Welcome to Halifax
Here you will find all of the necessary information to make the best of your time in Halifax. From arrival and departure information, daily tour pick up times, and general information about the city.
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About Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is a friendly Atlantic Ocean port city in eastern Canada and the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. The city is a major business centre on Canada’s east coast, proudly known for its maritime history. The city is dominated by the hilltop Halifax Citadel, a star-shaped fort completed in the 1850s as well as the Halifax waterfront boardwalk that follows the water’s edge alongside the world’s second-largest ice-free harbour.
Population – 420,000
Arrival Information:
When arriving at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, please make your way to the arrivals exit. Immediately outside the exit door is a taxi stand. As of 2021, airport to downtown Halifax hotel fares will range between CAD $60 to $70 per taxi, depending on the time of service and traffic conditions. Taxis accept all major credit cards, CAD and USD.
If we have arranged your private hotel transfer, you will find your driver holding a sign with your name right at the passenger exit.
Uber is also available in Halifax, depending on the type of service/vehicle the trip from the airport to your hotel in downtown Halifax will cost between CAD $55 – 70. The designated Uber pick-up location is located on Silver Dart Drive (the lower road), slightly south of the Metro Transit bus stop.
Halifax Transit operates its Metro X service from downtown to Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The #320 bus operates every 30 minutes during peak morning (6 am to 9 am) and afternoon (3 pm to 6 pm) times. The regular schedule departs every 60 minutes. Fares are $4.25 for adults/students and $3.00 for children/seniors. Exact fare is required. For more info visit Halifax Transit
If you are a visitor to Canada and you are not a citizen of the USA, you may be required to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This document can be purchased for CAD $7.00 and most applications are approved within minutes of applying. Please visit the following government site for information and to purchase this eTA: Electronic Travel Authorization.
If you are arriving in Halifax by VIA Rail train, the train station is located a short taxi ride away from all downtown hotels. If you are staying at The Westin Nova Scotian, the hotel is connected to the station. If there are no taxis waiting outside of the station, call Casino Taxi at: 902 429 6666.
Departure Information:
When departing from Halifax, your hotel front desk staff will be happy to request a taxi. As of 2021, downtown Halifax hotel to Halifax Stanfield International Airport fares will range between CAD $55-65 per taxi and take approximately 30 minutes depending on the time of service and traffic conditions. Taxis accept all major credit cards, CAD and USD.
If we have arranged your airport private transfer, you will find your driver waiting for you at the hotel front entrance at the scheduled time.
If you are departing Halifax by VIA Rail train, the train station is located a short taxi ride away from all downtown hotels and your hotel front desk staff will be happy to request a taxi. If you are staying at the Westin Nova Scotian, the hotel is connected to the station.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Halifax has the most bars per capita in Canada, so there is no shortage of food or drink in this city! Some restaurants and bars that we’ve enjoyed are found below:
The Five Fishermen: A swanky bar and eatery in a historic building that focuses on locally sourced seafood. Smart casual attire.
Address: 1740 Argyle Street
The Lower Deck: Great pub-style food including beer battered fish & chips, fried pepperoni and delicious house made burgers. Known locally for ice-cold beer and maritime hospitality. Casual attire.
Address: 1887 Upper Water Street
McKelvie’s Restaurant: Operating in an old fire station from 1906, this is a great spot for oysters, lobster and steak. Casual attire.
Address: 1680 Lower Water Street
Harbour City Bar and Grill: Seasonal fare with the largest selection of local craft beers in downtown Halifax. Casual attire.
Address: 1990 Barrington Street (inside the Hotel Halifax)
Harbourstone Sea Grill & Pour House: Contemporary décor and globally inspired, locally sourced seafood dishes. Casual attire.
Address: 1919 Upper Water Street (inside the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel)
Henry House: British-style watering hole operating in a provincially designated heritage building. Local and imported beers, and classic pub grub. Casual attire.
Address: 1222 Barrington Street
Sightseeing Recommendations:
Peggy’s Cove has been an artist and explorer’s paradise for well over 150 years. This picture-postcard village, located on the rugged Atlantic shoreline, stands on solid rock above the crashing surf, and its lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Enjoy some free time to exploring the rocks, the trails, the village and the gift shops.
Located in the heart of Halifax’s historic waterfront, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage than the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. From small craft boatbuilding to World War Convoys, the Days of Sail to the Age of Steam, the Titanic to the Halifax Explosion, you’ll discover the stories, events and people that have come to define Nova Scotia and its relationship with the sea.
It’s clear why this strategic hilltop location with a commanding view of the Halifax harbour was chosen in 1749 for the fort destined to protect the city. The Halifax Citadel’s star-shaped architecture is equally as impressive from the inside and out. Step back in time with the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery to learn what it was like for the soldiers and their families to live and work in this historic fort.
A “jewel in the crown” of Halifax, Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery first opened its doors almost 200 years ago. Today, the same brewery serves as a popular destination for visitors and beer fans alike.
The story of Historic Properties began in the 1800s at the heart of downtown Halifax as one of the oldest and most recognizable landmarks in the city. It is a must-see waterfront destination for visitors and a popular resting ground for locals. The spirit of Halifax is present within the site and modern restaurants, boutiques, and services offer unique local goods that can’t be found elsewhere in the city.
