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 maximize 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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Clayton Park West

Though Clayton Park West may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Canada Games Centre and Halifax Mainland Common Park.

Clayton Park West
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 Rp2.978.522 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp2.978.522
Rp3.497.381 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! (4,321 reviews)
"I will be back"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Barrington Hotel
Cambridge Suites Hotel

Cambridge Suites Hotel

3 out of 5
1583 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS
The price is Rp3.725.821 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
Rp3.725.821
Rp4.374.860 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (2,035 reviews)
"Great Breakfast!"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Cambridge Suites Hotel
The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites

4.5 out of 5
1515 South Park Street, Halifax, NS
The price is Rp2.761.640 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
Rp2.761.640
Rp3.242.603 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,602 reviews)
"The Lord Nelson is located in front of the Halifax Public Gardens. Very beautiful to walk through. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk to the Halifax waterfront. The Hotel is very historical being over 100 years old. The public spaces and the restaurant were updated. Staff and housekeeping were excellent. ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
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! (365 reviews)
"The only thing I did not like about this property was the noise in the evening due to the clubs near by. The room would shake from the bass of the music."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 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! (30 reviews)
"Out of this world! Perfect stay, definitely will come back!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 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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