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People walking on one of the wide, accessible trails within Point Pleasant Park near downtown Halifax in Nova Scotia

Halifax Metro

Discover Halifax Metro

Nova Scotia’s city by the sea

Walk along the Halifax waterfront boardwalk that follows the water’s edge alongside the world’s second largest ice-free harbour. Stretching from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 – the gateway into Canada for over one million immigrants – to Casino Nova Scotia, you’ll pass unique shops, restaurants, and a bustling working harbour.

Hop aboard the ferry, North America’s longest running saltwater ferry, in fact, and cross the harbour to the Dartmouth side which is filled with more locally-owned shops, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and pubs.

A visit to Halifax is exceptional all year round, but tourism season is at it’s peak between April and November.

Explore Cities & Towns in Halifax Metro

Explore communities by clicking the points on the map.

  • Dartmouth

    Dartmouth

    Located across the harbour from Halifax, Dartmouth boasts an emerging culinary scene with top-notch restaurants and eclectic shops throughout the downtown core.

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  • Halifax

    Halifax

    Nova Scotia’s capital city is a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment with top restaurants, live music, theatre, museums, national historic sites, and more.

    Learn More

Top Experiences in Halifax Metro

Discover Halifax's top 10 reasons to visit Halifax in 2025

  • Large scale events including comedy, music and sports
  • Discover incredible food & drink throughout Halifax, check out the Queen’s Marque district, take yourself on a progressive foodie crawl, and discover our delicious cider scene
  • Leave downtown and relax in a dome, boutique motel, B&B and more!
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Lady looks at pretty dress while shopping in Downtown Halifax

Popular Shopping Spots in Halifax

The Halifax Metro area features a diverse shopping experience with a mix of unique local boutiques and popular retail stores and malls. Be sure to visit Dartmouth Crossing, the newest addition to the area, which combines outlet shopping with restaurants, hotels, and attractions like Activate and Playdium.

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Heli-Picnic Island Escape

Highlights

  • 2-hour helicopter tour of Halifax’s must-see sights and coastline
  • Exclusive access to Sambro Island
  • Sommelier-led tasting of Nova Scotia wines and local charcuterie of smoked salmon, cheeses and chocolate
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Halifax's Don't Miss Events

  • Attend leading cultural events such as the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and TD Halifax Jazz Festival
  • Celebrate throughout the city at events taking place during Halifax Pride Festival
  • Explore events in downtown Halifax during Halifax Busker Festival and Nocturne: Art at Night
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Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Highlights

  • Become a soldier for a day and experience the life of a 19th century soldier in this three-hour experience
  • Explore the history of the fortress, walk within its walls and touch a piece of Halifax’s military history
  • Each day, the Citadel comes to life with the 78th Highlanders and Royal Artillery re-enactment interpreters
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Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Highlights

  • Experience what it was like for the nearly 1 million immigrants who passed through Pier 21
  • Explore 400 years of immigration history through interactive exhibits in the Canadian Immigration Hall
  • Only one of two national museums located outside of the Ottawa-Gatineau region
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Neptune Theatre
Three perfomers sing with microphones at Neptune Theatre in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Live Theatre

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia, and it is also the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada. Halifax also has one of the world’s largest and deepest ice-free natural harbours in the world and has a deep rooted military history.

Free Wifi is available on the Halifax waterfront, Dartmouth waterfront and in Grand Parade Square. You can find more info here.

There is also free Wifi available at the Halifax International Airport, most coffee shops and libraries, and most hotels offer Wifi access to guests staying with them.

On the morning of December 6, 1917, the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Halifax harbour causing a massive explosion, a tidal wave, and fires. Some 2,000 people died and thousands more were injured. Destruction was widespread and unprecedented which caused tremendous local, national, and international outpouring of aid and support.

To this day, Nova Scotia continues to donate a Christmas tree to the city of Boston as a thank you for helping during the Halifax Explosion. This explosion was the largest man-made explosion to occur before the dropping of the atomic bomb during the second World War.

The legendary Halifax donair consists of thin slices of spiced beef laid on a warm Lebanese pita, topped with diced onion and tomato, and finally, drizzled with a sweet garlicky sauce. The city of Halifax has declared the donair as their official food, making it a must-try meal when visiting the city!

Yes, at just over 4 km / 2.5 miles in length, the Halifax Waterfront features one of the world’s longest continuous boardwalks. Spend a day exploring the Halifax waterfront boardwalk where you’ll find numerous restaurants, including eateries in the outdoor Salt Yard food court next to The BG and the Salt Yard Social beer gardens; many shops and boutiques; museums and galleries; bike, kayak, Sea-Doo/Jet Ski rentals and guided bike, segway, and boat tours; the Halifax Transit Ferry terminal, Casino Nova Scotia and the weekend Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market.

