Canada’s harbor city is an easy one to enjoy. With a young and trendy cosmopolitan feel, not to mention plenty of historic sites, green space and an enviable harbor, Halifax is the sort of city where you’ll feel right at home as soon as you arrive. Don’t plan on spending big bucks to take in the city, either: Check out our guide to enjoying Halifax, Nova Scotia on the cheap.
Stay
Hotels in Halifax typically run on the higher end, but you can keep your hotel costs on the affordable side with a stay at the Commons Inn. While it doesn’t have the whole range of perks (such as a gym or pool), the location of Commons Inn can’t be beat for the price. You’ll be within walking distance of downtown, the waterfront and the historic site of Citadel Hill. Plus, you’ll enjoy free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and two rooftop patios.
Eat
A Halifax institution in itself, Pizza Corner is known for its oversized pizza slices that satisfy late-night hunger like no other. Grab yourself a paper plate filled with greasy goodness for less than $5 at the two pizza counters on the corner of Blowers and Grafton.
You can also try the harbor town’s local fish for less than $10 at Fredie’s Fantastic Fishhouse. Fish and chips go for $7.99 during lunchtime on weekdays, while other seafood options like clams, scallops and seafood chowder go for less than $15.
Another must-try for the budget eater in Halifax is The Maxwell’s Plum, a British pub serving classics like steaks, sandwiches and the city’s supposed best burger platter for less than $10. Weekly specials include $2.99 steak and eggs on Saturdays and a pound of blue mussels for $2.99 on Sundays.
Do
Enjoy this maritime city with a trip to Fisherman’s Cove, where you can feel the sea breeze against your skin as the boats float along the harbor. You can buy fresh fish right on the docks or soak up the charm of the quaint sea village and its shops that sit against the water.
One of the city’s most prized green spaces, the Halifax Public Gardens are well worth an afternoon stroll amid the blooming flowers, towering trees and charming fountains. This Victorian-inspired garden is free to visit and is open from dawn to dusk, April through November.
Speaking of beautiful green spaces, don’t miss the trails, beaches and gardens of Point Pleasant Park, also free to visit. While you’re there, you can take a look into Halifax’s past through monuments, fort ruins and the Prince of Wales Tower.
(Main image: Dougtone used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
