Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a vibrant and historic city on the Atlantic coast of Canada. As the largest city in Atlantic Canada, Halifax is a perfect blend of maritime history, modern culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city is defined by its deep, ice-free harbor, a bustling waterfront, and a rich history as a major naval and commercial hub. For a cruiser, Halifax is an excellent destination for those who want to explore a walkable city, learn about its history, and experience a slice of Canadian culture.

⛵ Port Introduction

Your ship will dock directly at the Halifax Seaport. The main cruise terminal is Pier 22, located on the city's historic waterfront. This is a huge advantage, as you can walk right off the ship and into the city. The walk from the ship to the terminal is short and easy, and from there, you are just a few steps from the city's famous boardwalk. The port can accommodate multiple ships at once.

⚓ Terminal Information

The Seaport is a modern, spacious, and fully accessible facility. As you disembark, you will walk a short distance along the pier and into the terminal building. The terminal is clean, comfortable, and well-equipped for your needs.

🚻 Terminal Facilities

The terminal has restrooms, a tourist information desk with friendly staff who can provide maps and directions, and a small market with local vendors selling crafts and souvenirs. There is also a small food court where you can get a snack or a drink. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, which is a big plus. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminal.

🗣️ Language

The local language is English. You will have no problem navigating, communicating, or exploring the city.

💰 Money

The currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, from cafes to major department stores. Cash is also widely used, and ATMs are easy to find at banks, inside grocery stores, and throughout the downtown area.

🚗 Transportation

Halifax is a very walkable city, especially the waterfront and downtown areas.

·       Walking: The best way to explore Halifax is on foot. The waterfront boardwalk, with its unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, is just a few steps from the cruise terminal.

·       Ferry: A fun and scenic way to get from Halifax to the charming town of Dartmouth is to take the ferry. The ferry terminal is a short walk from the cruise terminal, and the ride offers a beautiful view of the harbor.

·       Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. They are regulated and use a meter, but it is still a good idea to get an estimate of the cost before you begin your journey.

·       Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are available and very popular in Halifax.

·       Public Bus: Halifax has a public bus system, Halifax Transit, that can be a good option for getting to places outside the downtown area.

♿ Accessibility

Halifax has an accessibility rating of 6 out of 10. The cruise terminal is modern and well-equipped for people with limited mobility. The waterfront boardwalk is flat and easy to navigate, and many of the new downtown areas are also accessible. However, the historic areas of the city have some uneven sidewalks and hills that can be challenging to navigate.

🚶‍♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port

The best way to get to town from the cruise port is to simply walk. The port is located right on the waterfront, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions.

🚽 Toilet

Public restrooms are generally available and clean in Halifax, especially at major tourist attractions, museums, and in shopping malls. They are free to use.

💊 Drugstore

·       Shoppers Drug Mart: 5218 Sackville Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3S5. This is a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal.

·       Lawtons Drugs: 1680 Argyle St, Halifax, NS B3J 2B6.

✨ Authentic Experience

1.       Walk the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk: Instead of a long tour, take a walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk. It's a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) path that runs along the harbor, with a variety of unique shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can see historic boats, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and grab a coffee at a local cafe.

2.       Dine on a Local Lobster Roll or Seafood Chowder: No visit to Halifax would be complete without trying the local seafood. Seek out a local pub or a small, family-run restaurant and order a fresh lobster roll or a bowl of creamy seafood chowder. It's a delicious and essential part of the Nova Scotia experience.

3.       Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21: The Pier 21 museum is a National Historic Site that tells the story of immigration to Canada. It's a moving and incredibly well-done museum that provides a deep dive into Canadian history and the experiences of immigrants from around the world. It is located right at the cruise terminal, so you can easily walk there and back.