Your guide to Halifax

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      Travellers and cabin class, 1 Adult, Economy
      Cool sea air mingles with maritime history, urban buzz and laid-back charm in Nova Scotia’s capital. Despite being best known for its historic harbour, Halifax has also gained a reputation for exceptional food, craft beer and live music. The best visits here start at the waterfront, where you’ll find ocean views, dockside shops and outstanding seafood restaurants. Our guide to Halifax covers it all.

      Halifax: Know before you go

      LanguageEnglish, French
      CurrencyCanadian dollar ($)
      Time zoneUTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
      High seasonJuly - August
      Low seasonJanuary - February

      The best neighbourhoods in Halifax

      Downtown Halifax

      If you’re wondering where to stay in Halifax, the Downtown area around the main harbour is a winner. Check out the boardwalk’s maritime museums and head to the Entertainment District for seafood, music and drinks on Argyle Street. This is also the best launching point to nearby fishing towns like Peggy’s Cove, home to the most photographed lighthouse in Canada.

      Good for: Museums, live music, restaurants

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      Dartmouth

      For an outdoorsy stay, take the short ferry ride to Dartmouth. Known as the City of Lakes, this area is great for swimming, sailing and hiking. The restaurant and brewery scene is thriving. Grab a cold beer and lobster roll or savour acclaimed Nova Scotian cuisine. Make sure to check out the waterfront farmers market on Saturdays.

      Good for: Lakes, hiking trails, restaurants

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      Bedford

      The suburban community of Bedford is the best area to stay in Halifax for families and a taste of local life. Green parks, walking trails along the Bedford Basin and waterfront restaurants make days easy to fill. Once you’re ready to head downtown, Halifax’s top sights are within easy reach by bus or car.

      Good for: Families, parks, walking trails

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      Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: Dean Casavechia

      FAQs about visiting Halifax

      The number of days you need in Halifax will depend on your plans. You could easily spend a week here, or even longer if you want to see more of Nova Scotia’s dramatic coastline. But short breaks are ideal if you want to get a sense of the city in three or four days.
      Halifax is safe. While you should always use common sense and be aware of your surroundings, there’s very little crime in the city.
      While on your city break in Halifax, you'll hear the locals mostly speaking in English or French.
      While on your stay in Halifax, you'll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD) for your expenses. It may be helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any hassles with payments.
      February brings the coolest weather. Take your Halifax trip then and you can expect lows of -11ºC (12ºF).
      With an average rainfall of 180 millimetres, December is the wettest month to visit Halifax. When the weather shifts, venture indoors and enjoy the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centres and more.
      The warmest month in Halifax is August, with maximum temperatures of 23ºC (73ºF).
      Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada and Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 just scratch the surface of what this city has to offer. Explore the list of things to do in Halifax and discover why it's the ideal getaway.
      Your city break in Halifax can vary in price based on anything from your chosen hotel to trip length. To land a great deal on Halifax flights and hotels, stay flexible with your plans and look out for early bird offers and promotions.
      For warm weather, autumn foliage and oceanside events, the best time to visit is from May to October. Spring is best for budget trips. While you might need a raincoat, there are fewer tourists. Winter can be icy. But if you’re good on the slopes, you’ll benefit from access to surrounding ski resorts, plus lower-priced flights and hotels in Halifax.