A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marathon vs. Halifax for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Marathon or Halifax?

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

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

Marathon

Marathon is a beautiful, relaxing, and quaint island. Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Marathon travel costs.

Halifax

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

Marathon and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Marathon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Halifax is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Marathon is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. It is also home to The Dolphin Research Center. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Marathon different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Halifax offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

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 Marathon or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Marathon and Halifax.

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

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.

Is Marathon or Halifax Better for Resorts?

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

Marathon is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Marathon. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Halifax?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Halifax More Beautiful?

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

Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Halifax Better for Families?

Marathon 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.

Marathon is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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 Marathon or Halifax Better for Couples?

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

Marathon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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 Marathon or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Marathon 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, Marathon is not a good destination 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Halifax a more walkable city?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Halifax. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halifax than Marathon 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 Marathon or Halifax?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Halifax offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Halifax?

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Halifax is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Halifax, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Halifax?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Halifax is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Halifax is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki 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 Marathon and Halifax, we can see that Marathon 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 Marathon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marathon 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 Marathon Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon or Halifax in the Summer?

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

Marathon is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marathon usually receives less rain than Halifax. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Halifax in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the autumn, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Marathon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Halifax. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marathon for 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. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Marathon gets 252 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, Marathon usually receives less rain than Halifax. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Halifax in the Spring?

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

Halifax can be very cold during spring. Marathon is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the spring, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Marathon gets 326 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. Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Marathon