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 is the largest urban centre on Canada’s eastern coast and home the award winning Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HIAA). With a record number of international destinations on its route map, HIAA is the most internationally connected airport of its size in North America.
Halifax is as easy to get to as it is to get around, once you’re here. Below you’ll find information about routes, on the ground transportation, accessibility, and Halifax’s Transit’s Event Transit Programs that support large events. Depending on where your group is travelling from, you may also be interested in learning about Canadian travel visas and immigration regulations.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport connects Halifax with major Canadian, U.S. and European cities, including Toronto, New York and London. Geographically closer to Boston and New York than any other Canadian city, Halifax is also an hour closer by plane from Europe than any other major North American City.
Halifax Airport Features
Canada Customs services 24/7
U.S. pre-clearance
CBSA Advance Declaration available
NEXUS/Global Entry benefits through CATSA Verified Traveller
Direct connections across Canada, the U.S. and Europe
Gold Accessibility Rating from the Rick Hansen Foundation
Distance to downtown Halifax
The airport is approximately a 25-minute drive from downtown Halifax. Transportation available to downtown Halifax includes uber, rental car, limo, or city transit (Regional Express Route 320).
Once downtown, the Halifax Convention Centre, more than a dozen hotels, restaurants, attractions and event venues are concentrated within a compact area that many delegates can navigate on foot.
Compact city that’s easy to navigate
Halifax’s downtown core is filled with shops, restaurants, sights and experiences, as well the Halifax Convention Centre and more than a dozen hotels. This means most of your delegates won’t need a car or arranged transportation between venues and hotels while they’re here. Of course, they can still choose to rent one at the airport, but we recommend booking in advance.
Halifax is a wonderful city for walking or cycling (bikes and scooters can be rented on the waterfront boardwalk). Strolling from one end of downtown to the other takes less than 30 minutes and includes some interesting sights and sounds and major landmarks. Of course, you can always hop in an Uber, or a cab, or on a bus if you change your mind about the stroll.
Moving large numbers of people to and from an event takes planning. Halifax Transit offers a range of programs and services to help event organizers move attendees, volunteers and staff safely and efficiently.
All programs noted below have their own requirements that must be met and are subject to approval and operational availability. It’s best to reach out early to explore the best options for your event at talktransit@halifax.ca.
TRANSIT SUPPORT
REQUIREMENT
SUMMARY
Charter Services
4-hour minimum
Dedicated buses, ferries or Access-A-Bus
Event Transit Fares
Requires 100+ attendees
Unlimited transit for $1 per attendee – All attendees must be provided the benefit
Trip Planning
Offered prior to event
Personalized routing and transit advice for event organizers
Volunteer Fare Waivers
Large events with cultural or community significance
Complimentary transit for volunteers
Service Extensions
Large scale events
Temporary service modifications or extended bus or ferry service hours related to an event
Communications Support
Event promotion
Transit messaging, digital assets, and promotional support
Halifax offers planners access to a growing network of accessible venues, inclusive transportation options, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) consultants, Rainbow Registered businesses and community resources that can help support delegates with a wide range of needs. Local supports also extend to dietary and cultural accommodations, bilingual programming, Indigenous engagement and connections with Halifax’s diverse communities.
Explore our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources for services, programs and local partners available to help you plan a more accessible and inclusive event.
