Planning Your Journey: Halifax

Digital Resources for Your Trip

These online tools support planning and navigating your Halifax adventure.

Essential Apps for the Destination

Google Maps/Apple Maps: For navigation and finding points of interest.
Halifax Transit App: Official app for schedules, routes, and real-time tracking.
Uber/Lyft: For ride-sharing when other transit options are less ideal.
HotSpot Parking: Pay for meters and extend parking remotely.

Essential Apps for the Destination Cont.

The Weather Network / AccuWeather: For reliable local weather forecasts.
OpenTable/Resy: For making restaurant reservations.
HappyCow: To locate restaurants catering to specific dietary needs.
NordVPN: A VPN service for secure browsing while traveling.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Destination Halifax: The official tourism site.
Tourism Nova Scotia: For provincial exploration.
Halifax Transit: Detailed information on schedules and fares.
Parks Canada (Citadel Hill): Official site for visitor information.

Useful Websites Cont.

Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market: For market hours and vendors.
Babbel: A resource for language learning.
Eagle Creek: For travel organization products.
Travel blogs and online communities: For insights and discussions.

Print Resources for Understanding

While digital content is widely available, print materials remain beneficial for planning and on-the-go reference.

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

General Canada guidebooks from major travel publishers (e.g., Fodor's, Frommer's, Rick Steves).
Local maps from visitor information centers upon arrival.
A road map of Nova Scotia for day trips outside Halifax.
Local publications like 'The Coast' for events and reviews.

Books About the Destination

"The Narrows" by Ann-Marie MacDonald (fiction set in Halifax).
Books about the Halifax Explosion ("The Town That Died", "Curse of the Narrows").
Books on the Titanic disaster and Halifax's role.
Books on Nova Scotian folk art, like Maud Lewis.

Social Media & Podcasts

@hfx_waterfront for events and photos from the Halifax Waterfront.
@destinationhalifax for travel inspiration and local highlights.
@halifaxnoise for local news, events, and community updates.
Search for "Halifax podcast" or "Nova Scotia history podcast" for local stories.

Local Publications & Language

"The Coast": Halifax's alternative weekly, free at cafes.
"Halifax Magazine": Local lifestyle magazine.
Duolingo and Memrise for French lessons.
FirstVoices for basic Mi'kmaq phrases and cultural context.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

Police, Fire, Ambulance: Dial 911 (universal emergency number in Canada).
Non-Emergency Police (Halifax Regional Police): (902) 490-5020.
Poison Control Centre: 1-800-565-8161.
Embassy/Consulate: Find contact details for your country's representation in Canada.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

QEII Health Sciences Centre (Halifax Infirmary site): 1796 Summer St, Halifax.
IWK Health Centre (Children's & Women's Hospital): 5980 University Ave, Halifax.
Numerous walk-in clinics across the city for non-emergency issues.
Search online for "Halifax walk-in clinic" for current locations.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport: Report to local police, obtain a police report.
Contact your embassy/consulate for emergency travel documents.
Credit Cards: Immediately call your bank or credit card company to report and cancel.
Store international contact numbers for your banks separately.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Monitor local news for weather warnings, especially during hurricane season (late summer/early fall).
Follow directives from local authorities (e.g., Halifax Regional Municipality alerts).
Maintain emergency contacts and a pre-determined meeting plan with companions.
World Nomads: A travel insurance provider.

Reading & Exploration

Deepen your connection with Halifax before or during your trip.

Documentaries and Films

Search for documentaries by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Seek films or TV series set in Halifax or Nova Scotia.
These visuals share cultural context for the area.
Skillshare: For photography and other creative courses.

Music and Art Experience

Listen to traditional East Coast/Celtic music.
Many local pubs feature live performances of folk traditions.
Explore works of local Nova Scotian artists.
This deepens appreciation when visiting galleries.

Online Communities and Forums

Reddit communities like r/Halifax and r/NovaScotia.
They share current local insights and recommendations.
Answers to specific traveler questions from residents.
TripAdvisor forums and other travel blogs for discussions.

Language Learning Resources

Duolingo and Memrise for French lessons.
For Mi'kmaq, FirstVoices can share basic phrases.
These resources offer cultural context.
Local libraries may share language learning materials.

Traveler's Note

Always double-check information from official sources before your trip, as details may change.

Resources & References

Here you find details on digital tools, print materials, and critical emergency information to assist your visit.

Essential Apps

Navigation, transit, weather, and dining apps are for getting around and experiencing Halifax.

Helpful Websites

Official tourism sites and local transportation pages share reliable information for your journey.

Planning Your Halifax Journey