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

Should you visit Vancouver or Halifax?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vancouver and Halifax. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Halifax travel costs.

Vancouver and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Vancouver or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Halifax, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vancouver is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Vancouver different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vancouver
Halifax

Vancouver 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 Vancouver from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Vancouver or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver
Halifax

Vancouver is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver
Halifax

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

Vancouver has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Vancouver or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Vancouver
Halifax

Vancouver is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Vancouver or Halifax?

Vancouver
Halifax

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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

Is Vancouver or Halifax More Beautiful?

Vancouver
Halifax

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

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vancouver or Halifax Better for Families?

Vancouver
Halifax

Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is a very family-friendly destination. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver or Halifax Better for Couples?

Vancouver
Halifax

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

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver
Halifax

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

Vancouver is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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 Vancouver or Halifax Better for Students?

Vancouver
Halifax

Vancouver is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Halifax is not popular with students.


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

Vancouver
Halifax

Vancouver is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Vancouver has a great public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain 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 Vancouver or Halifax a more walkable city?

Vancouver
Halifax

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. The downtown area is very compact and fun 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 Vancouver Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Vancouver?

How long in Vancouver or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vancouver and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than in Halifax. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Vancouver, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Vancouver or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vancouver 3-5 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Vancouver or Halifax?

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Vancouver or Halifax?

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly 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 Vancouver or Halifax?

Vancouver is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vancouver has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical 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 Vancouver or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vancouver. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver is $165, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $137. 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 Vancouver and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vancouver $87
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vancouver $174
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Vancouver and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Vancouver 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 Vancouver


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: Vancouver Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vancouver $15
    Halifax $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

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

  • Yvr arrival private transfer to Vancouver hotels cruise ships : $156
  • White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Whistler: Vancouver YVR Airport to Whistler Private Transfer: $118
  • YVR Airport Transfer to Squamish: $411
  • YVR Airport Transfer to Fraser Valley: $618
  • Transfer Downtown - Canada Place Cruise Terminal: $138
  • Private Transfer to Whistler with Sightseeing: $546
  • Private Transfer to Whistler: $469
  • Private Transfer to Ferry Terminal: $175
  • Private Transfer - Canada Place Cruise Terminal: $73
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from YVR Airport: $45
  • North Shore Mountains Snowshoeing with Transfer: $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Vancouver or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Vancouver 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
    Vancouver $54
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

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

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $82
  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $83
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $98
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $101
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $115
  • Hidden Vancouver Tour with Dinner: $118
  • Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $134
  • Vancouver Chinatown Tour and Dumpling-Making Cooking Class : $135
  • Private Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $136

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

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


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $45

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: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vancouver $36
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

  • 2 Hours Private Tour of City of Vancouver: $147
  • Cruise Ship Terminal to Vancouver Airport Private Transport: $150
  • Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $218
  • Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $129
  • Spirit Of Vancouver Bike or Ebike Tour: $100
  • Vancouver 1-Day city tour: $98
  • Victoria 1-Day Tour From Vancouver: $190
  • Whistler Discovery and Waterfalls Small Group Tour: : $196
  • 1 day Whistler Tour from Vancouver Experience (chn&eng): $88
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Stanley Park Vancouver: $132
  • 3 Days of Adventure in Vancouver – Activities-Only Tour: $1,673
  • 3 Hours Private Tour of City of Vancouver: $221

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: $109
  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • From Peggy's Cove Bus Tour: $76
  • Halifax City Sightseeing by Private a/c vehicle: $153
  • Halifax Guided Driving Tour with Sunset at Peggy’s Cove: $65
  • Halifax Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $93
  • Halifax Small-Group Express Peggy’s Cove Tour: $50
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $34
  • 2-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Tour: $95
  • 2-Hour Sea-Doo Sightseeing Tour: $257
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $41
  • Georges Island Kayak Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vancouver $16
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Vancouver British Columbia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $66
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $87
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $92
  • North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $95
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $122
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $131
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $137
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $163
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $171

Sample the Local Flavors in Halifax

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:

  • Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Lead by a Sommelier: $170
  • The Classic Vintage Car Wine Tour: $206


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vancouver and Halifax, we can see that Vancouver 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 Vancouver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vancouver 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 Vancouver Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vancouver or Halifax?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vancouver and Halifax. Many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Vancouver is around the same temperature as Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Vancouver averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vancouver usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Vancouver gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vancouver usually receives less rain than Halifax. Vancouver gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Vancouver or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vancouver as well as Halifax. Most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vancouver is around the same temperature as Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vancouver in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Vancouver often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Vancouver gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Vancouver usually gets more rain in October than Halifax. Vancouver gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Vancouver or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Vancouver are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.


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