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

Should you visit Lancaster or Halifax?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster 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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lancaster travel costs.

Halifax

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

Lancaster and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lancaster than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Lancaster, Lancaster has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lancaster is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Halifax is more popular for its nightlife. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community. Also, Lancaster is famous for Bird-in-Hand Village. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Lancaster different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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 Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Halifax?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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

Is Lancaster or Halifax More Beautiful?

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

Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lancaster or Halifax Better for Families?

Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly destination. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

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 Lancaster or Halifax Better for Couples?

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

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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 Lancaster or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

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

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Halifax is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster 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 generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Lancaster or Halifax a more walkable city?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

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

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Halifax?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lancaster or Halifax?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Halifax. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Lancaster or Halifax?

In Lancaster, 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 Lancaster has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Halifax. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 Lancaster or Halifax?

Lancaster 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Halifax. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lancaster or Halifax?

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

Halifax is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, 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 Lancaster and Halifax, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Halifax. The summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

In the summer, Lancaster is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lancaster in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Halifax. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lancaster or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Halifax. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In October, Lancaster is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 56°F (13°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Lancaster usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lancaster or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, 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 Lancaster. Lancaster is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Halifax. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lancaster or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Lancaster during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Lancaster is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lancaster in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. In the spring, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Lancaster gets 237 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. Lancaster usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Lancaster