A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acadia National Park vs. Halifax for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Halifax?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Halifax, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Halifax?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Acadia National Park than Halifax, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Acadia National Park is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Halifax is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Also, Acadia National Park is famous for Cadillac Mountain. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Acadia National Park different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Halifax?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halifax. 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.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.


Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Halifax is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Halifax. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Acadia National Park or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park has a beach worth visiting. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Halifax is not a beach destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Halifax?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Halifax has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Halifax More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

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

Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Acadia National Park or Halifax Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

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 Acadia National Park or Halifax Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Acadia National Park and Halifax are both notable to visit as a couple.

Acadia National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Halifax is a nice destination for couples. 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 Acadia National Park or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Acadia National Park and Halifax are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Halifax is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.


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

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Halifax has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Is Acadia National Park or Halifax a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable city. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Halifax. In our opinion, Halifax has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Halifax than Acadia National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Acadia National Park 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 Halifax.


  • How many days in Acadia National Park or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Acadia National Park or Halifax?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Halifax. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Acadia National Park or Halifax?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer.

Halifax is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Acadia National Park or Halifax?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people visit Halifax for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Halifax. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. 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.

The historical destination of Halifax offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Acadia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acadia National Park $206
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $206, 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 Acadia National Park and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park 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 Acadia National Park


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: Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Halifax $17

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 Acadia National Park or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Acadia National Park 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
    Acadia National Park $78
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

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: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Halifax $28

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: $107
  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • From Peggy's Cove Bus Tour: $75
  • Halifax City Sightseeing by Private a/c vehicle: $151
  • Halifax Guided Driving Tour with Sunset at Peggy’s Cove: $64
  • Halifax Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $92
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • 2-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Tour: $94
  • 2-Hour Sea-Doo Sightseeing Tour: $254
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Georges Island Kayak Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Halifax $15

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: $168
  • The Classic Vintage Car Wine Tour: $206


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



When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park 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 Acadia National Park or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

In the summer, Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acadia National Park in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Halifax. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Acadia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In October, Acadia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Halifax. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 48°F (9°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Halifax. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park is much colder than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Halifax. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acadia National Park in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)