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

Should you visit Juneau or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Juneau 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a scenic, breathtaking, and historic city. Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Juneau travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Halifax travel costs.

Juneau and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Juneau or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Juneau. Although Juneau and Halifax are popular destinations, Juneau has more sights and attractions for tourists. Juneau is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Halifax attracts visitors for its nightlife. Juneau is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also well known for the Mendenhall Glacier. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Juneau different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Juneau is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Juneau can be an interesting and educational experience. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State 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 Juneau or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Juneau 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 Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Juneau or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Halifax is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Juneau or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Juneau is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Juneau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Halifax?

Juneau is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Juneau or Halifax More Beautiful?

Juneau is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Juneau or Halifax Better for Families?

Juneau 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.

Juneau is a very family-friendly destination. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

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 Juneau or Halifax Better for Couples?

Juneau is renowned for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Juneau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Juneau is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

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

Halifax is a popular place for its public transit. However, Juneau is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Juneau or Halifax a more walkable city?

Juneau is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Juneau?

How long in Juneau or Halifax?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau 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 Juneau.

One day in Juneau or Halifax?

In Juneau, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Halifax. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Juneau or Halifax?

In Juneau, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Juneau has to offer.

Halifax is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Juneau or Halifax?

Juneau 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Juneau or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Juneau. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Halifax. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

Which is Bigger, Juneau or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Juneau 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 Juneau 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 Juneau or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Juneau during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Juneau is generally cooler than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 56°F (13°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Halifax, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. Juneau usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Halifax. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Halifax. Many visitors come to Juneau 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.

Juneau is much colder than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 42°F (6°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Juneau gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Juneau usually receives more rain than Halifax. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Juneau or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Halifax. Most visitors come to Juneau for 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. Juneau can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Juneau is around the same temperature as Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Juneau in January average around 24°F (-4°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Juneau gets 87 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Juneau receives a lot of rain in the winter. Juneau usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Juneau because of the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. The weather in Juneau can be very cold. In April, Juneau is generally around the same temperature as Halifax. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 40°F (4°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Juneau usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In April, Juneau usually receives less rain than Halifax. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Juneau