Halifax Trip Planner
Why Visit Halifax: Top Reasons & Highlights
Travelers love Halifax for its vibrant waterfront and historic charm. Visitors often enjoy walks along the boardwalk, exploring the Maritime Museum, and savoring fresh seafood at local markets. The city feels welcoming and relaxed, making each moment memorable. Pilot's easy planning tools make organizing your Halifax adventure a breeze. Halifax is approximately 11 hours driving from Boston.
Halifax travel photos
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What to do in Halifax
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
- 🌊 Explore the waterfront and enjoy local seafood. - 🏛️ Visit Halifax Citadel for a glimpse of history. - 🌲 Wander through Point Pleasant Park. - 🎨 Check out local art at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. - ⚓ Discover maritime history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Use Pilot to effortlessly create a personalized itinerary featuring these spots and more in Halifax.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
- 🏙️ Explore Downtown Halifax for its bustling pubs and historic waterfront. - 🏠 Discover North End with its vibrant community and eclectic mix of shops. - 🌲 Wander through Point Pleasant Park for serene nature walks and historic sites. - 🎨 Visit South End for its cozy cafes, art galleries, and museums. For stress-free accommodation and deals, use Pilot to plan your stay and book your hotel effortlessly.
Discover the best food and drink
🍽️ Enjoy donairs, Halifax's late-night classic, packed with spiced meat and sweet sauce. 🦞 Savor fresh Atlantic lobster rolls—simple, buttery, and unforgettable. 🦪 Try fried clams and Digby scallops, highlighting local seafood. 🌮 Indulge in fish tacos, often featuring haddock or cod, for a twist. 🍷 Edna and The Five Fishermen offer great seafood experiences. 📚 Use Pilot to organize your culinary adventure in Halifax efficiently.
In popular culture
🍁 The Lighthouse, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, was filmed in Nova Scotia, providing eerie and atmospheric backgrounds. 🎬 The Netflix series Locke & Key used Lunenburg, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, to stand in for Matheson, Massachusetts. 🌊 The TV show Trailer Park Boys, a cult favorite, regularly featured scenes shot in and around Halifax, helping to define its cultural landscape. 🎭 Hanna stars Saoirse Ronan and uses locations in Halifax for several key scenes. 🎶 The song Hello City by Barenaked Ladies references Halifax, showcasing its influence on Canadian music.
Halifax at a glance
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What reviews say
- Halifax has a vibrant arts scene and historic charm. - Locals love the friendly atmosphere. - Must-see: The waterfront and Citadel Hill. - Foodies should explore the Seaport Farmers' Market. - Reddiors suggest visiting during late spring for great weather. - Some noted limited nightlife options. - Check out Point Pleasant Park for a peaceful walk. - Keep an eye on sudden weather changes.
What reddit says
- People love the laid-back vibe and friendly locals. - Don't miss a hike at Point Pleasant Park or a visit to the Maritime Museum. - Foodies recommend local spots like The Bicycle Thief and Fisherman's Market. - Farmers' Market on the waterfront is a must. - Watch out for humid, unpredictable weather. - Public transit isn’t extensive; walking is common. - Some say nightlife isn't very lively.
Travel tips and safety
- Respect the local custom of tipping around 15-20% at restaurants. - Watch out for jaywalking, which can incur fines. - Average meal price: CAD 15-25. - Local beers cost around CAD 7-10. - Public transportation: CAD 2.75 per ride. - Travelers praise the friendly locals and laid-back vibe. - Reviews note the absence of Uber. Halifax is generally considered safe. It's wise to consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- Halifax's public transit is affordable and efficient, with reliable bus and ferry services. - Rideshare and taxis are widely available; Uber is often cheaper than traditional taxis. - Downtown is walkable, full of historic sites and eateries. - Try bike rentals to explore the beautiful waterfront. - Pilot can streamline planning and navigation, ensuring a smooth Halifax visit.
