Halifax Canada Cruise Port Guide and Information

Halifax Canada is a popular cruise port, attracting over 100,000 passengers annually.

The port is conveniently located on the Halifax Harbour, which offers stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Halifax Cruise Terminal is the main hub for cruise ships, featuring modern facilities and amenities.

It's a compact terminal, making it easy to navigate and find your way to and from the ship.

Getting around Halifax is easy, with plenty of options to suit your style. You can walk along the waterfront right from the cruise terminal.

Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the city, and you'll find plenty of rental shops nearby. Taxis wait outside the terminal, so you can hail one quickly if you need a ride.

Metro Transit runs bus routes throughout the city and beyond to places like Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax, Sackville, Timberlea, and Cole Harbour. The ferry is a convenient and affordable way to get around, taking just 15 minutes to cross from the waterfront to Dartmouth.

Halifax is a walkable city, making it easy to explore on foot. The main waterfront attractions are located on a three-quarter mile stretch of the boardwalk.

You can also hop on a vintage double-decker bus for a 90-minute ride around the city with the Halifax Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. The bus departs from the cruise terminal.

The city's main landmark is the Halifax Citadel, which sits atop a hill and divides the city into three districts: the South End, North End, and West End. The downtown core is nestled between the Citadel and the sea, making navigation a breeze.

Here are some top attractions to consider:

Halifax is a small and easily walkable city, making it a joy to explore on foot. The main waterfront attractions start at the beginning of the boardwalk and stretch for three quarters of a mile.

You can take a 90-minute ride on the Halifax Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, a vintage double-decker bus that boards in front of the cruise terminal.

The Halifax Citadel is a must-see landmark, perched on a high hill above the city and conveniently dividing it into three districts: the South End, the North End, and the West End.

The downtown core is nestled between the Citadel and the sea, making navigation a breeze.

Pier 21 is a historic waterfront building that processed over a million immigrants and is now home to a modern museum with extensive exhibits related to Canadian immigration.

The Garrison Brewery, the Farmers Market, and the Pier 21 museum are all located next to the ship's dock, making it easy to visit all three in one trip.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic tells the stories of Nova Scotia's relationship with the sea, from small craft boatbuilding to the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion.

Tens of thousands of immigrants arrived in Halifax from Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and the United States, shaping the city's diverse culture. You can still see the influence of these cultures in the city's music, pubs, and cafés.

The Titanic disaster in 1912 had a profound impact on Halifax, as the city served as a temporary home for survivors and the dead. Today, you can visit three of the city's cemeteries where many of those who perished are laid to rest.

Halifax has a way of honoring its past while embracing the present. You'll notice signage in both English and French, a nod to Canada's bilingual heritage. English is the main language spoken in Nova Scotia, but you'll still catch glimpses of French throughout the city.

The city's history is not without its challenges, as evidenced by the 1917 harbor explosion that killed 1,800 people and destroyed several buildings. Despite this tragedy, Halifax has continued to thrive, becoming a popular cruise destination in the fall when the surrounding countryside is ablaze with color.

Halifax's old town is best explored on foot, allowing you to soak up the city's charm and history.

The Harbour Hoppers are Refitted Larc V Vehicles

The Harbour Hopper tour is a unique experience, taking you on a journey across land and water. You'll see sights like the Halifax Public Gardens, Citadel Hill National Historic Site, and St. Paul's Church.

Getting to the Halifax Citadel

It's a 1/2 hour walk to the top of the Citadel, or you can take a taxi for around $10.00. If you time it right, you can catch the Noon Day Gun firing ceremony at 12.00 noon.

Popular Tours and Excursions

The Harbour Hopper tour is one of the most popular tours in Atlantic Canada. Here are some other top Halifax cruise excursions:

Halifax, Canada cruise port offers a variety of attractions to explore. Check out the top cruise excursions in Halifax for more things to do.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a must-visit attraction in Halifax. It showcases the city's rich maritime history and has a vast collection of artifacts.

Halifax is home to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, a historic immigration terminal that tells the story of Canada's immigration history. It's a great place to learn about the city's cultural heritage.

The Halifax Harbourfront is a scenic area with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.

If you're interested in learning more about the city, check out 5 Things To Do in Halifax for more ideas.

Cruises to Halifax, Nova Scotia, dock at the Port of Halifax, where you'll be greeted by lively bagpipers. You'll walk down covered hydraulic gangways to Pavilion 20 or 22, where you'll find a visitor information center, souvenir stalls, and restrooms.

Right outside Pavilion 22, you'll find tour buses and taxis waiting to take you to the waterfront attractions and downtown sights. It's a short walk to the city center, making it easy to explore Halifax on foot or by public transportation.

If multiple cruise ships are in port, they may dock at lower berths, and passengers will be shuttled to the terminal.

The Port of Halifax offers convenient access to downtown Halifax, with cruise ships docking at piers 20 and 22 near the downtown area. You can easily explore the compact downtown area on foot or take public transportation, taxis, or rideshares to the terminal.

There are two dedicated cruise terminals at the Port of Halifax: Pavilion 22 and Pavilion 20. Both terminals are connected to their respective berths via hydraulic gangways, making it easy to get on and off the ship.

If you're looking for amenities, the port's cruise terminal buildings offer tourist information, local merchant stalls, phone, Wi-Fi Internet, and restrooms. You'll also find a taxi rank outside Pavilion 22, with available taxis and tour buses.

The Halifax Harbourwalk is a must-visit attraction, with a 3 km boardwalk that's home to historic buildings, shops, and the Halifax Transit ferry terminal. Many mid-sized cruise ships often dock here, so you can easily explore the waterfront.

To help you plan your day, here's a quick rundown of the port's facilities and location:

By understanding the port's facilities and location, you'll be able to make the most of your time in Halifax and enjoy all the city has to offer.

In Halifax, you'll need Canadian dollars to get by, and you'll find plenty of ATMs around the city to withdraw cash.

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to check with the business or taxi driver beforehand if you're unsure.

Tipping is common in Halifax and is expected for dining or taxi rides, with a tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill being suitable for good service in a restaurant.

For taxi rides, a tip of 10% to 15% is standard.

Halifax is a major port city and among Canada's most popular cruise ports of call on itineraries from the USA to New England.

The city's population is around 320,000 (metro over 400,000), with official languages being English and French.

Halifax is among Canada's largest economic centres on the Atlantic Coast, with major employers like the Port of Halifax, Halifax Shipyard, Department of National Defence, the universities of Dalhousie and St Mary's.

The city's main resource industries are commercial fishing, agriculture, mining, forestry, natural gas extraction, also tourism.

Over 1.2 million visitors a year are drawn to the city, making it a premier Canadian tourist destination.

Atlantic Canada is preparing for a record-breaking cruise season in 2025, extending from early March through late November, its longest to date.

Here's a list of cruise ships scheduled to arrive and depart from Halifax in April 2025: