Matthew TremblayIsn’t there something thrilling about nailing a great weekend getaway without blowing your budget? Just soaking in the moments, often with a side of nature. After all, the best things in life are free, right?
So, grab your comfiest shoes and a spirit for adventure because this guide is packed with all the cheap weekend getaways in Halifax.
From gorgeously green parks to local markets where the prices won’t make you faint, get ready for a weekend that’s heavy on fun and light on your bank account.
- 1. Stay at Comfort Inn Halifax.
- 2. Walk around Halifax Public Gardens.
- 3. Book a room at Commons Inn.
- 4. Hike through Point Pleasant Park.
- 5. Stay at HI Halifax Hostel.
- 6. Enjoy nature at Shubie Park.
- 7. Take a ferry to McNabs Island.
- 8. Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
- 9. Explore the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.
- 10. Tour the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
- 11. Shop and eat at Seaport Farmers’ Market.
- 12. Stroll along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.
1. Stay at Comfort Inn Halifax.
Media credit: comfortinn_halifax
Website: https://www.choicehotels.com/nova-scotia/halifax/comfort-inn-hotels/cn207?mc=llyxcncnnbl&pmf=canada
Address: 560 Bedford Hwy
Phone: +1 902-443-0303
Looking for a cozy place to crash after a day of Halifax adventures? At the Comfort Inn Halifax, you get a comfy bed, a hot shower, and a complimentary breakfast that’ll fuel your next escapade!
It’s like staying at your cool aunt’s house, minus the knitted doilies and endless family photos. Plus, it’s close to everything you’ll want to see in the city.
Seriously, your wallet will thank you, and your feet will too.
| Pro Tip: Grab some extra breakfast muffins for a mid-morning snack attack while you’re out exploring. |
2. Walk around Halifax Public Gardens.
Media credit: hfxpublicgardens
Website: http://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca/
Address: Spring Garden Rd
Hours:
- Open daily from 8:30 AM, closes 30 minutes before sunset
There’s something magical about a leisurely stroll through Halifax Public Gardens. It’s like stepping into a Victorian fairy tale, complete with meticulously manicured flower beds and charming fountains.
You might even forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city. Perfect for a lazy afternoon or a romantic date, just don’t feed the ducks—they’re on a strict no-bread diet.
| Pro Tip: Visit in the spring for the most stunning flower displays. |
3. Book a room at Commons Inn.
Media credit: kucksi
Website: http://www.commonsinn.ca/
Address: 5780 West St
Phone: +1 902-484-3466
Commons Inn is the hidden home-away-from-home you didn’t know you needed! Right near the Halifax Commons, it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to save some cash without sacrificing comfort.
You can think of it as your no-frills base camp for urban exploration. You’ll love the free Wi-Fi and parking—ideal for uploading all those Instagram-worthy pics and saving on those pesky parking fees.
| Pro Tip: Ask for a room on the upper floors for a quieter stay away from street noise. |
4. Hike through Point Pleasant Park.
Media credit: oopsnicky
Address: 5530 Point Pleasant Dr
Hours:
- Open daily from 5 AM–10 PM
If you love a good walk in the woods with a side of history, Point Pleasant Park is your go-to. With trails that wind through forested areas and along the water, you’ll get your nature fix while stumbling upon historical ruins!
| Pro Tip: Head there early in the morning for a peaceful hike and a chance to see some wildlife. |
5. Stay at HI Halifax Hostel.
Media credit: hi.halifax
Website: https://hihostels.ca/en/destinations/nova-scotia/hi-halifax
Address: 1253 Barrington St
Contact: +1 902-422-3863
HI Halifax Hostel is where budget meets community! It’s like summer camp for grown-ups but with better beds and fewer mosquitoes.
You’ll meet fellow travelers, swap stories, and maybe even join forces for a city adventure or two. The communal kitchen is a great place to cook up a storm and save some bucks.
Plus, it’s right in the heart of Halifax, so you’re never far from the action.
| Pro Tip: Join the hostel’s organized pub crawl. It’s a fantastic way to make new friends and discover the best local watering holes. |
6. Enjoy nature at Shubie Park.
Media credit: blossom.mendoza
Website: http://www.wildnaturecampground.com/
Address: 20961 NS-2
Phone: +1 902-758-1631
Shubie Park is the best-kept secret of locals who love the outdoors. With its wooded trails, serene canal, and a variety of wildlife, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
It’s perfect for a picnic, a jog, or just a chill day out. You might even spot a few cheeky squirrels who think they run the place. Spoiler: they kind of do.
| Pro Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars for bird watching. You never know what feathery friends you might spot. |
7. Take a ferry to McNabs Island.
Media credit: friendsofmcnabsisland
Website: https://mcnabsisland.ca/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hVkP1cGikjmZgi2u8
Ever wanted to escape to an island but thought it was too expensive? McNabs Island is your affordable dream come true!
A short ferry ride will whisk you away to a land of hiking trails, historic sites, and killer picnic spots. It’s like stepping back in time, but with better footwear.
Don’t forget to pack some snacks and a sense of adventure.
| Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes. The island’s trails can be a bit rugged. |
8. Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
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Website: https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/
Address: 1675 Lower Water St
Hours:
- Open daily from 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Ahoy, matey! If maritime history floats your boat, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a must-visit. From Titanic artifacts to stories of seafaring adventures, you’ll be hooked.
The best part? It’s free on Tuesday evenings. Just remember to practice your best “arrr!” before you go.
| Pro Tip: Check out the replica of the Titanic’s deck chair—perfect for a quick “I’m king of the world!” photo op. |
9. Explore the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.
Media credit: mnhnovascotia
Website: https://naturalhistory.novascotia.ca/
Address: 1747 Summer St
Contact: +1 902-424-7353
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History is where you’ll find dinosaurs, ancient fossils, and all sorts of cool critters. It’s like stepping into a time machine but without the wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff.
Plus, it’s free on Wednesday evenings, which means more money for post-museum ice cream.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the live bee exhibit—it’s buzzing with activity! |
10. Tour the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Media credit: halifaxcitadel
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax
Address: 5425 Sackville St
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM
Ready to play soldier for a day? The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is the place to be. Walk through the fortifications, watch reenactments, and pretend you’re defending the city from invaders.
It’s a history lesson that’s way more fun than sitting in a classroom, especially when it’s free on special days like Canada Day.
| Pro Tip: Visit during the noon cannon firing for an explosive experience. |
11. Shop and eat at Seaport Farmers’ Market.
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
Website: http://halifaxfarmersmarket.com/
Address: 961 Marginal Rd
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Friday
- Saturday: 8 AM–2 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM
Seaport Farmers’ Market is a feast for the senses! We’re talking fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and food stalls that make your mouth water just by looking at them.
Whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, or just a snack, it’s the perfect place to mingle with locals and support local businesses.
| Pro Tip: Go early to snag the best deals and avoid the crowds. |
12. Stroll along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.
Media credit: discoverhalifax
Website: https://developns.ca/visit/halifax/
Address: Lower Water St
Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is the city’s front porch, and it’s always buzzing with activity. From quirky shops to street performers, there’s something for everyone.
Here, you can grab an ice cream, take in the views, and let the salty sea air rejuvenate your soul. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time—in the best way possible!
| Pro Tip: Check out the quirky murals and art installations along the boardwalk for some great photo ops. |