How much it costs to visit
- Budget : Around $100 per day. Stay in hostels for $30-$50. Meals cost $10-$15. Use public transit for $3 per ride. - Mid-Range : Approximately $200 per day. Opt for 3-star hotels at $100. Dine in casual restaurants for $20-$40. Rent a car for $30-$50 or take Uber. - Luxury : Expect to spend $400+ daily. Luxury hotels are $200+. Fine dining at $50-$100 per meal. Private transport or chauffeured services can be upwards of $100 a day. - Activity costs vary: Museum admissions are $10-$20, while whale watching can be $60-$100. - Shopping and special tours depend on preferences. Prices vary at different times of your and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
🗺️ Start with a visit to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site . Learn about the city's history and enjoy panoramic views. ☕ Grab breakfast at a local spot, like Steve-O-Reno's Cappuccino . Their coffee and pastries are delicious. 🔍 Explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for an in-depth look at Halifax's nautical past, including Titanic relics. 🚶 Stroll along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk . Enjoy shops, food stalls, and people-watching. 🦞 For lunch, try a lobster roll at The Bicycle Thief for authentic Atlantic Canadian flavors. 🌳 Walk through Point Pleasant Park . It's a serene spot for nature lovers with trails and ocean views. 🎨 Spend the afternoon at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia to appreciate local and international art. 🍽️ Finish with dinner at The Five Fishermen . Known for superb seafood, it's a must-visit. Visit Pilot online to generate and map your itinerary in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- 🌧️ Explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 for stories of arrival and resilience. - 🎨 Wander through the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia to see impressive works by local artists. - 🍺 Enjoy a cozy afternoon at a local craft brewery or cider house with a warm drink in hand. - 📚 Head to Woozles, Canada’s oldest children’s bookstore, whether for kids or the young at heart. - 🎭 Catch a live performance at Neptune Theatre; they always have engaging shows. - 🎶 Visit The Tare Shop, a zero-waste café that often hosts intimate live music sessions. - 🛍️ Check out the shops and eateries in the Historic Properties shopping area, under covered promenades. - 🚶♂️ Walk the Halifax waterfront with a raincoat; fewer crowds can make for a peaceful experience.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Best time to visit: June to September - Warmest months: July and August - Summer temperatures: 15–25°C (59–77°F) - Avoid: December to February - Coldest months: January and February - Winter temperatures: -10 to 0°C (14–32°F) - Maritime climate - Biome: Temperate forest - Weather: Cool summers, sharp winters
How to find events during your stay
- Check out The Coast Halifax (thecoast.ca/halifax) for updates and details on upcoming local events and festivals. - Visit Destination Halifax's website (discoverhalifaxns.com) for a comprehensive calendar of festivals, concerts, and public events. - Follow @HalifaxParties on Twitter for real-time updates on events and local happenings. - Read Halifax Examiner (halifaxexaminer.ca) for insight into cultural happenings and bi-weekly briefings about new events. - Use Downtown Halifax's event page (downtownhalifax.ca) to find activities, seasonal festivals, and markets. - Browse the Facebook page Halifax Noise (@HalifaxNOISE) for announcements on cultural and community events. - Canada's Atlantic Magazine (atlantic.ctvnews.ca) offers event guides and news about happenings in the Halifax area. - Subscribe to The Chronicle Herald (saltwire.com) for a weekly list of activities, festivals, and local celebrations.
Before your trip, read the history
Halifax, founded in 1749 by Edward Cornwallis, is a city steeped in history. Originally inhabited by the Mi'kmaq people, it was a strategic military and trading post. The city played a crucial role during colonial times, shaped by its natural harbor, one of the world's largest. It's known for the Halifax Explosion of 1917, a massive explosion that had wide-reaching impacts. The city has maintained its significance over the years, serving as a hub during the World Wars. Halifax's historical essence is visible in sites like Citadel Hill and the Maritime Museum.Culturally diverse, Halifax is a vibrant blend of influences where history and modernity coexist. It has generally leaned more liberal politically, but its political landscape is diverse. Key figures include Joseph Howe, a famous journalist and politician who fought for freedom of the press in the 19th century. The charm of Halifax is in its enduring connection to its past, something travelers sense when exploring its waterfront or walking through its historic neighborhoods. This city offers an authentic glimpse into Canada's past and present.
