Halifax

Travel Guide

Crystal Crescent Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach
Halifax featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture
Fisherman\'s Cove showing a bay or harbour
Halifax
Enfield showing a cemetery

Atlantic Canada’s harbour 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 harbour side of downtown across two miles (three kilometres). Public artworks, historical monuments and harbour views guide the way.

Catch a ferry to see the harbour 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 Harbour. Dine on fresh Atlantic seafood at one of the many restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.

Within ten minutes walking distance from the harbour, you can find yourself in the centre 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 neighbourhood.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located 22 miles (35 kilometres) from downtown Halifax, and is serviced by regular flights from all over the world. Arrive in August to maximise 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 featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture

Downtown Halifax

Downtown Halifax is beloved for its captivating waterfront views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Neptune Theatre and Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Downtown Halifax
Halifax Public Gardens which includes a garden and a pond

South End

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 showing a cemetery and a memorial

North End

You'll enjoy the bars and live music in North End. You might want to make time for a stop at Emera Oval or Cornwallis Street Baptist Church.

North End
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Fairmount

Fairmount might not have many top sights, but Chocolate Lake Beach and Halifax Shopping Centre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fairmount
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Clayton Park

The restaurants and waterfront are a few reasons travellers visit Clayton Park. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Halifax Mainland Common Park and Canada Games Centre, a few notable attractions nearby.

Clayton Park
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Fairview

While there might not be top attractions in Fairview, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Halifax Mainland Common Park and Fairview Lawn Cemetery.

Fairview
The Barrington Hotel

The Barrington Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1875 Barrington St, Halifax, NS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €183 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€183
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & 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! (4,361 reviews)
"Garage parking was easy."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

The Barrington Hotel
Moxy Halifax Downtown

Moxy Halifax Downtown

3.5 out of 5
5417 COGSWELL STREET, Halifax, NS
The price is €163 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€163
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (720 reviews)
"excellent vibe. friendly staff. felt very safe traveling alone to a place i'd never been before. food and drink options were abundant. groovy decor. 10 out of 10."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Moxy Halifax Downtown
Future Inns Halifax

Future Inns Halifax

3 out of 5
30 Fairfax Dr, Halifax, NS
The price is €147 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€147
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,825 reviews)
"Breakfast not included"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Future Inns Halifax
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! (391 reviews)
"Close to great restaurants & walking distance to Harbourfront. Good location. Easy self check-in, parking around the corner. Room was amazing! Very clean with all amenities. Bed was comfy."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Cameo Hotel and Suites
Lux Exec Home HFX Waterfront Pool Hot Tub

Lux Exec Home HFX Waterfront Pool Hot Tub

4.5 out of 5
2947 Purcells Cove Rd, Halifax, NS
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury vacation home in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Our stay was fabulous! The ho"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Lux Exec Home HFX Waterfront Pool Hot Tub
Private Basement Suite

Private Basement Suite

Halifax
Stay at this vacation home in Halifax. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Halifax Citadel ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
Great Spot
"Very lovely spot! Location was fantastic, very quiet and with the dog having the park just a few minutes walk away was amazing. Hosts were also very quiet, we questioned if they were even home all weekend as there was that little noise from upstairs! Our only complaint was that there were a lot of ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Private Basement 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.

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