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

Should you visit Roanoke or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Roanoke 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.

Roanoke and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Roanoke than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Roanoke, Roanoke has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Roanoke is better known for its hiking, while Halifax is more popular for its food. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, Roanoke is famous for the Roanoke Star. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Roanoke different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Halifax and Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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.

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

Halifax is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Halifax is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Roanoke and Halifax.

If you're looking for night time activities Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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 Roanoke or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Halifax?

If you're looking to go shopping, Roanoke and Halifax both offer plenty of notable spots.

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Halifax is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Roanoke or Halifax Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Roanoke or Halifax.

Roanoke offers lots of family activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Halifax is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Roanoke or Halifax Better for Couples?

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

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Halifax are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Halifax is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Halifax is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Roanoke or Halifax a more walkable city?

Halifax is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Roanoke and Halifax. In our opinion, Halifax has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Halifax than Roanoke. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

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

In Roanoke, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Roanoke or Halifax?

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer.

In Halifax, 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 Halifax has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Halifax?

Roanoke 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.

Halifax 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.

A week in Roanoke or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Roanoke. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Halifax. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Roanoke is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°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 Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of rain as Halifax. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Roanoke is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Roanoke usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Roanoke 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. Roanoke can be very cold during winter. Roanoke is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°C) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during winter. Roanoke gets 165 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, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Halifax. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Halifax in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In the spring, Roanoke is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the spring, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Roanoke gets 246 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. Roanoke usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Roanoke