canada Travel Information

Time Zone: GMT -3

Languages: English, French

Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Halifax Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Planning your trip around Halifax’s weather? Here’s a seasonal breakdown:

• January-February: Expect cold and snowy conditions, averaging -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F). Great for winter scenery but pack accordingly!
• March-April: A transition period. It’s still cool with a chance of snow, but temperatures are rising to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
• May-June: Mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Ideal for outdoor activities.
• July-August: The warmest months! Temperatures average 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with occasional heat waves. Perfect for beach days and summer festivals.
• September-October: Crisp and colorful autumn. Temperatures cool down from 15°C to 10°C (59°F to 50°F). Fantastic for leaf-peeping!
• November-December: Cool, becoming increasingly cold, with the potential for snow. Temperatures drop to 0°C to -5°C (32°F to 23°F). Time for cozy sweaters and holiday festivities.

Halifax City Overview: History & Culture

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a unique blend of maritime history, modern city life, and stunning natural landscapes. Explore its shipbuilding past along the historic waterfront and visit iconic landmarks. Wander along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, a lively spot filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions. Climb Citadel Hill National Historic Site for amazing city views. Delve into seafaring history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, with exhibits on the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion. Halifax seamlessly combines old and new, offering a welcoming vibe and something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Halifax: Seasonal Travel Guide

• Summer (June-August):
  • Pros: Warm weather, lots of outdoor events and festivals, perfect for exploring the coastline.
  • Cons: Peak tourist season, so expect higher accommodation prices and more crowds.
• Shoulder Seasons (May & September-October):
  • Pros: Mild weather, fewer crowds, stunning fall foliage in October. A great value travel option!
  • Cons: Some attractions might have shorter hours, and the weather can be a bit unpredictable.
• Winter (November-April):
  • Pros: Fewer tourists, potential for winter sports activities outside the city (skiing, snowshoeing).
  • Cons: Cold and snowy weather, some attractions may be closed or have limited hours.

Halifax Travel: How to Get There & Visa Information

• Flights: Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the main airport, with connections to major cities in Canada, the US, and Europe. Search for cheap flights to Halifax.
• Trains: VIA Rail offers train service to Halifax from Montreal. Book your train tickets in advance.
• Visa Details: Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date details.
• Airport Transfers: Taxis, airport shuttles, and public buses are available for airport transfers from YHZ. Compare prices and book your transfer.

Halifax Fun Fact: What You Didn’t Know

Did you know Halifax was once a contender for the Statue of Liberty? Before New York City was chosen, Halifax was considered. Also, Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) proposed a similar tower for Halifax, but it wasn’t built due to financial reasons.

Famous People from Halifax: Celebrities & More

Halifax is home to many talented individuals, including:

Elliot Page (Actor), Sarah McLachlan (Singer-Songwriter), Sidney Crosby (Hockey Player)

Top 10 Halifax Attractions: Sightseeing Guide

• Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk: A vibrant boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Address: 1496 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1R9
• Citadel Hill National Historic Site: A star-shaped fortress with panoramic city views.
  • Address: 5425 Sackville St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y3
• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: Explore Halifax’s seafaring heritage.
  • Address: 1675 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1S3
• Public Gardens: A Victorian-era garden with walking paths, fountains, and a bandstand.
  • Address: Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3J 3R2
• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: Showcasing Canadian and international art.
  • Address: 1723 Hollis St, Halifax, NS B3J 3C8
• Point Pleasant Park: A large urban park with walking trails and coastal views.
  • Address: 5530 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax, NS B3H 1B6
• Pier 21 National Historic Site: Canada’s immigration museum.
  • Address: 1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7
• Alexander Keith’s Brewery: A historic brewery offering tours and tastings.
  • Address: 1496 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1R9
• Museum of Natural History: Exhibits on Nova Scotia’s natural history.
  • Address: 1747 Summer St, Halifax, NS B3H 3A6
• York Redoubt National Historic Site: Coastal defence fortification with harbour views.
  • Address: 200 Ferguson Cove Rd, Halifax, NS B3V 1N5

Halifax Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path

• McNabs Island: A historic island in Halifax Harbour with hiking trails and beaches. Accessible by ferry – a great escape from the city!
• Hydrostone Market: A charming neighborhood with unique shops and cafes. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
• Emera Oval: An outdoor skating rink in the winter and a track for rollerblading/biking in the summer. A fun, free activity!

