A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Hope vs. Halifax for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Hope or Halifax?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hope and Halifax can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hope

Hope is a small, friendly, and local town. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Halifax travel costs.

Hope and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Hope or Halifax?

Both Halifax and Hope have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Hope is more popular for its hiking, while Halifax is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Hope is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo." Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Hope different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hope
Halifax

Halifax is very good for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

Halifax is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


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

Hope
Halifax

Halifax is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Hope or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Hope
Halifax

Halifax is very good for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Halifax has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Hope or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Hope
Halifax

Hope 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 Hope. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hope or Halifax?

Hope
Halifax

Halifax is very good for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Halifax. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Hope or Halifax Better for Families?

Hope
Halifax

Hope 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.

Hope is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

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 Hope or Halifax Better for Couples?

Hope
Halifax

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

Hope makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful 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 Hope or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hope
Halifax

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

Hope is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

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

Hope
Halifax

Halifax is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope is not known for its public transit.

While Halifax offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Hope or Halifax a more walkable city?

Hope
Halifax

Halifax is very good for its walkability. However, Hope is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.


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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Hope?

How long in Hope or Halifax?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Halifax than Hope. 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 Hope 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 Hope or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hope 2-3 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Hope or Halifax?

In Hope, you'll find . 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Halifax. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Hope or Halifax?

In Hope, 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 Hope has to offer.

Halifax is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Hope or Halifax?

Hope 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Halifax. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Hope or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hope. Many people enjoy the when visiting Hope. 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 cultural city of Halifax offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Hope?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hope is $47, 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 Hope and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hope $8.89
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hope $18
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Hope and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Hope 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 Hope


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: Hope Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hope -
    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 Hope or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Hope 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
    Hope $38
    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.
    Hope -
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Hope

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hope.

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

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
    Hope $10
    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 Hope and Halifax, we can see that Halifax is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Halifax would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Halifax than you might in Hope.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hope Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hope or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Hope 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 Hope 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 Hope or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hope and Halifax. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hope this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences.

Hope is around the same temperature as Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Hope averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Hope usually receives less rain than Halifax. Hope gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hope 18°C (64°F) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hope or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hope as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Hope for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hope is around the same temperature as Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hope in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Hope receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hope usually gets more rain in October than Halifax. Hope gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hope 10°C (51°F) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hope or Halifax in the Winter?

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

Halifax can be very cold during winter. Hope can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hope is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Hope average around 3°C (37°F), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. It's quite rainy in Hope. In January, Hope usually receives more rain than Halifax. Hope gets 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hope 3°C (37°F) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Hope or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Hope during the spring are popular places to visit.

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. Hope is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Hope averages around 9°C (49°F) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hope. Hope usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Halifax. Hope gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hope 9°C (49°F) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Hope

Hope Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 201 mm (7.9 in) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 164 mm (6.4 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 9°C (49°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 217 mm (8.5 in) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)