A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Olympic National Park vs. Halifax for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Olympic National Park or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Olympic National Park and Halifax are popular destinations, Olympic National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Olympic National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Halifax attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also well known for the Hoh Rain Forest. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Olympic National Park different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Olympic National Park or Halifax?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Olympic National Park and Halifax.

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halifax. 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 Olympic National Park or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

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.

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Olympic National Park or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Olympic National Park or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

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

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Olympic National Park or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Olympic National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Olympic National Park or Halifax?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

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

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Olympic National Park or Halifax More Beautiful?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

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

Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Olympic National Park or Halifax Better for Families?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

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 Olympic National Park or Halifax Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

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

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Olympic National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Olympic National Park. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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


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

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Olympic National Park or Halifax a more walkable city?

Olympic National Park
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Olympic National Park?

How long in Olympic National Park or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Olympic National Park and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than in Halifax. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Olympic National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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


  • How many days in Olympic National Park or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Olympic National Park 2-5 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Olympic National Park or Halifax?

In Olympic National Park, you'll find museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Halifax, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Olympic National Park or Halifax?

In Olympic National Park, you'll find museums. 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 Olympic National Park has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Olympic National Park or Halifax?

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Halifax is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Olympic National Park or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Olympic National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Halifax. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Olympic National Park?

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

  • Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Olympic National Park $150
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Olympic National Park is $150, 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 Olympic National Park and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Olympic National Park $49
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Olympic National Park $98
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Olympic National Park and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park


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: Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Olympic National Park $68
    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 Olympic National Park or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Olympic National Park 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
    Olympic National Park $61
    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.
    Olympic National Park $26
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Olympic National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Olympic National Park: $20

Tours and Activities in Halifax

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

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • Georges Island National Historic Site Ferry Ticket: $16
  • Happy Hour Cruise with Live Music: $21
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Multiple Options: $29
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Party Cruise on the Harbour Queen: $42
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise with Live Music: $42
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $56
  • Signature Adventure Sail: $56
  • Solar Waterfront Food/Drink Party Bike Experience: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Olympic National Park $5.57
    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 comparing the travel costs between Olympic National Park and Halifax, we can see that Olympic National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Halifax in the Summer?

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

In July, Olympic National Park is generally cooler than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 60°F (15°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Halifax, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Olympic National Park. In the summer, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Olympic National Park gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Olympic National Park and Halifax. Many visitors come to Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is around the same temperature as Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 51°F (10°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Olympic National Park gets 113 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Halifax. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Olympic National Park as well as Halifax. Most visitors come to Olympic National Park 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. Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Olympic National Park is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Olympic National Park in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Olympic National Park gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in January than Halifax. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Halifax in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In April, Olympic National Park is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 47°F (8°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Olympic National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax during spring. Olympic National Park gets 148 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. It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. In April, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Halifax. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)