Cruises to Halifax

789 Reviews
Halifax (Photo:Maurizio De Mattei/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia's capital city and the gateway to Atlantic Canada, has numerous identities. Home to the second-largest natural harbor in the world, it draws a major share of Canada's container trade and oodles of cruise ship visits in the late summer and early fall (although more recently, ships are beginning to visit in the early summer months). A few streets inland, there are many sights to take in, and while gorgeous coastal scenery begins just outside the city limits, especially during the spectacular autumn foliage displays, the waterfront is also a delight to explore.

Halifax also has a strong connection to the sinking of the Titanic since it played a key role during the aftermath of the tragedy. Three of the city's ships were sent out to recover bodies, and so it is the final resting place for many unclaimed victims. In fact, three cemeteries throughout Halifax feature rows of black granite headstones, each inscribed with the same date: April 15, 1912.

But beyond the scenery and history, Halifax is just plain fun. It's a youthful, energetic town, home to several colleges and universities, that boasts a downtown area chock-full of pubs, clubs and cafes, as well as a restored waterfront that once welcomed traders and privateers. Throughout the year, you can enjoy music festivals, outdoor concerts and even old-fashioned Celtic ceilidhs (read: lively folk dances, often accompanied by fiddle).

It's this rich culture that has boosted the Canada and New England region's cruise popularity. (The fact that Halifax is easy to include on short four- or five-day Canadian itineraries is also a draw.) Annually, Halifax hosts more than 130 ship visits between early May and late October from lines that include Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn.

  • More about Halifax

  • Why Cruise to Halifax?

  • Halifax Cruise Port Facilities?

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Volendam
Volendam

11 Night
Canada & New England Circle: Newfoundland & Montre...

591 Reviews
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Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Pearl

14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

2,401 Reviews
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Zuiderdam
Zuiderdam

7 Night
Canada & New England Discovery

1,028 Reviews
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Volendam
Volendam

7 Night
Canada & New England Discovery

591 Reviews
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11 Night
Canada & New England Circle: Acadia & Newfoundland

591 Reviews
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7 Night
Canada & New England Discovery

591 Reviews
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11 Night
Canada Cruise

231 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

11 Night
Boston, Maine & Canada Cruise

1,947 Reviews
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14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

3,266 Reviews
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11 Night
Canada & New England - Other

2,156 Reviews
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7 Night
Canada & New England - Other

495 Reviews
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7 Night
Canada & New England Discovery

591 Reviews
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10 Night
Newfoundland & New England Discovery

591 Reviews
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11 Night
Canada / New England Cruise

1,873 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

12 Night
Greenland & Iceland Cruise

1,947 Reviews
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More about Halifax

Why Cruise to Halifax?

Pros:

This welcoming city is easily walkable and exudes an air of maritime history.

Cons:

The best time to visit is in the fall, when leaves are at their peak, so the window is small.

Bottom Line:

Book early to guarantee a prime-time visit to this charming port.

Halifax Cruise Port Facilities?

The Halifax Seaport area has been specifically redeveloped and designed to service cruise ships and welcome cruise passengers to Halifax. Even visitors short on time can easily find plenty of local shops, restaurants and other vendors without stepping foot into Downtown Halifax.

Piers 22 and 20 are the principle cruise ship berths offering passengers access to dedicated cruise terminals, Pavilions 22 and 20. Pavilion 22 offers a unique and friendly shopping experience and Pavilion 20 offers an open space ideal for meeting tours; buses, taxis and limousines are conveniently located in front of the terminals. Pier 23, the Cunard Centre, is also used for cruise activities.

Halifax's picturesque waterfront is easy to explore on foot -- and close. Even if you're not in the mood to shop, stroll the boardwalk that zigzags along the harbor, lined with shops, restaurants and attractions.

Those looking to convene with nature need only walk just outside the seaport to Point Pleasant Park (5718 Point Pleasant Drive). This green space has about 25 miles of easy, winding trails, preserved ruins and fortresses, and frequently hosts outdoor theater performances under Shakespeare by the Sea.

Good to Know?

Be aware that weather can change frequently -- from chilly one minute to warm the next. It's often breezy, too; dress in layers.

Getting Around?

On Foot: The main waterfront attractions begin at the start of the boardwalk and continue on for the next three quarters of a mile.

By Taxi: Taxis line up outside the terminal. Alamo (800-462-5266) and National (800-227-7368) have reservation desks down the street from the Westin Nova Scotian hotel, a large red-brick building, just five minutes from your ship on foot.

By Bike: If you want something more active, a short stroll down the boardwalk brings you to a bike rental stand, where, for $9 an hour or $25 for a half-day, you can grab a bike and pedal your way around the city. A Segway tour stand is also nearby.

By Rideshare: Rideshare services, like Uber, are available in Halifax, however we recommend booking a private tour, if you can, through the region's largest tour provider, Ambassatours (902-423-6242). The company -- now the largest in Canada -- comes from humble beginnings and your guide will likely be wearing a kilt.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency in Halifax is the Canadian dollar, but most shops will accept American dollars. If you don't want to risk it, you'll find ample ATMs at the nearby Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market. For the most up to date currency conversions, visit www.xe.com or www.oanda.com.

Language?

The vast majority of Haligonians speak English, but a smattering of folks also speak French.


Halifax Cruise Reviews
Halifax Highlights with Citadel Fortress - Since my husband and I had spent time in Nova Scotia before (highly recommend Lunenberg, Peggy's Cove, and Halifax itself), we wanted to tour the Citadel which we had misseRead More
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empress1951
Halifax – We decided to walk to Point Pleasant Park, but with hindsight that was a mistake. It’s quite a long way along Marginal Road from the docks to the park, skirting the railroad sidings. It would probably be wiRead More
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2freespirits
Halifax is such a great city! I've been here 4x as well, and I always find something new. This time we walked all through the city before returning and walking down to the waterfront. We visited the oldest church, anRead More
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baileymouse
Did Peggy's Cove and Titanic NCL Tour - very well done - we were at the Cove at sunset so got some lovely photos (did the cemetery first) - very knowledgeable guide. Unfortunately no time to wander an see Halifax inRead More
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goaussiegal

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