A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Ottawa vs. Halifax for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ottawa or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Ottawa 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.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa 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.

Ottawa and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Ottawa or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Halifax than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Halifax, Halifax has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Halifax is better known for its nightlife, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions. Halifax is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its maritime past. Also, Halifax is famous for the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Ottawa different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ottawa
Halifax

Ottawa is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ottawa can be an interesting and educational experience. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

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 Ottawa or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ottawa
Halifax

Foodies will find both Ottawa and Halifax both to be notable destinations.

Ottawa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Halifax offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Ottawa or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Ottawa
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ottawa or Halifax?

Ottawa
Halifax

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

Ottawa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

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


Is Ottawa or Halifax Better for Families?

Ottawa
Halifax

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ottawa or Halifax.

Ottawa is a family-friendly city. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

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 Ottawa or Halifax Better for Couples?

Ottawa
Halifax

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

Ottawa is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

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 Ottawa or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa
Halifax

Ottawa and Halifax are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Halifax is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.


Is Ottawa or Halifax Better for Students?

Ottawa
Halifax

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

Plenty of students visit Ottawa. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Ottawa
Halifax

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ottawa and Halifax.

Ottawa has some public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Ottawa or Halifax a more walkable city?

Ottawa
Halifax

Ottawa and Halifax are notable when it comes to walkability.

Ottawa is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Ottawa?

How long in Ottawa or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ottawa and Halifax. In our opinion, Ottawa has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ottawa than Halifax. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.


  • How many days in Ottawa or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ottawa 2-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Ottawa or Halifax?

In Ottawa, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Halifax. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ottawa or Halifax?

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

Halifax is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Ottawa or Halifax?

Ottawa is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Ottawa or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ottawa. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ottawa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Halifax. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Ottawa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ottawa is $127, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $130. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ottawa and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ottawa $17
    Halifax $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ottawa $34
    Halifax $124
Compare Hotels in Ottawa and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Ottawa or Halifax? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ottawa


Hotels in Halifax


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ottawa Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ottawa $6.83
    Halifax $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
  • Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $211

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax: $119
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85
  • Halifax Stanfield Airport(YHZ) to Halifax Port - Arrival Transfer: $119
  • Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Port-Arrival Transfer: $83
  • From Peggy’s Cove Small-Group Tour with Transfers: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Ottawa or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Ottawa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ottawa $28
    Halifax $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $75
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $78
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $78
  • Old-Aylmer Food Tour - Food Tour From Ottawa : $79
  • A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $99

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ottawa $38
    Halifax $27

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $56
  • A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa: $310
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
  • Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $79
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $114
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $71
  • Discover Ottawa with a Local Guide Private Walking Tour: $126
  • Downtown Private Investigator Quest Experience: $7.88
  • Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $404
  • Experience Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $206
  • Family Walking Tour in Special Highlights: $310
  • From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $279

Tours and Activities in Halifax

For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $51
  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $11
  • Explore Halifax with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
  • From City and Peggy's Cove Sunset Guided Tour: $62
  • From Small Group Lunenberg Express Tour: $115
  • Halifax Boardwalk and Seaport: Smartphone Audio Tour: $4.89
  • Halifax City Sightseeing by Private a/c vehicle: $122
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $35
  • 2-Hour Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise: $41
  • Churches, Gardens, & Graveyards Smartphone Tour: $4.89
  • Discover the Halifax Explosion Audio Walking Tour: $4.89
  • Georges Island National Historic Site Ferry Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ottawa $17
    Halifax $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:

  • Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


When comparing the travel costs between Ottawa and Halifax, we can see that Halifax 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 Ottawa Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ottawa or Halifax?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa or Halifax in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Ottawa is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ottawa in July average around 21°C (71°F), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Halifax. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. Ottawa usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Ottawa gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ottawa usually receives less rain than Halifax. Ottawa gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ottawa or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Ottawa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ottawa in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Ottawa is generally around the same temperature as Halifax. Daily temperatures in Ottawa average around 9°C (48°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Ottawa often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Ottawa gets 116 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ottawa usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Ottawa gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Ottawa or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ottawa and Halifax. Most visitors come to Ottawa for 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. Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Ottawa is much colder than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Ottawa averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Ottawa usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during winter. Ottawa gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ottawa usually receives less rain than Halifax. Ottawa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Ottawa or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ottawa as well as Halifax.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In the spring, Ottawa is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ottawa in April average around 6°C (44°F), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the spring, Ottawa often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Ottawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Ottawa usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Ottawa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Ottawa

Ottawa Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)