A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hood River vs. Halifax for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hood River or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Hood River 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Hood River travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Hood River and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Hood River or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hood River. Although Hood River and Halifax are popular destinations, Hood River has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hood River is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Halifax attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Hood River is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also well known for Multnomah Falls. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Hood River different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hood River or Halifax Better for Skiing?

Hood River
Halifax

Hood River is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Halifax is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Halifax is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hood River or Halifax?

Hood River
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Hood River
Halifax

Hood River is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hood River. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. 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.

Is Hood River or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Hood River
Halifax

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Hood River and Halifax.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

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.


Is Hood River or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Hood River
Halifax

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hood River or Halifax?

Hood River
Halifax

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Hood River and Halifax.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hood River. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Many visitors go to Halifax to go shopping. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Hood River or Halifax More Beautiful?

Hood River
Halifax

Hood River is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Hood River or Halifax Better for Families?

Hood River
Halifax

Hood River 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.

Hood River is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River or Halifax Better for Couples?

Hood River
Halifax

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

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River
Halifax

Hood River is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Hood River is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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


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

Hood River
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Hood River or Halifax a more walkable city?

Hood River
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Hood River?

How long in Hood River or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River than Halifax 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in Hood River or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hood River 2-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Hood River or Halifax?

In Hood River, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Halifax, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Hood River or Halifax?

In Hood River, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Hood River has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Halifax, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Hood River or Halifax?

Hood River 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.

Halifax, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Hood River or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hood River. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Hood River. 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.

Halifax is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical 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 Hood River?

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

  • Hood River Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hood River $174
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Hood River is $174, 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 Hood River and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hood River $78
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hood River $156
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Hood River and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Hood River 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 Hood River


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: Hood River Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hood River $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 Hood River or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Hood River 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
    Hood River $70
    Halifax $54

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.
    Hood River $18
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Hood River

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

  • Columbia Gorge Kayak Tour: $100
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $179

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
    Hood River $19
    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 Hood River and Halifax, we can see that Hood River 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 Hood River would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hood River 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 Hood River Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hood River or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hood River 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 Hood River 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 Hood River or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Hood River are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hood River is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Hood River average around 68°F (20°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Halifax. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. Hood River usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Hood River gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hood River usually receives less rain than Halifax. Hood River gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hood River 68°F (20°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Hood River during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

Hood River is a little warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hood River averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Hood River often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax. Hood River gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hood River usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Hood River gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hood River 55°F (13°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hood River and Halifax. Most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Hood River can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hood River is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hood River in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

Hood River usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during winter. Hood River gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hood River usually receives around the same amount of rain as Halifax. Hood River gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hood River 40°F (4°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hood River as well as Halifax. The spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In April, Hood River is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Hood River average around 51°F (11°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In the spring, Hood River often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Hood River gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Hood River usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Hood River gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hood River 51°F (11°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Hood River

Hood River Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)