Scotiabank Gold American Express® CardScotiabank Gold American Express® CardEarn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points + no annual fee in your first year

Canada: Halifax short-stay travel guide

Canada: Halifax short-stay travel guide
Share

Halifax, a popular Canadian destination in recent years, is located on the south coast of Nova Scotia. Nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, this destination harmoniously combines history, culture, gastronomy and the great outdoors. Bonus: incomparable maritime charm!

The Halifax region is served by Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Halifax Harbour.

In this guide, you’ll discover my top 5 experiences and activities for a weekend or extended stay.

Plus, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice, my top tips for places to eat at and stay at are sure to help you plan your getaway. Last but not least, a few tips on how to use rewards points round off the package.

Halifax – Things to do

Discover the amazing military history of this Nova Scotian city

Overlooking the city center, this 19th-century fortress offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

Of course, it’s a steep climb, but it’s well worth it! Don’t miss the daily cannon-firing ceremony at midday, stroll through the inner courtyard and walk on (and in!) the ramparts. This inexpensive tour is an excellent and surprising introduction to Halifax’s history.

Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax is Canada’s east coast naval base for the Atlantic Ocean.

Take the pulse of the coastline by strolling along the promenade

One of Halifax’s must-see charms is its famous Waterfront Boardwalk. This 4-kilometre-long trail offers walkers a variety of views of the city’s harbour and Georges Island.

Its main attraction is undoubtedly its lively street artists, as well as its many boutiques and terraces. Note that several facilities, such as hammocks and Adirondack chairs, are arranged along the course, inviting visitors to relax.

Finally, you can also have fun spotting three iconic works along the promenade: the Drunken Lampposts, twisted lampposts that refer to the city’s nightlife; the Wave, which amuses young and old alike; and The Emigrant, which celebrates the arrival of new « Canadians » in Nova Scotia.

Canada: Halifax short-stay travel guide - Waterfront Halifax Jonathan Riverin 3
Canada: Halifax short-stay travel guide - Waterfront Halifax Jonathan Riverin 2

Enjoy the fresh air

Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer or autumn, Halifax offers plenty of opportunities for strolling in and around its heart!

Point Pleasant Park, accessible on foot or by bike, allows you to stroll along the seafront, the beach and forest trails.

As for the Halifax Public Garden are magnificently well-maintained and provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The sublime landscaping features a wide variety of flowers, the central pond is teeming with ducks, and the atmosphere is perfect for picnics!

Discover the city’s magnificent sights on this guided Segway tour of Halifax , and indulge in a Halifax sunset cruise aboard the tall ship Silva.

Discover the life and works of artist Maudie

Nova Scotia’s leading centre for art and culture, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia houses an impressive collection of permanent works and temporary exhibitions.

As for me, a visit to Halifax is incomplete without appreciating the special collection of works by Maud Lewis, or Maudie. Her colorful, childlike works made this Canadian artist, who suffered from an illness at an early age, famous for her paintings of the living conditions of Nova Scotians in the last century. A true icon, her house is even on display in the museum! A fascinating visit!

Walking along the rocks at Peggy’s Cove

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a lover of ocean walks, this is the place for you! Despite the flood of tourists who arrive at Peggy’s Cove every day, the area is vast enough to make the most of this enchanting place.

To what does the place owe its renown? The picturesque character of its iconic lighthouse on a rocky promontory facing the ocean. The view is breathtaking! Take a stroll further afield to see the colorful cottages and fishermen’s huts, and enjoy a delicious lobster roll at the Foggy Rock Cafe.

Experience a visit to Peggy’s Cove in a small group with transfers , or combine a night tour of Halifax and Peggy’s Cove, also in a small group.

So, guided by my interests and passions, these five experiences are just a tiny fraction of what Halifax has to offer. Here are some other suggestions:

Halifax – Restaurant suggestions

The best places to eat and drink include :

The Bicycle Thief (Waterfront): lovers of seafood and Italian cuisine, this is the place for you! With fresh ingredients, a well-stocked wine list, impeccable service and a magnificent view of the harbor, this restaurant has everything you need for an excellent evening.

Drift (Waterfront): an upscale restaurant showcasing the flavors of Nova Scotia’s terroir, Drift has it all. Recently opened, the chef is already proving his worth on the Canadian and North American culinary scene.

Canada: Halifax short-stay travel guide - Hôtels et Restos Halifax Jonathan Riverin 16
Canada: Halifax short-stay travel guide - Hôtels et Restos Halifax Jonathan Riverin 15

Lot Six (Downtown): refined cuisine in the heart of downtown. Lot Six focuses on dishes prepared with local, seasonal ingredients: a real treat! What’s more, the cocktails are particularly delicious.

