Halifax, the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, is home to rich maritime history. A city of 370,000 people, it has a friendly and upbeat culture with a walkable downtown surrounded by quaint rural communities.
Because of Halifax's large, ice-free harbor, the British established a colony and built a fort in 1749. Not only was the city involved in various aspects of North American military conflict including the American Revolutions and Napoleonic Wars, but it also became a hub of trade and industry.
Halifax gained international notoriety after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 when more than 150 Titanic passengers were laid among Halifax cemeteries, and again after the Halifax Explosion of 1917 when more than 2000 people were killed after a French munitions ship collided with a Belgian relief ship in the harbor, creating the largest man-made explosion before the nuclear bomb.
See all Halifax Shore Excursions
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Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go: Halifax summers (June–October, cruise season) are pleasant but cool — bring a layer. The waterfront has been extensively developed and is excellent for strolling and dining. Currency is Canadian dollars (CAD); the exchange rate for US visitors varies but is typically favorable. Peggy's Cove is extremely popular and best visited early in the morning before tour buses arrive.
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Hot Tip
Visit Pier 21 — Canada's National Immigration Museum on the Halifax waterfront. Between 1928 and 1971, more than one million immigrants entered Canada through Pier 21. The exhibits are moving and well-done, and it's right next to the cruise pier. ~$15 CAD admission.Halifax, Nova Scotia – Quick Facts
CurrencyCanadian Dollar
LanguageEnglish
WiFi & PhoneExcellent WiFi throughout Halifax downtown and the waterfront.
Where You DockHalifax Cruise Terminal, Pier 21, Halifax, Nova Scotia