Halifax Festivals & Events: What’s On

• Halifax Jazz Festival: (July) A major music festival showcasing jazz artists from around the world.
• Halifax Busker Festival: (July/August) Street performers entertain crowds along the waterfront.
• Nocturne: Art at Night: (October) A free, after-dark art festival.
• Halifax Pop Explosion: (October) An annual indie music festival.

Day Trips from Halifax: Explore Nova Scotia

• Peggy’s Cove: (1 hour) A picturesque fishing village with a famous lighthouse. Don’t miss this iconic Nova Scotia destination.
• Lunenburg: (1 hour) A UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful historic buildings. A must-see for history buffs.
• Annapolis Royal: (2 hours) A historic town with Fort Anne National Historic Site. Explore early Canadian history.
• Mahone Bay: (1 hour) Known for its three churches along the waterfront. A charming and scenic town.

Halifax Photography Spots: Instagrammable Locations

• Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
• Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
• Citadel Hill National Historic Site
• Public Gardens
• York Redoubt National Historic Site

Halifax Accommodation & Transportation: Where to Stay & How to Get Around

Recommended Stay Length:

3-5 days

Top Halifax Hotels: Sorted by Budget

Budget-Friendly Halifax Hotels

• Halifax Backpackers Hostel: 1253 Barrington St, Halifax, NS B3J 1Y2
• The Common Room Hostel: 6218 Quinpool Rd, Halifax, NS B3L 1A3
• Atlantica Hotel Halifax: 1980 Robie St, Halifax, NS B3H 3G5

Mid-Range Halifax Hotels

• Cambridge Suites Hotel: 1583 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS B3J 3P5
• Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites: 1515 South Park St, Halifax, NS B3J 2L2
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown: 1960 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS B3J 2G7
• The Halliburton: 5184 Morris St, Halifax, NS B3J 1B3

Luxury Halifax Hotels

• Muir, Autograph Collection: 1709 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 0J2
• The Prince George Hotel: 1725 Market St, Halifax, NS B3J 3N9
• Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel: 1919 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3J5

Getting Around Halifax: Transportation Options

• Public Transport: Halifax Transit operates buses and ferries. Check schedules and routes.
• Taxis: Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout the city.
• Bikes: Bike rentals are available at various locations, offering a great way to explore.
• Walking: The downtown area is very walkable, allowing you to easily discover hidden gems.

Halifax Travel Tips: Packing, Apps & Safety

What to Pack for Halifax: Essential Items

• Layers of clothing: Be prepared for varying weather conditions.
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of exploring!
• Rain gear: Especially important during spring and fall.
• Sunscreen and hat: Essential during the summer months.
• Warm clothing: Don’t forget your winter gear!

Useful Apps for Halifax Travel:

• Halifax Transit: For bus and ferry schedules.
• Google Maps: For navigation and finding your way around.
• TripAdvisor: For restaurant and attraction reviews.

Halifax Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Respect local customs and traditions.
• Tip service staff (15-20%) for good service.

Halifax Food, Fun & Finds: Dining, Nightlife & Shopping

Top Halifax Restaurants: Must-Try Dining Experiences

• The Bicycle Thief: Italian restaurant with waterfront views. 1475 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Z2
• 2 Doors Down: Farm-to-table dining experience. 1533 Barrington St, Halifax, NS B3J 1Z5
• Edna Restaurant: Brunch and dinner spot with local ingredients. 2053 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3B2
• Ristorante a Mano: Authentic Italian cuisine. 1515 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS B3J 2K3
• Stillwell Beer Bar: Craft beer and casual food. 1672 Barrington St, Halifax, NS B3J 2A2

Must-Try Halifax Dishes: Local Cuisine

• Donair: A Halifax specialty, similar to a gyro or kebab. A local favorite!
• Seafood Chowder: A creamy soup filled with local seafood. A taste of the Atlantic!
• Hodge Podge: A traditional vegetable stew. A hearty and comforting dish.
• Blueberry Grunt: A steamed dessert with blueberries. A sweet Nova Scotia treat.

Halifax Nightlife & Entertainment: After Dark Fun

• The Seahorse Tavern: Live music venue showcasing local and touring acts. 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 3B2
• Split Crow Pub: A historic pub with live music and a lively atmosphere. 1855 Granville St, Halifax, NS B3J 1X2
• Argyle Street: A street with numerous bars and restaurants, perfect for a night out.

Halifax Souvenirs & Shopping: Where to Buy Local

• Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market: Local produce, crafts, and food vendors. 1209 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7
• Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia: Local crafts and souvenirs. 5635 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3J 1G1
• Hydrostone Market: Unique shops and boutiques. Young St, Halifax, NS B3K 2A4