General Information

Halifax, Nova Scotia… Closer Than You Imagine

It’s a rare city that feels more like home than where you’re from. Real people, rich culture and music, historic architecture, and natural maritime beauty – these things leave visitors to Halifax, Nova Scotia with a lasting desire to return.

Halifax, the gateway to Atlantic Canada, is an ideal urban resort – twenty minutes from the downtown core, you can stroll white sandy beaches or surf pristine waters. From the vibrant city centre to the quaint South Shore, home to Peggy’s Cove, and rugged Eastern Shore, with surfer’s paradise Lawrencetown Beach, there is so much to explore in the Halifax region.

Come to Halifax, NS for an evening stroll along our magnificent harbourfront; discover shopping, entertainment and restaurants within walking distance from your hotel; a dose of Canadian history at attractions like Pier 21; wine-tasting in the Annapolis Valley or an afternoon drive along the seacoast. Wherever you are, you’re sure to experience our famous maritime hospitality.

Need to Know

There is much to see and do within the Halifax Regional Municipality, and with so many extraordinary experiences you may never want to leave. To help make your stay even more enjoyable, find in this section a collection of information to help you better plan your visit.

Capital city

Halifax Regional Municipality

Population

Halifax Regional Municipality 382,203 (Est. July 1, 2006)
Nova Scotia 934,405 (Est. July 1, 2006)

Languages

Both of Canada's official languages - English and French - are spoken throughout Nova Scotia.

Time Zone

Nova Scotia is on Atlantic Daylight Time, which is four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time and one hour later than North America's Eastern Time Zone. Daylight Saving Time is in effect annually from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November.

Climate and Weather

Nova Scotia is known as a place where the four seasons are refreshingly distinct. Average daily temperatures are:
Spring from 2° to 9° C (35.6° to 48.2°F)
Summer from 16° to 24° C (60.8° to 75.2°F)
Fall about 18° C (64.4°F)
Winter about -3° C (26.6°F)
We see all types of weather in Nova Scotia. On an annual basis we receive an average of 1,178.1 millimetres/46.38 inches of rainfall.

Weather forecasts in Nova Scotia are given in Celsius measurements. For approximate temperature conversion, use this easy calculation:

Fahrenheit to Celsius: subtract 30 and divide by 2.
Celsius to Fahrenheit: multiply by 2 and add 30.

Area Code

902 - This area code must be dialed for long distance calls into or within Nova Scotia.

Airport

Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Customs and Immigration

Immigration Regulations – All American citizens (or permanent residents) entering Canada require valid passports. Visitors from a country other than the United States must carry a valid passport and, in certain cases, a visa to be eligible to enter Canada. All persons entering Canada must fill out a declaration for Canada Customs.

Currency

Canada's currency is based on the decimal system, with 100 cents to the dollar. You can exchange your currency for Canadian dollars at authorized currency exchange counters in Halifax, at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and at the Visitor Information Centre in Yarmouth. You can also exchange currency at banks, credit unions and trust companies throughout Nova Scotia.

Banks

Banking hours vary, with most banks open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., some are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some banks are open on Saturday. Banks are closed on federal public holidays. Automated banking machines and debit (e.g. Interac, Cirrus, and Plus) services are widely available.

Credit/Debit Cards

A majority of stores, restaurants and accommodations throughout Nova Scotia accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Debit (bank) cards are readily used (Interac, Plus and Cirrus networks). Credit and debit card charges will appear on the purchaser's statement, converted to the home currency.

Sales Tax

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is applied at a single rate of 15% to a base of goods and services

Accommodations in Halifax also charge a Hotel Levy of 2% on room rates to assist in marketing of Halifax as a business and leisure destination.

Hospital/Medical Services

Visitors to Canada are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent, but a hospital stay can be costly without adequate insurance coverage. Visitors taking prescribed medications are advised to take a copy of the prescription should it need to be renewed during the trip.