Dartmouth

Travel Guide
Dartmouth
Enjoy lots of aquatic adventures on the lakes of this waterfront community, situated on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbor.

Dartmouth lies on the eastern shore of the Port of Halifax, opposite Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. With more than 20 lakes within its borders, there is lots for nature lovers to explore. Visit the coastal community to investigate its waterways and lively downtown waterfront district.

You can easily drive from Halifax to Dartmouth via the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge. However, the ferry makes for a much more memorable trip. Running continuously since its inaugural voyage in 1752, the ferry between the two cities is the oldest operating saltwater ferry service in North America. Buy your tickets and view timetables at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal.

The ferry drops you off right by Alderney Landing, the cultural and performing arts hub of Dartmouth. Between plays, concerts and special exhibitions, there is always something to see here. Its weekend farmers’ market is also a popular attraction. Either side of the ferry terminal is Waterfront Park. Stroll along the boardwalk and take in the views of the harbor and nearby islands.

Water is a big part of life in Dartmouth. There are 23 lakes within its borders, which has earned it the nickname of the City of Lakes. Several of these water bodies form a chain that is part of the Shubenacadie Canal, a waterway that links the Port of Halifax with the Bay of Fundy. Canoe or kayak part of the route and go whitewater rafting when the tidal bore rapids power along the Shubenacadie River. Relax by the shores of Lake Banook.

Away from the water, enjoy Dartmouth's other charms. Browse the shops, dine in restaurants and learn about the city's early settlers at Quaker House. Guides dressed in period costume provide a glimpse into 18th-century Nova Scotia life.

If you are in Dartmouth during the first week of August, help the locals celebrate Natal Day. The annual fiesta features parades, live music and family activities and has been celebrated since 1895, originally to mark the arrival of the railway.

Where to stay in Dartmouth

Dartmouth showing a marina

Downtown Dartmouth

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Dartmouth, Alderney Landing and Ferry Terminal Park are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Dartmouth
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Harbourview

3/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Harbourview and surrounding area, you can visit Dartmouth Sportsplex and Alderney Landing.

Harbourview
Hearthstone Inn Boutique Hotel Halifax - Dartmouth
Hearthstone Inn Boutique Hotel Halifax - Dartmouth
3.5 out of 5
313 Prince Albert Road, Dartmouth, NS
The price is €120 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€120
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dartmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Very inteteresting decor, unique. Wonderful staff. Free parking!!! Reasonable rates. Close to malls, bridges attractions Food in pub was very good."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Hearthstone Inn Boutique Hotel Halifax - Dartmouth
Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
3 out of 5
15 Spectacle Lake Dr, Dartmouth, NS
The price is €144 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€144
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Dartmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Found the comforter on the bed too hot. Asked for a thinner blanket which they accommodated. Two days later blanket was removed and comforter put back. Had to request it back. Annoying after a late day!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Halifax - Dartmouth
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Halifax - Dartmouth
4 out of 5
65 Cromarty Drive, Dartmouth, NS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €167 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€167
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Dartmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Halifax - Dartmouth
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.
Windmill walk
Windmill walk
3 out of 5
63 Windmill Rd, Dartmouth, NS
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Dartmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (100 reviews)
"Nicely appointed, comfortable bed, clear check in instructions"

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2024

Windmill walk
Beautiful lake view condo with new floor and painting where you can enjoy Sauna.
Beautiful lake view condo with new floor and painting where you can enjoy Sauna.
Dartmouth
Stay at this apartment in Dartmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Links at Montague are ...
7/10 Good! (6 reviews)
Great location
"This is a beautiful place to stay. The property has a huge lot and is on a lake."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2023

Beautiful lake view condo with new floor and painting where you can enjoy Sauna.
Fast internet free parking biking close to shopping and convention Centre
Fast internet free parking biking close to shopping and convention Centre
Dartmouth
Stay at this apartment in Dartmouth. Enjoy WiFi, a kitchen, and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Alderney Landing are located ...
Fast internet free parking biking close to shopping and convention Centre
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dartmouth

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
0
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4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 Oct 2019

Seem to be plenty of places to eat in the local area - you don't have to go to Halifax.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 Mar 2019

People and staff great