Halifax, NS

Key Highlights

Hotels	23
Total Sleeping Rooms	3,750
Largest Exhibit Space	45,000 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	CAD $202
Average Daily Meal Cost	CAD $124
Average Weekly Car Rental	CAD $189

Halifax, NS Meeting Planning Overview

The cultural hub of Atlantic Canada, Halifax features the perfect blend of cosmopolitan energy with the rural charm of a coastal village. Known for its maritime setting, Halifax is located along Halifax Harbour, the second-largest natural harbor in the world. As both the capital city and largest city in Nova Scotia, Halifax is a top leisure and business travel destination, bursting with unique venues and a variety of pre- and post-conference activities and home to the World Trade & Convention Centre.

Groups can easily access Halifax via Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which is located geographically closer to Boston and New York than any other major Canadian city. Serving as Atlantic Canada's center for domestic, regional and international flights, Halifax Stanfield International welcomes more than 3.5 million passengers each year and 1,380 weekly flights (peak arrivals and departures). Halifax Stanfield International is the only airport in Atlantic Canada to offer Canada customs services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as U.S. pre-clearance. Passengers can reach the airport via direct flights from most Canadian cities, as well as such major U.S. cities as New York, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta. Once in Halifax, visitors can utilize public transportation options, including Metro Transit bus system and Halifax Harbour ferry service that connects downtown Halifax to Dartmouth at Alderney Landing and Woodside.

As one of the world's most diverse maritime cities, much of Halifax's energy and entertainment is found along its waterfront and surrounding area. Located in the heart of downtown, just blocks from the waterfront and featuring beautiful Halifax Harbour views, the sprawling World Trade & Convention Centre features 50,000 total square feet of meeting and event space. The center can accommodate up to 3,000 guests throughout its three floors of versatile space. The center is connected to the convenient Downtown Halifax Link pedway, which provides direct access to more than 1,000 4 Diamond guest rooms and a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Thanks to its downtown location near the waterfront, the World Trade and Convention Centre is located just steps from a variety of unique venues and pre- and post-meeting group activities. Perched along the waterfront, the popular Maritime Museum of the Atlantic explores and showcases Nova Scotia history, from exhibits on local small craft to Halifax's connection to the Titanic. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic features private rental space in its small craft gallery and meeting room, complete with front row Halifax Harbour views. A second unique venue located along the waterfront, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a National Historic Site that served as the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants from 1928 to 1971. Today, the Museum celebrates the area's cultural diversity, heritage and identity and hosts more than 200 private events each year throughout its galleries, theater and pavilion spaces. Located just a short distance away at Pier 23 is the Cunard Centre, a waterfront cargo shed renovated into a large multi-purpose, year-round event center. With 45,000 square feet of column-free space, this venue boasts one of the largest capabilities for events in Halifax.

Additional Halifax unique venues include the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada and is within walking distance of the waterfront. Groups also frequent the state-of-the-art Neptune Theatre, which, as Atlantic Canada's largest professional regional theater, presents a broad range of theatrical performances each year and welcomes private groups to utilize its 479-seat Fountain Hall and 200-seat Studio Theatre (as well as boardroom, rehearsal hall and lobby space). Groups may also gather at the city's Museum of Natural History; in addition to hosting a variety of exhibits on Nova Scotia's land and sea, the Museum features a variety of private rental options, including gallery spaces, an auditorium, boardroom and outdoor space. Groups looking for a heritage-inspired experience will enjoy Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, centrally located in the heart of downtown Halifax. Steeped in history and complimented by modern day conveniences, Halifax Citadel NHS creates the perfect backdrop for a wide range of events with both indoor and outdoor venue options.

About Halifax, NS / Additional Info

A vibrant, welcoming city rich in culture and maritime history, Halifax is a unique blend of modern living and historic charm, right down to its soaring glass office buildings located next to centuries-old structures. The city's downtown and waterfront areas are lined with colorful bistros and outdoor patios.

