Halifax Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Downtown Halifax

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(3 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

4/5(1 area review)

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 ฿5,902 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿5,902
฿6,931 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,339 reviews)
"The only compliant is the parking- it is insane. Complicated to find the parkade and then a 10 min walk to the hotel. Insane!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

The Barrington Hotel
Moxy Halifax Downtown

Moxy Halifax Downtown

3.5 out of 5
5417 COGSWELL STREET, Halifax, NS
The price is ฿5,265 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿5,265
฿6,183 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (711 reviews)
"I like the painting in elevator"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Moxy Halifax Downtown
Cambridge Suites Hotel

Cambridge Suites Hotel

3 out of 5
1583 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS
The price is ฿6,960 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿6,960
฿8,173 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,070 reviews)
Great location to harbour front
"Great downtown location for our first east coast Halifax trip. Check in was easy and quick. Our junior suite was roomy enough for 3 people. The complimentary breakfast was very good, nice touch having the fresh fruit. The construction on the street was noisy but luckily we were booked on the other ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Cambridge Suites Hotel
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 Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and Netflix. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (386 reviews)
"Spacious, clean, great vibe! Will definitely come back."

Reviewed on 11 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 holiday home in Halifax. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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
FlowEdge Riverside Getaway

FlowEdge Riverside Getaway

4 out of 5
141 Bert Fox Rd, Elderbank, NS
Stay at this 4-star chalet in Elderbank. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Musquodoboit Waterway Elderbank Park and Lake ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"This place is great!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

FlowEdge Riverside Getaway
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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