Getting Here and Around

For those not arriving by air into Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport, public transportation to the city is somewhat limited. VIA Rail offers "The Ocean" service from Montréal three times a week. The journey takes 23 hours and 20 minutes, and fares range from C$158.67 for an economy seat to C$1,043 for a double-bedroom suite. Maritime Bus offers service to Halifax from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, with stops at a number of places along the Trans-Canada Highway and links from certain major towns not along the Trans-Canada. By car, the Trans-Canada Highway heads south across the New Brunswick border, where it changes from Highway 2 to Highway 104. At Truro, Highway 102 branches off for Halifax.

Halifax is an intimate city that's large enough to have the trappings of a capital, yet compact enough to be explored with ease. Because most sites are comparatively close, walking is a good way to get around. The caveat is that streets connecting the waterfront to Citadel Hill are steep. If you’re not prepared for a nine-block uphill hike, take a bus or grab a cab. Metro Transit operates comprehensive bus and ferry services. Fares are C$2.50 per ride or C$20 for 10 tickets. MetroLink ($3) and MetroX (C$3.50) buses, which have limited stops, are designed for commuters. You'll need the exact amount because drivers don't carry change. Transfers are valid for up to 90 minutes and may be used on any route. Taxi rates begin at C$3.20 and increase by C$1.69 per kilometer (from 5% to 10% more if traffic is heavy; extra charges are made for additional passengers and bulky luggage; a crosstown trip should cost from C$7 to C$8, depending on traffic). You can usually hail a taxi downtown or pick one up at a hotel stand. Otherwise, call Casino Taxi or Yellow Cab.

Taxi and Bus Contacts

Casino Taxi. Halifax, Nova Scotia. 902/429–6666; 902/425–6666; www.casinotaxi.ns.ca.

Metro Transit. 902/490–4000; 311; www.halifax.ca/transit.

Yellow Cab. Halifax, Nova Scotia. 902/420–0000; yellowcabltd.ca.