Choose Halifax for any number of reasons; incredible oceanfront views and a walkable downtown core, or its world-class convention centre and thriving cross-sector innovation. No matter the reason, the outcome is always the same: inspired meetings, engaged delegates, and lasting impressions.
Discover Halifax’s extraordinary selection of historic and modern venues and accommodations—all offering versatile settings to host inspiring meetings, unforgettable receptions against the backdrop of our beautiful sea-side city.
Unlock a world of curated supplier partnerships, sustainable planning tools, and exclusive delegate-saving privileges designed to elevate your event and not your budget.
Find the support you need to simplify logistics, maximize ROI, and create a bespoke event that is tailored to your group in a way that only Halifax can. As a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) we’re here to help every step of the way, free of charge.
Halifax’s life sciences sector is changing the world
Halifax is Canada’s rising hub for life sciences innovation — from cancer breakthroughs and Alzheimer’s research to pediatric pain management and vaccine development, global advances start here.
Sector Highlights
Home to more than 100 life sciences businesses and more than 22,000 professionals spanning healthcare and research.
Nova Scotia ranks #1 in Canada for active clinical trials per capita, making Halifax a key hub for pharmaceutical and biotech innovation.
R&D expertise is the driving force behind our globally recognized life sciences sector.
Dalhousie University researchers also developed Canada’s first new antibiotic class in 30 years.
Close partnerships between hospitals, universities, companies and government drive a globally recognized life sciences sector. Shared R&D expertise fuels a constant pipeline of medical breakthroughs and talent.
Dr. Allen Finley: Internationally renowned pediatric pain specialist and founder of the Pediatric Pain Management Program at IWK Health Centre—now the longest-standing such service in Canada.
Dr. Susan Kirkland: Chronic disease researcher leading Canadian health initiatives. Principal investigator of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, driving national health initiatives.
Dr. Sultan Darvesh: Alzheimer’s research pioneer. Developed the first diagnostic tracer to detect Alzheimer’s in living patients, revolutionizing early diagnosis.
Noteworthy Conferences
International Symposium on Pediatric Pain (2023): Record-breaking attendance, the largest pediatric pain symposium ever.
Canadian Cancer Research Conference (2023): Showcased cutting-edge oncology research to a national and international audience.
Canadian Neurological Sciences Congress (2018): A premier meeting of neurologists and neurosurgeons, reinforcing Halifax’s neuroscience reputation.
Oncology – Advancing Cancer Care
Halifax is at the forefront of cancer research and innovation. From reovirus-based oncolytic therapies to new immunotherapies, researchers here are developing technologies to predict, treat and prevent cancer. Local biotech firms like IMV Inc. (recently acquired by Biovaxys)are advancing vaccine-based cancer therapies, and Halifax hospitals are hosting world-first clinical trials. By convening national conferences and leading multi-center studies, Halifax contributes significantly to the global fight against cancer.
Neurology – Brain Research Hub
With over 200 clinical trials in neurology underway at any time, Halifax is a focal point for new discoveries. The Brain Repair Centre unites researchers investigating therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain injury, migraines and more. Halifax is also a global leader in pain research, especially pediatric pain, shaping treatments used around the world.
Pediatrics – Leadership in Children’s Health
Halifax is home to the IWK Health Centre and a concentration of pediatric research talent. The city leads globally in pediatric pain management and vaccinology, hosting the world’s top specialists and running first-in-Canada vaccine trials. Research here is improving pain relief protocols, accelerating childhood vaccine development, and shaping international pediatric standards.
Pharmaceuticals & Vaccines – Innovating from Lab to Market
Halifax’s collaborative ecosystem is advancing pharmaceuticals and vaccines from concept to commercialization. The Canadian Center for Vaccinology runs pioneering human challenge trials, while local researchers have delivered major discoveries in antibiotics, immunotherapies, and drug development. Biopharma firms in Halifax are attracting significant investment and international partnerships, underscoring the city’s role as a biotech launchpad.
Supporting Strengths
Medical Technology: Innovations in diagnostic imaging, surgical robotics, AI-powered diagnostics, smart prosthetics, and image-guided therapies showcase Halifax’s med-tech sector.
Digital Health: Telemedicine, mobile health apps, data analytics, and wearable sensors are transforming healthcare delivery, driven by Halifax’s tech-health collaborations.
Natural Health Products: Local resources and marine biodiversity fuel supplements, probiotics, omega-3 research, and seaweed-based health products exported worldwide.
Bioproducts: From algae-based biofuels to lobster-shell pharmaceuticals, Halifax innovators are turning natural resources and waste into value-added products.
Industry Partners
Watch & Learn More
Sit back and listen to the Discover Halifax Podcast and watch a sector overview video:
