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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Saint Simons is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Saint Simons and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Halifax is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Saint Simons is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Saint Simons different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Halifax?

Halifax is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Saint Simons or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Halifax is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Halifax Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Simons. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Halifax?

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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

Is Saint Simons or Halifax More Beautiful?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Simons is a gorgeous place to visit. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Simons or Halifax Better for Families?

Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Saint Simons or Halifax Better for Couples?

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

Saint Simons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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 Saint Simons or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is a popular place for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Saint Simons 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, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Halifax a more walkable city?

Saint Simons and Halifax both are good when exploring on foot.

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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 Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Simons and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Simons than in Halifax. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

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

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Halifax, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Halifax?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Simons has to offer.

Halifax is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Halifax?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Halifax. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Halifax is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Simons is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Halifax. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Saint Simons during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. In January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Halifax. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. Saint Simons is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Halifax. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Saint Simons