Cows (Waterfront): if you’re making a brief stop on your stroll along the waterfront promenade, stop at Cows for a great ice cream cone!

Since I love espresso in the late afternoon, here are a few good places to go: Uncommon Grounds (in the heart of a charming residential neighborhood), Grounded Coffee Bar (on the waterfront), Ampersand Cafe (on the terrace of the Public Library).

Canada: Halifax short-stay travel guide - Hôtels et Restos Halifax Jonathan Riverin 18
Canada: Halifax short-stay travel guide - Hôtels et Restos Halifax Jonathan Riverin 17

Halifax – Saving with points

On its hosting

Delta Hotels Darmouth: if you have a car, the option of sleeping in Darmouth could save you some money. On the opposite side of the river from Halifax, this up-and-coming borough can be a good option for discovering more of Halifax, off the beaten track.

Muir, Autograph Collection : a luxury hotel in the heart of the action, yet offering unrivalled tranquillity and hospitality. From the service, to the quality of the furnishings, to the restaurant, which never ceases to set itself apart. This establishment is a must! In fact, I wrote a full review of the Muir Hotel following my stay.

Westin Nova Scotian: located at the western end of the boardwalk, this hotel is set back from the city center, yet within easy reach both on foot and by car. Honestly, the rooms could use a little love, but several rooms offer beautiful views of George Island and the service is fine.

If you hold a free night certificate, which can be obtained with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card and the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card, this is a great option.

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$120Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now
Annual fee$150Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

As an enthusiast and long-time Marriott member, I couldn’t recommend staying at one of Halifax’s many hotels, such as the Marriott Halifax Harbourfront or the Four Points by Sheraton Halifax.

If you are not going to a Marriott Bonvoy establishment, we also offer other strategies to reduce your bill:

With Aeroplan

The easiest way to reach Halifax from Montreal is to fly direct with Air Canada or Porter.

As the flight takes around 2 hours, a direct flight is the best option! In fact, with the Aeroplan program (which I recommend), you’ll need 10,000 points in economy class for a one-way trip, according to Air Canada’s points predictor.

Some credit cards like the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card offer a generous welcome offer, ideal for getting free airfare with points.

About restaurants

There are some great restaurants in Halifax, and you’d be wrong to miss out! Don’t forget to use your National Bank World Elite Mastercard® or American Express Cobalt® Card to earn 5 points per dollar.

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$191.88Welcome offer
Up to 15,000 points
Apply Now
Annual fee$150 $0Welcome offer
No welcome offerEnds Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now

Halifax – Conclusion

Nova Scotia’s capital is a great destination for a long weekend, whether you’re a couple, solo, with friends or family! From the citadel to the lively waterfront, and including excellent places to eat and stay, Halifax is sure to win you over!

Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,139
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Apply Now

on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening.
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Nova Scotia?

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast. This part of the country is also known as the Maritime Provinces. The Halifax region is served by Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Halifax Harbour.

In which province is Halifax located?

Halifax is located in Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s eastern Maritime provinces, on the Atlantic coast. There are three provinces in the Maritimes: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

What is the population of Halifax?

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) continues to grow in population, with annual growth of 4% by 2023. More than 492,000 people live in Halifax, according to Statistics Canada.

What are the names of Halifax’s inhabitants?

People who live in Halifax are called Haligonians.

How to visit Halifax

You can discover Halifax by walking along the waterfront, by bus, boat or open-top amphibious vehicle.

When is the best time to visit Halifax?

The heart of the city is easily discovered on foot. Summer is a great time to explore Halifax.

What to do in Halifax

Halifax’s nearly four-kilometre waterfront is one of the most visited destinations in all of Nova Scotia. You can visit the museum, the farmer’s market, go shopping and explore Dartmouth.

How do I get to Dartmouth?

To get to Dartmouth, you’ll need to take a ferry from Halifax harbor. The crossing takes about 15 minutes.

When to explore Halifax and the surrounding area

Summer is a great time to discover Halifax. You might even want to visit during the Halifax International Busker Festival, Canada’s largest outdoor festival.

Nova Scotia’s climate is moderate: it rarely gets very hot or very cold, according to the Tourism Nova Scotia website.

What are the summer temperatures like in Nova Scotia?

In summer, temperatures vary between 20 and 25°C, but can reach 30 to 32°C with humidity.

What language is spoken in Halifax?

Although French is one of Canada’s two official languages, English is the most commonly spoken in Halifax.

Why choose Université Sainte-Anne?

In Nova Scotia, Université Sainte-Anne is the only French-language post-secondary institution.

Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.