A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fairbanks vs. Halifax for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Fairbanks or Halifax?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Fairbanks or Halifax? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Fairbanks and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Halifax?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fairbanks than Halifax, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fairbanks is better known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Halifax is more popular for its food and nightlife. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Also, Fairbanks is famous for The Northern Lights. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Fairbanks different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Halifax and Fairbanks. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Halifax is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Halifax is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fairbanks or Halifax?

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Halifax and Fairbanks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Halifax is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is the Food Better in Fairbanks or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Halifax is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Halifax is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Halifax is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Halifax. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fairbanks or Halifax?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Fairbanks and Halifax.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Halifax is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fairbanks or Halifax.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly city. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fairbanks and Halifax make for a notable place to visit.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Halifax is a nice destination for couples. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Fairbanks is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Halifax is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Halifax is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Halifax has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Fairbanks or Halifax a more walkable city?

Halifax is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable city. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fairbanks and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fairbanks than in Halifax. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fairbanks, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

Families should spend more time in Halifax than Fairbanks. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Halifax, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Halifax than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Halifax that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Halifax if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fairbanks.

One day in Fairbanks or Halifax?

In Fairbanks, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Halifax. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Halifax?

In Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fairbanks has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Halifax. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fairbanks or Halifax?

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Halifax. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fairbanks or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Halifax is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Halifax, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Halifax.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fairbanks Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks and Halifax, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Fairbanks or Halifax?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Fairbanks is around the same temperature as Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fairbanks in July average around 64°F (18°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Halifax. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Fairbanks during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 27°F (-3°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fairbanks usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Halifax. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Halifax because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Fairbanks is much colder than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around -9°F (-23°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Halifax. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Halifax. The spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the spring, Fairbanks is much colder than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fairbanks in April average around 32°F (0°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Fairbanks