Halifax City Guide

Seafood like lobster and donairs are local favorites. International cuisines include Asian and Italian. Vegetarian and vegan options are common. Late-night food is mainly downtown.

Nightlife centers around Argyle Street and the waterfront with many bars and live music venues.

Strong coffee scene with local roasters and cozy cafes.

Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%) and taxis (10-15%). Service industries like hairdressers and spa treatments also expect tips.

SIM cards are sold at Bell, Rogers, Telus, Virgin Plus, and Koodo stores. eSIMs are sometimes available. You need ID or passport for registration.

Streets and public spaces are generally clean, especially in downtown and tourist areas.

Limited 24/7 options. Some pharmacies open all night; minimarts often have long hours but few are fully 24/7.

Supermarkets like Sobeys and Atlantic Superstore carry local and international products. Markets such as the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market sell fresh produce. Stores usually open from 8 or 9 AM to 9 or 10 PM, including Sundays with reduced hours.

Cards are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, and taxis. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks and convenience stores. Using ATMs outside your bank often costs around CAD $2-3 per transaction.

Public schools are run by Halifax Regional Centre and mainly teach in English with some French immersion. Halifax Grammar is a private option. Few international schools available.

The community is small but growing. Some meetups and coworking spaces support networking.

Excellent parks like Point Pleasant and Public Gardens offer plenty of green space.

Safe and scenic running spots include the waterfront and parks. Clubs and races are active.

Various fitness centers and university gyms offer memberships and classes.

Tennis courts in parks and clubs. Booking required at some places, rentals less common. Padel is less common but growing.

Padel is a new and growing sport in the area, but options are limited.

Many studios offer various styles with drop-in classes. English-speaking instructors standard.

Gyms offer boxing, BJJ, Muay Thai, Judo, and Karate with English-speaking instructors.

Ski Martock is about an hour away with beginner to intermediate slopes. Season runs late December to March.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular. Rentals and guided tours available in spring to fall.

Lawrencetown and Martinique Beaches offer surfing year-round with wetsuits. Fall and winter have bigger waves; summer is good for beginners.

Cold-water diving with wrecks and marine life. Summer and fall are best seasons. Certification and rentals available.

Public healthcare is good but visitors should have travel insurance. QEII Health Sciences Centre and others have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart are common and often open late.

Tap water in Halifax is safe to drink.

There are parks, kid-friendly cafes, and attractions like the Discovery Centre and Citadel Hill. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Halifax is very LGBTQ+ friendly with inclusive venues and annual pride events.

Many parks allow dogs with off-leash areas. Vet and pet stores are common, and pet-friendly accommodations exist.