Where to Stay in Halifax – A Guide to the Great City of Nova Scotia
Halifax is the capital and most populous city of Nova Scotia. Located on the province’s central coast, Halifax is famous for being home to one of the largest natural harbours in the world and for being the most prominent commercial, financial, industrial and cultural hub on Canada’s Atlantic Coast. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Halifax.
The main cultural tourist attractions in the centre of Halifax include the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Halifax Public Gardens, Halifax Waterfront, Halifax City Hall, Discovery Centre, the Nova Scotia Sport Hall Of Fame, and the Halifax Cable Wharf. See accommodation in Downtown Halifax.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, also located in Downtown Halifax, displays an interesting collection of objects from the RMS Titanic. This port city was the closest to the place where the ship famously sank in 1912.
Point Pleasant Park, located at the Halifax Peninsula’s southern tip, is a popular spot for forest walks. It also offers incredible views across the harbour and out toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to its coastal location, Halifax has a humid continental climate. The city experiences four seasons, but the temperatures are moderated by the ocean and the Gulf Stream’s influence. Summers are generally warm; July average temperatures are usually between 15 and 23 ºC. Meanwhile, Halifax winters are relatively mild, especially when compared to other Canadian cities. January temperatures hover between -8 and 4 ºC. Rains are constant throughout the year regardless of the season. The best time to visit Halifax is from late spring to early fall (May through October). During these months, temperatures are warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.
To reach Halifax by air, the city is served by Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). Located 34 km north of downtown Halifax, this important airport, the 8th busiest in Canada, handles domestic connections to the main cities around the country and many international routes to places in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.
Halifax is also well-connected to other Canadian cities by train. VIA Rail’s Ocean service connects Halifax to Montréal with stops at Moncton, Mont-Joli, and Quebec City, among other places. Halifax Station is located in the city centre, near the waterfront. See train routes, schedules & fares.
Additionally, Halifax is also served by several long-distance bus routes connecting it to other destinations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and New England. See bus routes, schedules & fares.
To move around the city, Halifax has a very efficient public transportation system. Halifax Transit operates several urban and suburban bus routes connecting the central area to the outlying districts. Additionally, there’s a ferry service between downtown Halifax and Dartmouth. Halifax also offers taxis, mobile applications and rental car services.
The best area to stay in Halifax is the Downtown district and waterfront area. This lively district is home to the city’s most interesting cultural attractions, the best shopping centres, restaurants, nightlife venues and the widest selection of accommodation, ranging from small budget hotels to the most luxurious boutique properties. See accommodation in Downtown Halifax.
Other great districts worth checking out when choosing the best location in Halifax include the South End, the North End and the harbourside city of Dartmouth.
Keep on reading this post to find out more about our top picks of best areas to stay in Halifax, NS.
The Best Areas to Stay in Halifax, Canada
1. Recommended area: Downtown
Downtown Halifax is, as expectedm the tourist and commercial heart of the city.
Unlike other historic cities in Canada such as Quebec or Montreal, Halifax retains little of its historical past in the central area, which mainly displays modern steel-and-glass buildings.
However, some areas of the downtown district are not lacking in charm, with some brown-brick industrial and Victorian buildings turned into fashion retailers, boutiques, restaurants and bars.
One of the old areas preserved in Downtown Halifax is Granville Mall, an open-air commercial district filled with a large number of shops and pubs.
In Downtown, you’ll find the famous Citadel Hill, a star-shaped fort and viewpoint where you can get some of the best news over the city.
For those who love shopping, Spring Garden is the ideal place. Nine blocks of shops, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and craft beer.
Downtown in Halifax is also known to house the majority of accommodations in the city, from major hotel chains to comfortable hostels, Downtown is definitely the best area to stay in Halifax.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Halifax:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area to stay without a car
- Great variety of accommodation
- Good transport connections
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
The Halliburton
This restored boutique hotel with 3 historic homes is located in downtown Halifax, 2 blocks from the coast, and features a library.
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Budget
Granville Hall Residence
The Granville Hall Residence is located in downtown Halifax. It is a student residence that rents rooms to the public.
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Luxury
Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown
The Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown was built in May 2014 and is located in Halifax.
2. South End
The South End is a middle-class neighbourhood with a cheerful atmosphere, full of young students, thanks to the universities and institutes around the area.
In the South End area, there is a small Chinatown.
Other attractions in South End are the Discovery Centre, an interactive science museum ideal for families.
South End is a recommended area to stay for the views it offers, the port, the museums that tell the history of Halifax, as well as its comfortable and affordable hotels for any budget.
Like other areas of Halifax, the South End has several bus routes available to move to other areas, in addition to the ferries in the port.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Halifax:
- Important museums in Halifax
- Hotels with views of the port
- University area
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Saint Mary’s University Conference Services & Summer Accommodations
This Halifax property, located on the campus of Saint Mary’s University, offers a free daily hot breakfast buffet.
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Budget
Lovely Rooms
Lovely room offers well-appointed accommodation with free Wi-Fi in Halifax, 1.5 km from Point Pleasant Park.
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Luxury
Westin Nova Scotian
The Westin Nova Scotian is in downtown Halifax and has a state-of-the-art fitness center and a heated indoor pool.
3. North End
North End Halifax is also among the best areas to stay in Halifax since it is full of shops, restaurants and luxury hotels.
This area is located between the neighbourhoods of The Narrows and Bedford Basin.
The commercial and entertainment heart of North End is Gottingen Street, with bars, nightclubs, shops and theatres. It is a must-see during your stay in this area.
Also, in the North End, you’ll find attractions such as the Halifax Armony, a national historic site in a romantic style that resembles a castle.
North End is connected to other areas of Halifax thanks to the bus routes found especially on Robbie St, Novalea Dr and Duffus St.
The North End is one of the best areas to stay in Halifax for its nightlife, recognized among tourists and locals, hotel variety and entertainment offer.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Great variety of hotels
- Modern area
- Best area for nightlife
4. Dartmouth
Dartmouth (nicknamed “City of the Lakes”) is another one of the best areas to stay in Halifax.
This popular community has grown over the years to become a vibrant district full of entertaining sites to see, such as Sullivan Pond.
If you choose to stay in Dartmouth you’ll find that the area is very well-connected. It has several bus stops on most of its main streets and avenues.
Dartmouth is a 12-minute drive from downtown Halifax. The best way to get from this district to the Downtown area is through the Ferry system, available in the ports of both cities.
Staying in Dartmouth also allows you to taste delicious croissants in the local cafes and craft beers in the bars while watching the best sunsets from the harbour.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Halifax:
- Great public transport connections
- Close to Downtown Halifax
- Great food
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