Cruise Port in Halifax Guide
Halifax Seaport,
Cruise Port
in Halifax, Canada
Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a vibrant and historic port city on Canada’s east coast. As one of the most visited cruise destinations in the region, it offers a rich maritime heritage, stunning coastal scenery, and warm hospitality. Cruise ships dock at the Halifax Seaport, a short walk from the downtown core, where passengers can explore the lively waterfront, historic sites, and world-class seafood restaurants. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, Halifax provides a well-rounded and memorable port day experience.
General
Information
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone: Atlantic Time Zone (AT) | UTC -4 (Standard), UTC -3 (Daylight Saving Time)
Language: English is the primary language, with some French speakers.
Electricity: 120V, 60Hz (North American standard plug types A & B)
Tipping: Common practice; 15-20% for restaurants, 10-15% for taxis
Emergency Number: 911
Getting Around
- Walking: The cruise terminal is about a 15-minute walk from downtown Halifax along a scenic boardwalk.
- Public Transit: Halifax Transit buses provide service to key areas.
- Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis are available at the terminal, and Uber operates in Halifax.
- Shuttles: Some tour operators offer shuttles from the port to major attractions.
- Accessibility: Many areas, including the waterfront, are wheelchair accessible.
Top Attractions & Activities
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
A star-shaped fortress offering history and reenactments. - Peggy’s Cove
A famous lighthouse and coastal village about 45 minutes from the port. - Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Showcases Halifax’s maritime history, including Titanic artifacts. - Halifax Waterfront Harbour Walk
A picturesque boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and historical monuments like the Samuel Conard Statue and Emigrant Statue. - Pier 21: The Canadian Museum of Immigration
Learn about Canada’s rich immigration history. Admission is $15.50 per person.
Monthly Weather & Events
| Month | Avg Temp (°C/°F) | Weather Notes | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2°C / 28°F | Cold, snow possible | Ice Wine Festival |
| February | -2°C / 28°F | Cold, occasional snow | African Heritage Month |
| March | 1°C / 34°F | Chilly, early spring | St. Patrick’s Day Parade |
| April | 6°C / 43°F | Milder, rainy | Hal-Con (Sci-Fi Convention) |
| May | 12°C / 54°F | Pleasant, flowers bloom | Blue Nose Marathon |
| June | 17°C / 63°F | Warm, sunny | Halifax Greek Fest |
| July | 21°C / 70°F | Warmest month | Canada Day Celebrations |
| August | 20°C / 68°F | Warm, ideal for visits | Busker Festival |
| September | 16°C / 61°F | Cool evenings, crisp air | Atlantic Film Festival |
| October | 10°C / 50°F | Fall colors, mild | Nocturne: Art at Night |
| November | 5°C / 41°F | Chilly, rain possible | Halifax Pop Explosion Festival |
| December | 0°C / 32°F | Cold, festive lights | Christmas at the Citadel |
Guided Tours
- Harbour Hopper Tour | 1 hour: Amphibious tour of Halifax’s landmarks.
- Peggy’s Cove Tour | 3.5 hours: Scenic drive to the iconic lighthouse. You can book more tours at Ambassatours.
- Titanic Historical Tour | 2 hours: Visit sites connected to the Titanic’s history.
Cruise Port in Halifax Guide
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Getting To and From Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
- Distance: 35 km (22 miles) from downtown Halifax.
- Transportation Options:
- Taxi: 30–40 minutes, approx. CAD $65.
- Shuttle: Airport shuttle service available.
- Public Transit: Halifax Transit bus (#320) takes around 1 hour.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Luxury: Muir Halifax, The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
- Mid-Range: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, The Westin Nova Scotian
- Budget: The Halliburton Hotel, Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Shopping, Cafés & Dining
- Best Shopping Areas:
- Spring Garden Road – A popular shopping street with boutique stores.
- Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market – A must-visit for local crafts and fresh produce.
- Mic Mac Mall – A major shopping center with well-known brands.
- Best Cafés:
- Steve-O-Reno’s Cappuccino – A local favorite for strong espresso.
- Cabin Coffee – Cozy café with a rustic atmosphere.
- Dilly Dally Coffee Café – A charming neighborhood café.
- Best Restaurants:
- The Five Fishermen – Seafood and steak in a historic setting.
- The Bicycle Thief – Italian cuisine with waterfront views.
- 2 Doors Down – Modern comfort food with local ingredients.
Recommended Reading & Local YouTubers
- Books About Halifax & Nova Scotia:
- “Halifax: A Visual Legacy” by William D. Naftel
- “Titanic Lives” by Richard Davenport-Hines
- Youtube Videos about Halifax:
Printable Map
Download a detailed map of Halifax, NS here: Printable Map.
