A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Halifax vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Halifax or Quebec City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Halifax or Quebec City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a historical, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Quebec City travel costs.

Halifax and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halifax or Quebec City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Quebec City than Halifax, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Quebec City is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Halifax different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Halifax or Quebec City?

Quebec City is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Quebec City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Halifax or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Quebec City is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Quebec City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. 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.

Is Halifax or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Quebec City has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Halifax or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is renowned for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Quebec City is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Halifax or Quebec City?

Quebec City is renowned for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Quebec City. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Halifax or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Halifax or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Quebec City is a very family-friendly destination. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

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 Halifax or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is renowned for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Quebec City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Halifax or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Quebec City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

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 Halifax or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Halifax and Quebec City.

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

You'll find some public transit in Quebec City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Halifax or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is renowned for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Halifax?

How long in Halifax or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Halifax or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halifax, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City 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 Quebec City.

One day in Halifax or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Halifax. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Quebec City, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

A weekend in Halifax or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Halifax. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Quebec City, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Quebec City has to offer.

Five days in Halifax or Quebec City?

The cultural city of Halifax offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Quebec City is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Halifax or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Halifax. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Quebec City. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Halifax and Quebec City, we can see that Quebec City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Halifax or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Halifax and Quebec City, 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.