Halifax has many great museums and art galleries, restaurants and cafés, and plenty of shopping. If you are travelling with children, be sure to visit the Discovery Centre, the Museum of Natural History, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Halifax Central Library in downtown Halifax. There are also Cineplex movie theatres across the city (and province) and other fun spots such as Playdium, ACTIVATE Halifax,

If you want to embrace the maritime weather and head outside, be sure to pack accordingly with layers including a rain jacket, a travel-friendly umbrella, and suitable footwear.

You have three options to get to/from downtown Halifax from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport:

  • Taking a taxi, booking a limo or a shuttle are often your quickest solution. Many taxi and limo companies offer a flat rate to downtown Halifax (or elsewhere within Halifax and Dartmouth) which can range from $55-75.
  • Booking a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft can also be a quick option. These rideshare options  leave from the opposite end of the terminal, across from the Domestic/International check-in area on the lower level.
  • Lastly, ride MetroX #320 Regional Express which has one stop in downtown Dartmouth, and one in Halifax. You can purchase a ticket at Ground Transportation, located in the Arrivals area, download the HFXGO app, or pay with exact change on the bus. The ride takes just under an hour. Be sure to view the MetroX baggage policy before purchasing a ticket.
  • BONUS: If you are staying at a hotel property in Halifax or Dartmouth, they may offer a shuttle service that you can arrange to meet at the airport. Check with your hotel directly for more information.

If you’d like to eat in the airport, there is the Fine Company Gastropub (located before security) that offers various seafood options. If you’re departing, you’ll find Firkin & Flyer on the departure domestic/international level (after security).

If you’d like to take some seafood home with you, visit the Clearwater Seafoods store on the main level of the terminal where they can pack it to travel.

Featured Packages in Halifax Metro

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Food & Drink • Hands-on Learning

Flavours of Place

$65.00/Per Person

Enjoy a guided tasting of six handcrafted chocolates with your choice of beverage for a delicious journey through Nova Scotia's sweetest flavours.

  • Rousseau Chocolatier
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date January 2, 2026 – December 19, 2026
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Deals • History & Heritage • Overnight Stay

Many Museums Package

$249/Starting Price • Per Couple

Stay in a unique & modern studio suite at Brewery Park Hotel. Visit three of Halifax's most loved museums and discover more while spending less!

  • Brewery Park Hotel
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date November 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026
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Arts & Culture • Overnight Stay

Halifax Theatre Stay: The Sutton Place Hotel

$339/Starting Price • Per Couple

Enjoy live theatre and cozy downtown accommodations with tickets to a Neptune Theatre performance and one-night at The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax.

  • The Sutton Place Hotel
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date September 23, 2025 – May 24, 2026
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A woman in a black and white sweater and a woman in a pink sweater sitting on stools, in front of a window, making a custom perfume. Food & Drink • Hands-on Learning • Shopping

The 7 Virtues: Alchemy & Apéritifs

$150/Per Person

Create & personalize your perfect perfume at The 7 Virtues Atelier, guided by an Alchemist. Then, enjoy an NS inspired margarita flight at Bar Sofia!

  • The 7 Virtues Perfume Atelier
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date September 15, 2025 – March 6, 2026
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Family • Food & Drink • Overnight Stay

Halifax Family Discovery Getaway

$349 – $399/Per Family*

Make memories on a downtown Halifax family getaway with local flavours, hands-on learning, and time to relax, all in one easy overnight.

  • Four Points by Sheraton Halifax
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date October 1, 2025 – March 8, 2026
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Three women with glasses of wine, applying product to their faces, looking a mirror Hands-on Learning • Relaxation • Shopping

Sip, Scent & Self Care

$170/Per Person

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind Halifax beauty experience. Enjoy a guided DIY facial, sip NS wine & craft your own unique perfume at The 7 Virtues.

  • The Wine Spa
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date September 15, 2025 – March 6, 2026
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Tea and breakfast menu items on a table Food & Drink • Relaxation • Shopping

Breakfast & Bliss

$130/Per Person

Savour a decadent breakfast at Crème & be pampered at The Wine Spa with a relaxing gel pedicure, while sipping a sommelier selected Nova Scotia wine!

  • The Wine Spa
  • Date An icon to show the date June 1, 2025 – June 1, 2026
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History & Heritage • Outdoor Adventure

Sable Island Fall & Winter Tours: Picture Perfect Tours

$3,390/Per Person

Experience Sable Island’s captivating winter beauty & spectacular wildlife on a 1-day island hiking adventure with a professional photographer-guide.

  • Picture Perfect Tours
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date October 2, 2025 – February 1, 2026
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Two women and one man look at an exhibit map of the Halifax peninsula at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Hands-on Learning • History & Heritage

Collision Course: Halifax Explosion

$169 – $675

Uncover the story of the Halifax Explosion on an immersive, half-day guided journey through Halifax and along the Harbour's edge.

  • Picture Perfect Tours
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026
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Arts & Culture • History & Heritage

Halifax Heritage Tour

$85.50/Per Person

Explore key African Nova Scotian heritage sites in Halifax on a 2-hour guided tour with Ayomikun Bus Charters.

