Halifax
United States and Canada · Canada
See also
Overview
Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Atlantic Canada. The city's origins and rich maritime history derive from a strategic location and one of the world's great natural harbours.
Languages: English, French
Why go?
Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Atlantic Canada. The city's origins and rich maritime history derive from a strategic location and one of the world's great natural harbours. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Halifax was the entry point for European immigration to Canada. Today, Halifax is a busy Atlantic seaport and the economic and cultural hub of Atlantic Canada.
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Understand
Halifax is the provincial and regional hub of Nova Scotia. It is, however, a small city by North American standards (2024 pop. 463,000). Rather than feeling relegated to 'second-fiddle' status, this dichotomy is celebrated by residents who take pride in their slower pace and warm hospitality.
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When to go
Extreme cold or hot temperatures are rare, as Halifax is located next to the ocean. The summer months see temperatures average around 23°C for daytime highs and 16°C for overnight lows. Typical for an oceanic climate, there will be a lot of rain or snow throughout the year. Summer and early autumn are, weather-wise, the best seasons to visit the city. In the autumn months hurricanes may occasionally move up to Halifax.
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Getting in
Halifax is served by Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), 35 km north of the city, with flights from major Canadian airlines and some international. VIA Rail's Ocean service connects Halifax to Moncton and beyond. Maritime Bus provides inter-regional bus service.
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Getting around
Halifax Transit operates buses and ferries within the city. Cash fare is $3.00 adult, with transfers valid for 90 minutes. The HFXGO app allows mobile payment. Taxi and Uber are also available.
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Things to do
Visit the Halifax Citadel ($11.70 adult), the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and Pier 21 (Canadian Museum of Immigration). Walk the 4.5 km waterfront boardwalk. Take a Harbour Hopper tour. For nature, explore Point Pleasant Park or canoe the Northwest Arm.
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Food and drink
Halifax is known for seafood, especially lobster, mussels, and scallops. Don't miss the Halifax donair, a local twist on doner kebab. Garlic fingers are a popular side. For drinks, the city has a vibrant pub scene on Argyle Street and many microbreweries like Garrison Brewing and Good Robot.
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Safety
Halifax is generally safe, but the North End (Gottingen Street area) has a rough reputation at night. Watch for black ice in winter. Pedestrian crosswalks are highly respected.
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Connectivity
Free WiFi available at McDonald's, Starbucks, and Halifax Central Library. Cellular shops on Spring Garden Road and Scotia Square sell prepaid SIM cards from Rogers, Bell, Telus, and Eastlink.
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Go next
Day trips include Peggys Cove (stunning lighthouse and rocks), Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Wolfville, and Grand-Pré National Historic Site. Charter flights to Sable Island or to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
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Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- do
Alexander Keith's Brewery Tour
Immersive tour of Alexander Keith's original brewery as it supposedly was in 1863, complete with tour guide actors in period garb singing songs, dancing jigs, relaying a bit of the history of the brewery and Keith himself, and promoting the crisp, refreshing taste of Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale. You do get the chance to sample two mugs of the stuff at the end. Tours on the hour and half-hour but limited opening hours outside summer, check the website for details. If you are an Air Miles collector, you can redeem your miles here for free tickets.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Barrington Street
Barrington Street is an up-and-coming area in the heart of the Central Business District. Beautiful buildings mixed with the growing number of new stores make this definitely a nice place to 'hit up'.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Bayers Lake Business Park
Power centre with big box stores, including Walmart, Atlantic Superstore (owned by Loblaws), and Canadian Tire, as well as restaurants and a 17-screen movie theatre (Scotiabank Theatre, which contains one IMAX screen).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs
A mellow and low-key pub. Great live music.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Black Market Boutique
A variety of interesting trinkets, accessories, textiles and items from around the world.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Boat Tours
Murphy's the Cable Wharf is in the heart of the Halifax waterfront and offers a variety of boat tours including nature and whale watching, tall ship sailing, deep sea fishing, historical harbour tours and dinner cruises.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Bookmark
The last independent general interest (new) bookstore on the peninsula. A huge selection in a small space; special orders are their specialty.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Brewery Farmers' Market
This was the site of the Halifax Farmers' Market prior to its relocation to the newly constructed Seaport building at Pier 20. However, some vendors have remained or have opened a second location here open Saturdays from 7AM-1PM.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free WiFi in many cafes and library. Major mobile carriers have shops.
Food
Seafood and donair are local specialties. Mussels are cheap and good.
Safety
Halifax is generally safe; North End requires caution at night.
Transport
Public transit bus/ferry $3 cash; transfer valid 90 min. Airport 35 km north.
Weather
Summer (Jun-Aug) mild, avg 23°C. Winter cold with snow. Best time: summer/early autumn.