Car Rental Halifax

Halifax is a relatively small city, so traffic delays are minimal compared to larger cities in Canada. You might get stuck in a line of cars near the two bridges that span the harbour, otherwise you should be able to get around quickly and easily by car.

Finding a parking space can sometimes be tricky, as metered on-street spaces in and around the downtown area are limited. However, on-street parking is free in the evenings. There are also several parking lots and garages in the city centre..

Three main highways stretch out from the city- the NS-103 and NS-101 head north-west and west respectively from Halifax and meet at the western extremity of Nova Scotia near the city of Yarmouth.

The NS-102 runs north from the city centre to reach Prince Edward Island. Along the way the NS-104 Trans-Canada Highway branches eastwards towards Cape Breton Island. Another major road, the NS-111, runs across the harbour bridge to Dartmouth on the eastern side of Halifax harbour.

A car is the best way to explore the many delights of the surrounding area. One of the most popular trips is to the fishing village of Peggy's Cove which is about 44 kilometres southwest of Halifax on the NS-333. Another highly recommended trip is to drive 100 kilometres west to the picturesque fishing port of Lunenburg, with its instantly recognisable brightly painted houses.

There are plenty of interesting historical attractions to see in Halifax including a stroll along the colourful waterfront. Plan your itinerary to see as much as possible by car rental and experience the best of Halifax.

Discover the city’s maritime past

At the southern end of the Harbour Waterfront Boardwalk is the fantastically entertaining and informative Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. This site was the first point of entry for over 1-million immigrants who travelled to Canada during the 20^th century. The museum tells their stories in compelling detail through a series of excellent exhibits, first-person accounts, photos and various artefacts. 

Another excellent waterfront venue is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, housed in a one-time ships’ chandlery. Here you can discover the city’s rich nautical past. The permanent exhibits include displays on the infamous Halifax Explosion, a massive blast that occurred in 1917 when two wartime ships collided in Halifax harbour, killing almost 2000 people. There’s also a display on the part the city played in the aftermath of the sinking of RMS Titanic.

Tuck into delicious seafood

If you’re feeling hungry, head straight for the wonderful Seaport Farmers Market, right next to the Pier 21 museum. North America's longest continuously operating market features two floors of fantastic fresh local produce and lovely handcrafted goods sold by over 250 vendors.

Here you can sample the province’s delicious seafood and fine farm-to-table traditions. Don’t leave the market without grabbing a mouth-watering lobster roll. For something a bit more substantial, you can enjoy a classic lobster dinner at the superb Salty’s seafood restaurant, housed in the beautifully-restored, Victorian-era Historic Properties.

Enjoy a history tour

Halifax is dominated by its iconic hilltop Citadel. Built in 1749 by the British to protect the settlement below, the star-shaped fort has been preserved and its warren of tunnels, as well as the barracks can all be visited on a guided tour. There’s a daily firing of the gun, as well as re-enactments and guards dressed in British military uniforms, not to mention the fabulous views of the city and harbour.

Take a break then hit the shops

Overlooked by Citadel Hill, the Halifax Public Gardens are one of the prettiest and most peaceful spots in the city. The Victorian style gardens are spread over a wide area in the heart of the city and you can stroll through carpets of flowers, statues and fountains as you take a break from the downtown bustle.

Running along one side of the gardens is Spring Garden Road, one of the city’s top shopping streets where you can enjoy nine blocks of fashion boutiques, independent stores and restaurants.

Take a walk on the wild side

Sitting offshore in Halifax Harbour, and accessible by boat from the city’s waterfront, is McNabs Island – 400 hectares of uninhabited forests and salt marshes, dotted with abandoned military fortifications. You can explore this wilderness to your heart’s content on over 20 kilometres of hiking trails.

Renting a car in Halifax lets you discover this charming, historic seaport and explore the wild and beautiful landscapes of Nova Scotia. Book Hertz car rental in Halifax now to start your adventure.