The city's history is centered on its beautiful harbor. Halifax was founded in 1749 as a British garrison town, thanks to its harborfront location and large hill overlooking its surroundings, and served as a strategic port during World War II. Today, the modern city still retains elements of a Colonial feel, right down to cobblestone streets; as well as new modern amenities that include an enclosed pedway system that spans much of the city core. There's much to explore in Halifax, including more than 70 restaurants and bars located within an 11-block radius of downtown, plus many dining options within close proximity to the downtown core. Beyond its urban excitement, Halifax and Nova Scotia offer a variety of year-round outdoor recreation activities throughout its rugged landscape and coastline. No area of the province is more than 33 miles from the sea, making it easy to kayak, sail and surf, as well as rock climb, snowshoe, ski, hike and golf. The adventurous can take advantage of tidal bore rafting, made possible by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy.

Many of the area's attractions celebrate Nova Scotia's history, natural beauty and waterfront setting. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, for example, was completed in 1856 as a unique system of harbor defenses. Visitors can step back in time to its mid-Victorian era and explore such restored spaces as soldier barracks, guard room, schoolroom and underground magazine. Visitors can immerse themselves in 1860s Halifax while touring Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery. Led by actors in period costume, brewery tours welcome visitors to learn about one of North America's oldest breweries, as well as enjoy its popular brews.

Beyond its local brews, Halifax is also home to a number of award-winning wineries and a variety of restaurants that serve fresh-caught Nova Scotia seafood. Chives Canadian Bistro incorporates elements of the Canadian landscape in its warm, cozy setting, which serves as the perfect backdrop to entrees made with local and seasonal ingredients. Saege Bistro is a popular eatery that brings the outside in, thanks to its stone fireplace solarium, trickling waterfall and creative cuisine. The Five Fishermen Restaurant and Grill, located next to the World Trade & Convention Centre, welcomes visitors to dine on delicious seafood in an 1816-built structure. Once operating as a speakeasy, Ryan Duffy's Steak and Seafood is known for its sumptuous fare, accented with herbs and honey from its rooftop garden, while the historic waterfront eatery da Maurizio specializes in fine Italian cuisine.

Halifax, NS Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Atlantic Time (AT)
Convention Center(s):

World Trade and Convention Centre

Hotel at Convention Center? No

Airport(s):

Halifax Stanfield International Airport

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Historic Destination
Cultural Destination

Special Event Venues
20
Population
403,200
Restaurants
10
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
15.00%
Currency
Canadian Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
15%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English, French

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Halifax, NS

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Moncton, NB	139 mi	2 hr 38 min	43 min	CAD $583+
Charlottetown, PE	185 mi	3 hr 48 min	35 min	CAD $582+
Saint John, NB	235 mi	4 hr 24 min	45 min	CAD $583+
Fredericton, NB	244 mi	4 hr 36 min	55 min	CAD $583+

Halifax, NS Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	29	29	36	47	57	67	73	73	65	54	44	34
Avg. Low (°F)	14	14	22	32	41	50	57	57	50	40	32	20
Rec. High (°F)	54	57	64	71	90	90	89	90	84	79	90	57
Rec. Low (°F)	-18	-17	-8	15	24	34	45	43	30	20	10	-9
Rainfall (in)	5.1	4.2	4.4	4.3	4.1	4.1	3.9	4.0	3.6	4.8	5.5	5.9

Halifax experiences four distinct seasons, including pleasant summers thanks to ocean breezes. Halifax Harbour never freezes, so the city's winters are more moderate that most other Canadian cities. In fact, each year experiences an average of just 48 days below freezing. Springtime in Halifax brings an average high of 9°C (48°F) and average low of 2°C (36°F), while summer months bring an average high of 24°C (75°F) and average low of 16°C (61°F). Fall temperatures average around 18°C (64°F), while winter temperatures average around -3°C (26°F). Snow falls from November through April, with an average annual snowfall of about 153 centimeters (60 inches).

Halifax, NS Airport Information

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)

Approximate taxi fare: 50 USD

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, Halifax Stanfield International Airport serves as Atlantic Canada's center for domestic, regional and international flights. Halifax Stanfield International is the only airport in Atlantic Canada to offer Canada customs services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as U.S. pre-clearance. Known for its award-winning customer service and passenger satisfaction, the airport welcomes more than 3.5 million passengers each year and 1,380 weekly flights (peak arrivals and departures). Recognized by the Airports Council International's Airport Service Quality program as one of "the best airports in its class" (under five million passengers)," HSIA is the very first airport in Canada and the tenth airport in the world to have earned the Airports Council International's "Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Assured" industry benchmark of service excellence.

Passengers may travel to Halifax Stanfield International via direct flights from most Canadian cities, as well as such major U.S. cities as New York, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta. In fact, the airport is located geographically closer to Boston and New York than any other major Canadian city.

Airport amenities include a variety of parking options, shopping, dining and free wireless Internet throughout the facility. The airport is currently undergoing a multi-year improvement program, with several phases already completed. Passengers may access the onsite airport shuttle, providing service to and from various hotels for $19.50 CDN each way. Passengers may also board Acadian buses at the airport for daily service to Halifax.

Airline carriers serving Halifax Stanfield International Airport

Air Canada
Air St. Pierre
Air Transat
American Airlines

Condor
Continental Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Icelandair

Porter Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways
WestJet

Halifax, NS Ground Transportation

Metro Transit Bus System

The Metro Transit bus system services Halifax and the surrounding area along 52 conventional routes. The largest transit agency in Atlantic Canada, Metro Transit also provides community transit and long-distance commuter service. Bus fare is $2.25 each way; bus and ferry transfers are free. Convention groups of 75+ may utilize Metro Transit's convention passes, which provide unlimited travel on the bus and Halifax Harbour ferry services for just $10. A minimum of one month's notice is required for production of passes.

Those interested in exploring Halifax's waterfront will enjoy the #8 Waterfront bus, which travels along Hollis St. and Lower Water St. from the Cunard Centre at Pier 24 to the corner of Barrington St. and Duke St. with several stops in between.

Metro Transit Harbour Ferries

Metro Transit operates two Halifax Harbour ferry routes, which connect downtown Halifax to Dartmouth at Alderney Landing and Woodside via a 12-minute ride across the water. Started in 1752, the ferry service is the oldest, continuous saltwater ferry service in North America. Today, more than 4,000 daily commuters ride the 495-passenger ferries. Ferry fare is $2.25 each way; bus and ferry transfers are free. Convention groups of 75+ may utilize Metro Transit's convention passes, which provide unlimited travel on the bus and Halifax Harbour ferry services for just $10. A minimum of one month's notice is required for production of passes.

VIA Rail Canada

The Halifax VIA Rail Canada station is located at 1161 Hollis Street, with ticket counter hours from 9:15 AM to 5:40 PM daily. The Halifax station is served by Via Rail's Montreal-Halifax (Ocean) route, which provides overnight service between Montreal and Halifax six days per week.

Greyhound

The Halifax Greyhound station is located at 1161 Hollis Street. Station hours are seasonal and subject to change.

Acadian Bus Lines

Passengers may board the Acadian station, located at 1161 Hollis Street, for daily passenger service throughout Halifax and direct service to Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Rental Cars

Halifax Stanfield International Airport features car rental counters for Alamo/National, Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise and Hertz, all located in the lower level of the airport parkade.

Limousine and Taxi

Travelers to Halifax may access several limousine and taxi companies outside of the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Travelers should expect to pay about $50 in taxi fare from the airport to downtown Halifax. Limousine and taxi service is readily available for travel within the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Moncton, NB	139 mi	2 hr 38 min	43 min	CAD $583+
Charlottetown, PE	185 mi	3 hr 48 min	35 min	CAD $582+
Saint John, NB	235 mi	4 hr 24 min	45 min	CAD $583+
Fredericton, NB	244 mi	4 hr 36 min	55 min	CAD $583+