Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Atlantic Canada. The city's origins and rich maritime history derive from a strategic location and one of the world's great natural harbours. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Halifax was the entry point for European immigration to Canada. Today, Halifax is a busy Atlantic seaport and the economic and cultural hub of Atlantic Canada.
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Halifax is the provincial and regional hub of Nova Scotia. It is, however, a small city by North American standards (2024 pop. 463,000). Rather than feeling relegated to 'second-fiddle' status, this dichotomy is celebrated by residents who take pride in their slower pace and warm hospitality. The area around Halifax has been inhabited by native Mi'kmaq for millennia. Modern Halifax was founded on June 21, 1749 as a British military outpost.
The Halifax Peninsula is quite dense and charming, owing to its 18th century street layout, however beyond the peninsula sprawl becomes more prominent. Public transit is limited and mostly impractical outside the peninsula. The downtown shopping and attractions will engage the average traveller for a day or two at most. Beyond this time frame, a car rental will significantly open up the surrounding area. Founded in 1749, long before the automobile, Halifax is a very walkable city. The blocks are relatively small and the streets are mostly quite narrow, excellent for taking a comfortable stroll around the city's various neighbourhoods.
1 Old Burying Ground, Barrington St and Spring Garden Rd. The graveyard was in use from 1749 to 1843 and there are moderately informative plaques and signs throughout. 2 St. Paul's Anglican Church (Historic St. Paul's on the Grand Parade), 1749 Argyle St (across the street from the Old Burial Grounds), ☏ +1 902-429-2240, office@stpaulshalifax.org. open to the public for self-directed visits from 9AM-4:30PM. St. Paul's is the oldest building in Halifax and the oldest existing Protestant place of worship in Canada. Founded by proclamation of King George II in 1749, the building was erected in the summer of 1750.
1 Waterfront. A beautiful 4.5 km boardwalk that runs from Pier 21 to Casino Nova Scotia is lined with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, art installations and other entertainment. The CSS Acadia, a former hydrographic surveying and oceanographic research ship, the World War II-era corvette HMCS Sackville, and a variety of other ships line the harbour. There are a multitude of boat tour options that launch from here during the summer months. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Harbour Hopper, 1549 Lower Water St (in lot on north side of Salter St at the waterfront), ☏ +1 902 916-0040. Guided tour of Halifax and harbour in an amphibious vehicle.
Many restaurants in Halifax specialize in seafood dishes. Seafood is generally not much cheaper in the Maritimes than elsewhere, with the exception of mussels, which are generally good quality, cheap, and found on many appetizer menus. Another seafood worth having is scallops, as they are generally higher quality than the ones you get in many parts of North America (good scallops are the size of a golf ball or larger, and do not taste fishy). "Sea pie" is often a good deal when available, as are hearty eats like fish and chips or seafood chowder.
There are a large number of good cafes, pubs, and other eateries all throughout downtown. Mostly clustered around the downtown, especially Argyle Street, and waterfront, but there are also excellent options across the harbour in Dartmouth and in the city's North End Liquor purchases for private consumption are regulated by the provincially owned liquor monopoly called the NSLC (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation). Stores can be found in stand-alone locations, malls, and grocery stores. Selection is often surprisingly large, but be prepared to pay: a 12-pack of beer can range from $17-20, and a pint of rum or vodka will set you back $12-14. All prices quoted include taxes and recycling deposits.
Halifax is a generally safe city, but you should be aware when walking around certain areas of the city at night. The North End, including the Gottingen Street area, is relatively safe by international standards but has something of a rough reputation locally. In most cases, common sense should suffice. Pedestrian crosswalks are highly respected by drivers in Halifax, and crossings can occur just about anywhere.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Halifax typically sees ~24°C daytime highs and 11 rainy days.
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