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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Wisconsin Dells and Halifax are popular destinations, Wisconsin Dells has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wisconsin Dells is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Halifax attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also well known for Noah's Ark Water Park. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


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

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Halifax both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

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.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

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.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

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

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Halifax is not a resort destination.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

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

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

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

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Halifax Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Halifax Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Halifax make for a nice place to visit.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Halifax is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city 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 Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Halifax a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells
Halifax

Halifax is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options 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.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4 
    Halifax 2-3

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

In Wisconsin Dells, 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.

The cultural destination of Halifax offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find food and nightlife. 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 Wisconsin Dells has to offer.

The city of Halifax offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

Wisconsin Dells 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.

Halifax is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Halifax. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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

  • Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wisconsin Dells $174
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $174, 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 Wisconsin Dells and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wisconsin Dells $70
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wisconsin Dells $140
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells


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: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $35
    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 Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $74
    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.
    Wisconsin Dells $46
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

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
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
    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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wisconsin Dells and Halifax, we can see that Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wisconsin Dells is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 74°F (24°C), 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 Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In the summer, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the shopping scene during these months.

Wisconsin Dells is a little warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 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, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Halifax. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Wisconsin Dells during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells 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. Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in January average around 19°F (-7°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 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. Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Halifax.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the spring. In April, Wisconsin Dells is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 49°F (10°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 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, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Halifax. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)