A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hershey vs. Halifax for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Hershey or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Halifax? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums. See Hershey travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Hershey and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Hershey or Halifax?

Both Halifax and Hershey have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Hershey is more popular for its resorts, while Halifax is known for its food and nightlife. Hershey is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Hershey different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hershey or Halifax?

Hershey
Halifax

Both Hershey and Halifax have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.


Is the Food Better in Hershey or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hershey
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Halifax offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Hershey or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Hershey
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Hershey or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Hershey
Halifax

Hershey is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Halifax?

Hershey
Halifax

Shopping is a popular activity in both Halifax and Hershey.

Hershey is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Halifax. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Hershey or Halifax Better for Families?

Hershey
Halifax

Hershey is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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 Hershey or Halifax Better for Couples?

Hershey
Halifax

Hershey is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Hershey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Hershey or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hershey
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

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

Hershey
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Hershey or Halifax a more walkable city?

Hershey
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Hershey is generally not a very walkable town. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.


For even more information, also check out Is Hershey Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hershey and Halifax. In our opinion, Halifax has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Halifax than Hershey. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Hershey 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 Hershey or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hershey 2-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Hershey or Halifax?

In Hershey, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Halifax, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hershey or Halifax?

In Hershey, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hershey has to offer.

In Halifax, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Halifax has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Halifax?

Hershey is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Halifax is a great place to explore. 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.


A week in Hershey or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Halifax. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Hershey?

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

  • Hershey Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hershey $257
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Hershey is $257, 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 Hershey and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hershey $114
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hershey $228
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Hershey and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Hershey 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 Hershey


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: Hershey Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hershey $49
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

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 Hershey or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Hershey 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
    Hershey $105
    Halifax $54
Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hershey

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hershey.

  • Hershey Trolley Crawl and Evening Food Tour on a Vintage Trolley: $20
  • Hershey Trolley Food Tour Experience: $99
  • Rise and Dine Food Tour in Vintage Style Trolley: $99

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.
    Hershey $53
    Halifax $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Harrisburg's Historic Downtown Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75

Tours and Activities in Halifax

For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • Georges Island National Historic Site Ferry Ticket: $16
  • Happy Hour Cruise with Live Music: $21
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Multiple Options: $29
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Party Cruise on the Harbour Queen: $42
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise with Live Music: $42
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $56
  • Signature Adventure Sail: $56
  • Solar Waterfront Food/Drink Party Bike Experience: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hershey $27
    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


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


Which is Bigger, Hershey or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Halifax, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Hershey or Halifax?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hershey or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Hershey is a little warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In the summer, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Hershey gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hershey 77°F (25°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hershey or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hershey is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hershey in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Hershey gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Hershey usually receives less rain than Halifax. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hershey 56°F (13°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hershey or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Hershey during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Halifax because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Hershey can be very cold during winter. In January, Hershey is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 30°F (-1°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Hershey gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hershey usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Hershey or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Halifax.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. Hershey is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Hershey gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hershey usually receives less rain than Halifax. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hershey 53°F (12°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Hershey

Hershey Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)