Halifax Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Crystal Crescent Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach
Halifax showing an administrative building and heritage architecture
Fisherman\'s Cove featuring 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 harbor side of downtown across two miles (three kilometers). Public artworks, historical monuments and harbor views guide the way.

Catch a ferry to see the harbor 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 Harbor. Dine on fresh Atlantic seafood at one of the many restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.

Within ten minutes walking distance from the harbor, you can find yourself in the center 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 neighborhood.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located 22 miles (35 kilometers) 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 an administrative building and heritage architecture

Downtown Halifax

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Downtown Halifax is beloved for its captivating waterfront views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like OneLight Theatre and Neptune Theatre.

Downtown Halifax
Halifax Public Gardens which includes a garden and a pond

South End

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 which includes a memorial and a cemetery

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 NZ$346 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$346
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,274 reviews)
"Slow Check in"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

The Barrington Hotel
Cambridge Suites Hotel

Cambridge Suites Hotel

3 out of 5
1583 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS
The price is NZ$417 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$417
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,006 reviews)
"Quite pricey for an older hotel especially adding parking fee. Probably would not stay here again. Stayed at the Hampton for the last few days of our holiday."

Reviewed on 23 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 NZ$378 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$378
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,565 reviews)
"Large room. Good location"

Reviewed on 23 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 WiFi, laundry facilities, and Netflix. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (358 reviews)
"I LOVE this property and love it even more when cheap stays come up! Location, accessibility, parking, and comfort - not to mention the rooms/suites are modern and updated. I love having a full fridge and stove available- it's just like a home away from home. My fav hotel in Halifax hands down- and ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Cameo Hotel and Suites
Seacliff- Luxury Halifax Waterfront Paradise -Pool, Hot Tub, Wharf & Boathouse

Seacliff- Luxury Halifax Waterfront Paradise -Pool, Hot Tub, Wharf & Boathouse

Halifax
Stay at this vacation home in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Scotiabank Centre are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Halifax
"Awesome house and location.Highly recommend this home to anyone visiting Halifax."

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2025

Seacliff- Luxury Halifax Waterfront Paradise -Pool, Hot Tub, Wharf & Boathouse
Amazing Unique Church for rent  - St. Cecilia by the Sea

Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea

Purcells Cove
Stay at this vacation home in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Halifax Citadel ...
10/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
"Quite unique, wonderful hosts whose communication was perfect. Well stocked place, clean and comfy with a great view."

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Amazing Unique Church for rent - St. Cecilia by the Sea
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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