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Time Zone: The city is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, an hour later than New York City. When it is 12:00 noon in New York City, it is 1:00 PM in Halifax.
Weather: Nova Scotia is almost entirely surrounded by the sea. The cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Bay of Fundy help to keep the air temperature over southwestern Nova Scotia cool in spring and summer. In January, these same waters moderate the harshness of winter. Further offshore to the east, southeast, and south are the slightly warmer waters of the Gulf Stream. Most agricultural areas experience 120 to 130 frost-free days between late May and early October creating a long crop-growing season.
When to Visit: Spring, summer and autumn are all ideal for visiting Halifax, and winter tourism is very popular. Winter requires “layers” of clothing that can be adjusted based on the temperature and wind chill factor. The busiest time is during the Canadian summer vacation time (the end of June to early September). After that, some facilities close. Halifax Accommodations
Museums & Sights Hours at museums vary, but most open at 10 or 11 and close in the evening. Some smaller museums close for lunch. Many museums are closed on Monday; some stay open late on Wednesday, often waiving admission.
Shops Stores, shops, and supermarkets usually are open Monday through Saturday 9-6, although in major cities supermarkets are often open 7:30 AM-9:00 PM and some food stores are open around the clock.
Emergencies - Ambulance, Fire, or Police ( 911).
Guided Tours
Boat Tours
Murphy's on the Water 902/420-1015 sails: Harbor Queen I, a paddle wheeler; Haligonian III, an enclosed motor launch; Stormy Weather I, a 40-ft Cape Islander (fishing boat); and Mar II, a 75-ft sailing ketch. All operate from mid-May to late October from berths at 1751 Lower Water Street on Cable Wharf next to the Historic Properties in Halifax.
Harbor Hopper Tours 902/490-8687 offers an amphibious tour of historic downtown Halifax and the Halifax Harbor.
Bus Tours (Book ahead)
Gray Line Sightseeing 902/454-8279 run coach tours through Halifax, Dartmouth, and Peggy's Cove.
Cabana Tours 902/423-6066 runs a similar coach tour.
Halifax Double Decker Tours 902/420-1155 offers two-hour tours on double-decker buses that leave daily from Historic Properties in Halifax.
Train Tours VIA Rail 800/561-3949 conducts weekly first-class guided rail tours between Halifax and Sydney from May through mid-October.
Taxes
In Nova Scotia, the single sales tax (HST) of 15% is used. The tax applies to most goods and services, and it includes Canada's national tax (GST) of 7%.
Tipping
Tips and service charges are not usually added to a bill in Canada. In general, its not unusual to leave a 15% tip.
Getting There
Halifax International Airport has direct services to Montreal, Toronto and St. John's in Newfoundland. There are also smaller connecting flights available to other destinations throughout Canada. The airport is 24 miles from central Halifax on Hwy. 102, north toward Truro.
Bus service runs from the Acadian bus station at 6040 Almon St. with several lines running through the Annapolis Valley and south to Yarmouth. There are also connections to New Brunswick, Cape Breton, Northumberland Shore and Prince Edward Island (via Moncton). For greater distances, a daily bus leaves Halifax at 7am for Montreal and a weekend service connects to New York.
Rail Service
The VIA train station is six blocks south of the downtown area. Trains to Montreal depart daily (except Tuesday) along a route through eastern New Brunswick. Tickets should be reserved in advance, as seats are limited.
Getting Around
An Airbus service runs between Halifax International Airport and the downtown area, stopping at major central hotels along the way. Allow 90 minutes before flight time for the 24 mile trip.
Metro Transit operates a reliable, safe and inexpensive city bus system. Tourism Halifax has free schedules and information. Fred is a free city bus that runs a circuit of the city every 30 minutes, (11am to 6pm daily from June to August.)
Rental car companies are available at the airport and downtown. Lower priced car rental companies can be found near the VIA Rail station on Hollis Street.
Road Designations
Highways numbered from 100 to 199 are all-weather, limited-access roads, with 62- 68 mph speed limits. Roads numbered from 200 to 399 are secondary roads that usually link villages. Nova Scotia has 10 designated "Scenic Travelways," identified by roadside signs with icons that correspond with trail names.
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