  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date June 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
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Flying over Sable Island with Kattuk Expeditions Outdoor Adventure

Winter on Sable Island with Kattuk Expeditions

$3,800/Starting Price • Per Person

An opportunity to visit Sable Island National Park in a single day. With it's stunning, ever changing sand dunes, and hundreds of wild horses

  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date January 23, 2026 – February 9, 2026
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Food & Drink • Overnight Stay

Flavours of the East Coast

$342/Starting Price • Per Couple

Experience luxury, gourmet flavours, and sweeping city views with an unforgettable stay at The Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Halifax.

  • The Sutton Place Hotel
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date April 3, 2025 – March 6, 2026
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Food & Drink • Overnight Stay

Stay & Dine at Sutton Halifax

$221/Starting Price • Per Couple

Escape to the heart of downtown Halifax for a relaxing 1-night stay at Sutton Place Halifax & indulge in delicious dining with $50 to Chop Steakhouse

  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date April 3, 2025 – December 30, 2025
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A view of two horses walking across the sand with Sable Ocean Adventures on Sable Island History & Heritage • Outdoor Adventure • Overnight Stay

Sail to Sable Island

$5,750/Per Person

Embark on an unforgettable five-day sailing voyage from Halifax to Sable Island National Park Reserve. Enjoy wildlife, local history and pristine…

  • Sable Ocean Adventures
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date June 30, 2026 – August 15, 2026
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A family of four take part in the Amos Experience with one of the talented Artisans at Amos Pewter Arts & Culture • Hands-on Learning

Amos Pewter’s Hands-on Experience: Halifax

$15/Starting Price • Per Person

Join us for a captivating experience. Be introduced to one of our talented Artisans who will show you the art of crafting our pewter designs.

  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date January 2, 2025 – December 23, 2025
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Three people inside the lobby area of Neptune Theatre in Downtown Halifax. It is brightly lit with lots of chandeliers. Arts & Culture • Overnight Stay • Romance

Halifax Theatre Getaway: The Haliburton Hotel

$339/Starting Price • Per Couple

Enjoy live theatre & cozy downtown accommodations with tickets to a Neptune Theatre performance & 1-night at Haliburton Hotel.

  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date September 22, 2025 – May 25, 2026
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Three people walk downtown in front of a large glass building. They are wearing nice winter coats. Arts & Culture • Food & Drink • Romance

Downtown Dinner & Theatre

$189.00 – $444.50/Per Couple

Create your perfect night out in downtown Halifax with a delicious dinner for two & tickets to Neptune Theatre, NS’ premier live theatre destination!

  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date September 22, 2025 – May 25, 2026
Read More
Two people sit in a room with multi coloured walls (pink, blue and flowers). The two people are using droppers to take tiny amounts of liquid from a bottle. Arts & Culture • Shopping

Make your own 7 Virtues Perfume

$127

Craft your very own bespoke and sustainable perfume guided by the Alchemists at The 7 Virtues Atelier on the Halifax waterfront. Treat y…

  • The 7 Virtues Perfume Atelier
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
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Two people cheers glasses of wine over a large wooden table. They both have meals in front of them. Food & Drink • Romance • Shopping

Winter Wine Escape

$108 – $120/Per Person

Enjoy guided tours + tastings at award-winning Grand Pré Winery, Benjamin Bridge and Lightfoot & Wolfville, with a delicious vineyard lunch included.

  • Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date January 17, 2026 – March 29, 2026
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Two people are dining together at a restaurant. One is lifting a glass to drink wine while the other is eating pasta. Food & Drink • Overnight Stay • Relaxation • Romance

North End Halifax Night Out

$299/Starting Price • Per Couple

Explore Halifax’s North End with a night at Brewery Park Hotel, $100 at Agricola Street Brasserie & craft beer flights for two at Stillwell Freehouse!

  • Brewery Park Hotel
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date September 15, 2025 – April 30, 2026
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Aerial of a helicopter flying over a small island with a lighthouse. Food & Drink • History & Heritage • Outdoor Adventure • Romance

Heli-Picnic Island Escape

$675 – $775

Take a helicopter tour over the city of Halifax and Nova Scotia's coastline to Sambro Island for an exclusive picnic and island exploration.

  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date January 2, 2025 – December 22, 2025
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A table setting with people enjoying lunch and a wine flight. Food & Drink • Romance • Shopping

Wine & Lunch Escape

$115 – $185/Per Person

Day trip to the beautiful Annapolis Valley & sip your way through 3 unique wineries in NS wine country. Delicious lunch & transportation included!

  • Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours
  • Location An icon to show the location Halifax
  • Date An icon to show the date September 1, 2025 – December 14, 2025
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Halifax Citadel National Historic Site from the air

Download Regional PDF

Halifax is the historical and cultural capital of Atlantic Canada. K’jipuk’tuk meaning Great Harbour was the name given to the area by the Mi’kmaq.

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Trip Ideas in Halifax Metro

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8 Ways to Tour Halifax

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