Halifax Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota (CC BY-SA 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Bruno Wiegand, George L, george voyatzakis, Hippie · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Canada
- Region:
- USA & Canada (New England)
- Coordinates:
- 44.6478° N, 63.5714° W
About Halifax
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and the most populous municipality in Atlantic Canada. The city consists of four former municipalities that were amalgamated in 1996: Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and Halifax County. As a cruise port, it provides easy access to some of the region's most popular attractions.
The Halifax Waterfront sits just 0.3 km from the port and offers a highly-rated experience with 10,135 reviews. Equally close is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, located just 0.1 km away, making it an ideal first stop for cruise passengers. The nearby ports of Bar Harbor, Boston, New York and Québec City are also served by cruise lines operating in this region.
Things to do in Halifax
Within easy reach of the port are several major attractions. The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and Halifax Public Gardens both rate 4.7–4.8 stars and draw thousands of visitors annually. For those interested in immigration history, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is just 1.2 km away. Point Pleasant Park, rated 4.7 stars, offers green space and scenic views 2.3 km from the port.
Explore USA & Canada (New England) cruises that call at Halifax to experience this Atlantic Canada destination firsthand.
Halifax, officially the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), is the capital and most populous municipality of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, and the most populous municipality in Atlantic Canada. It consists of four former municipalities that were amalgamated in 1996: Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and Halifax County.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Halifax on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Jordan Carter · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Halifax Waterfront
4.8 (10,135) 0.3 km from port
Busy hub with a working port & 1 of the world’s longest downtown boardwalks, plus eateries & stores.
Near: Amos Pewter (22 m) · Waterfront Warehouse (66 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Halifax waterfront is really amazing. We visited it at the end of August, while weather was nice. There were families…” — Damir Sigur
- 5 · “If you are thinking about visiting Nova Scotia you must go here. If you live here, you also need to…” — Jeff Lacey
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Photo: Corey W · via Google Maps Historical landmark
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
4.7 (8,862) 0.7 km from port
Founded in 1749, this star-shaped hilltop fort offers guided tours, plus a coffee bar & gift shop.
Near: Army Museum Halifax Citadel (74 m) · Old Town Clock (162 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “If you love history or taking photos, this is a must visit. Lots of history here along with a fantastic…” — Melanie E
- 5 · “The sheer size, along with the historical significance, makes it worth the visit. The changing of the guard and the…” — Kelly
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Photo: Rolf Jundt · via Google Maps Garden
Halifax Public Gardens
4.8 (8,252) 1.0 km from port
Historic landscaped gardens hosting regular concerts & events, plus walking tours & flower exhibits.
Near: Uncommon Grounds (67 m) · RBC Royal Bank (183 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- 5 · “Nice place to spend some time if you like plants, and those who have spent time cultivating them. There are…” — Patrick Kossmann
- 5 · “Perfectly pleasant place to spend some time, well worth it. Beautiful flowers a trees in a great setting. Ponds with…” — Bill Wilson
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Photo: shamsan alammari · via Google Maps Museum
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
4.6 (6,114) 0.1 km from port
Large maritime museum, with boatbuilding, shipwreck & naval exhibits, plus a historic vessel.
Near: McKelvie's Restaurant (37 m) · The Hollis Halifax - a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel (90 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- 5 · “Very interesting. Make sure you see the Halifax Explosion display, amazing!! Great model ships of all sorts and of course…” — Bill Wilson
- 5 · “Wonderful history and amazing artifacts. Great price at $11 for an adult with lots to see. All things were worth…” — Darren Findlay
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Park and Garden
Point Pleasant Park
4.7 (4,458) 2.3 km from port
Leafy destination on Halifax peninsula with trails, fort ruins, a historic tower & a swimming beach.
Near: Shakespeare by the Sea (67 m) · Point Pleasant Park Lower Lot (265 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “A very nice place for a quiet walk. There are many places to sit. Very comfortable paths for jogging or…” — Alexandr Orlov
- 5 · “Prepare yourself for a long walk with a scenic view. I'm impressed with how they maintain the cleanliness of the…” — Helen Grace
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Museum
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
4.7 (3,940) 1.2 km from port
Family-friendly national immigration museum with temporary & interactive exhibits, plus events.
Near: Pier 21 Nation Builder Plaza (24 m) · Pier 22 Pavilion (74 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- 5 · “I truly had such an incredible experience at the canadian museum of immigration at pier 21. the exhibits were so…” — Isabella
- 5 · “An awesome experience that makes you almost feel as though you were experiencing it for yourself, as a newly landed…” — Bradford Smith
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Tourist attraction
Harbour Hopper Tours
4.7 (1,470) 0.2 km from port
Upbeat amphibious city tour featuring land-to-sea transitions and historic Halifax harbour views.
Near: Waterfront Warehouse (15 m) · Amos Pewter (38 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- 5 · “Really cool experience. Dave was our Captain and Jonah was our tour guide. Captain Dave got us around the city…” — Samantha Reed
- 5 · “A great experience! Myself, my fiance and our kids loved it. Our captain Liam and our guide Jonah were great.…” — andrew (raaagincajun)
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Art Gallery
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
4.5 (1,374) 0.1 km from port
Expansive art collection showcasing over 18,000 classic & modern works by local & global artists.
Near: Scotiabank (50 m) · Province House (58 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “The art gallery has a nice range of exhibits, contemporary, folk, and modern art. They feature Indigenous and local exhibits…” — Francis Day
- 5 · “Several floors, in two buildings across from each other, reached by lower-floor hallways. Nova Scotia artists are featured, including Maud…” — Laura Carolina
Map of Halifax and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Halifax
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