Why Halifax

Halifax Waterfront

It’s where business meets the sea

Halifax, Nova Scotia sits on the Atlantic Ocean and offers planners and attendees opportunities they can’t find anywhere else. It’s a compact Canadian meetings and conventions destination where hotels, event venues, restaurants and waterfront experiences are concentrated in the walkable downtown core. The Halifax Convention Centre offers 120,000 sq. ft. of event space for up to 3,000 attendees, while local universities, research institutions and innovation organizations give planners access to expertise in oceans, life sciences, technology, aerospace and defence.

Halifax also has a track record of drawing strong conference attendance, with national and international organizations like including Marine Renewables Canada, Green Marine and the Canadian Urban Transit Association reporting record turnouts at events hosted in the city.

Walking on Argyle Street

WalkaBILITY

Halifax’s tight downtown core acts as an extension of your meeting venue. Most business-event hotels, meeting venues and dining in downtown Halifax are within walking distance of the Halifax Convention Centre, which means less transportation logistics and more interesting experiences for your attendees.

When meetings are done for the day, everyone will spill out into the streets to enjoy the local food and sights together. The whole city becomes an impromptu networking session.

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SustainaBility

Halifax is a leading sustainable destination with options and pre-made programs to suite your event sustainability goals. Last year we launched the Guide to Hosting Sustainable Business Events in Halifax, which outlines some of the initiatives at your disposal. We also recently launched Opportunities for Impact, designed to help planners identify impactful experiences and programs designed for large groups.

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international gateway

Halifax is North America’s closest major city by plane to Europe and offers short flight times to major U.S. cities like New York and Boston. Our modern and easy-to-navigate airport—Halifax Stanfield International—welcomed nearly 4 million travelers in 2024 and offers Canada Customs services 24/7, and U.S. pre-clearance.

Desireable Destination

Your event attendees have Halifax on their radar. The city offers a breath of fresh air from their daily routine and an opportunity to explore a city filled with art, history, a vibrant nightlife, and one-of-a-kind experiences. From the low key to luxurious, Halifax has just what your attendees are looking for and a few things they didn’t know they were looking for. Just ask those who have been here before.

Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Greater experience per dollar

Halifax can offer planners a cost advantage compared with Canada’s largest meeting destinations. CoStar hotel data has shown average daily rates in Halifax below Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver, while Halifax’s compact downtown can also reduce the need for shuttles between many hotels, meeting venues and off-site events. Hosting your event in Halifax lets you do more with what you have, freeing up resources to enhance your attendee experience.

Innovation & Sector Alignment

If you’re looking for local partners, expert speakers, groundbreaking researchers, or sector-led networking opportunities that align with your event, Halifax has a lot to offer. With 7 universities and colleges and premier innovation hubs and initiatives like the Halifax Innovation District, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Digital Harbour: Seabed to Space, Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, and many others, you will be completely spoiled for choice.

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Burntcoat Head Park Nova Scotia - Bay of Fundy

World-renowned extended stays

Pre‑ and post‑conference excursions offer attendees a way to further immerse themselves in Nova Scotia’s dramatic coastal beauty, culinary richness, and unique culture. From the highest tides in the world on the Bay of Fundy to the world-famous Cabot Trail. Whether it’s a guided day trip or a week-long adventure with family, staying a little longer can turn a standard meeting into a fully‑rounded travel experience your attendees will be talking about for years to come.

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safe & welcoming

Halifax is a safe and welcoming city, where visitors can feel at ease as they explore its charming streets and vibrant waterfront day or night.

The Halifax Convention Centre is Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified and Halifax offers planners a destination with a demonstrated commitment to 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion. The city has the third-highest number of Rainbow Registered businesses in Canada, giving planners and delegates access to an established network of accredited hotels, venues, attractions and visitor services.

Our businesses are eager to welcome all meeting attendees, offering perks and discounts through Discover Halifax’s “Show Your Badge” program: delegates just flash their conference badge at participating businesses and enjoy special benefits.

Salsa & Bachata Halifax Waaterfront

Support you can count on

Save the hours spent searching for and researching the perfect destination for your meeting or convention. The team at Discover Halifax is skilled and excited to help find you the perfect venue, connect you with local partners, build your attendance, and brainstorm unique ways to incorporate Halifax into your event.