It’s smooth sailing ahead when you book a flight from Ottawa to Halifax.
From the remnants of forts in Point Pleasant Park, to the Victorian-era design of the Halifax Public Gardens, Halifax balances history with its scenery. Whether you’re standing at the top of Citadel Hill, or looking up at the Halifax Citadel from downtown, the city is full of picturesque views from the past.
At the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, you can learn more about the sea that built this city. On Pier 21, the Canadian Museum of Immigration commemorates the stories of those who made the country their home.
For a pint of the past, pay a visit to the Alexander Keith’s Brewery. Founded in 1820, the tastings and tours offered by the brewery are part of a tasty tradition. Raise a glass to Keith, who served three terms as mayor of Halifax, during your time at his brewery.
Alexander Keith’s legacy is carried on in Halifax’s many bars and pubs. These spirited drinking spots are famous for their live music. While you’re visiting from Ottawa, one of the best things to do in Halifax is spend the evening in a pub, listening to new music with new friends.
When it comes to Halifax’s restaurants, location is key. The Atlantic Ocean is right next door to Halifax, so seafood is always a catch. At the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, you can go behind the scenes of your seafood and come face to face with the fish and fishermen that make Halifax famous.
With a visit to Peggy’s Cove, you can get even closer to the source of this city’s seafood. This working fishing village makes for the perfect day trip from Halifax. Keep a lookout for the historic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, which illuminates the Atlantic landscape.
Looking out at the seascapes of the city, it’s easy to understand why Halifax inspires so many artists. At the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, see the city through local artists’ eyes by going through this gallery. After looking through this collection, you’ll be planning your next trip from Ottawa to Halifax.
The community is a point of pride for Halifax’s North End. Maritime Hospitality is taken seriously in this neighbourhood.
Before the Halifax Explosion, this area was an economic hub of the city. In the aftermath of the disaster, the North End’s story is one of struggle and reinvention. In its most recent transformation, the North End has become an artistic hub.
Writers, musicians, and painters have found their home and inspiration in this neighbourhood. The North End’s role as a creative haven has added to the local colour.
Even though there are many art galleries, these buildings can’t contain the artistic spirit of the North End. From backyards to brick walls, the whole neighbourhood acts as a canvas for creativity. Crossing the threshold of the gallery door, you’ll find art everywhere. Take a walk down Gottingen Street to see the latest masterpiece mural, just watch out for cyclists.
In the North End, the houses are as colourful as the community. A walk along Agricola Street and North Park Street will treat you to candy coloured houses ranging for cherry red, to lemon yellow, to mint green.
Recently, the North End has become home to a new wave of residents. Students and startups have begun to call the neighbourhood home, giving the North End a cooler vibe. Though places like Cousin’s Restaurant continue to serve up comfort food, trendier restaurants are starting to pop up. With this shift, the North End is changing, but the close-knit community isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
When you head east from Ottawa to Halifax, make sure to head north and check out the charming North End.
Spend minutes getting to a park with hours of activities.
When you travel from Ottawa to Halifax, you’ll naturally to want to see some of the Nova Scotian wilderness. Only a 15-minute drive from downtown, escaping to Long Lake Provincial Park from the city doesn’t take long.
The lake that gives the park its name is also one of its best features. While its name may seem intimidating, a series of trails make the lake’s length easily walkable. Stay on the path by foot or by bike, or take to the water by canoe or kayak. When the weather’s warm, there’s no better way to cool off than jumping right in.
Witherod Lake is another spot that’s well worth the visit. With Lakeview Trail circling the whole shore, you’ll have plenty of angles to choose from when taking pictures of this scenic little lake.
The mixed and deciduous forests of this park are popular with many photographers. See for yourself by going off the paved path. The park boasts 2000 hectares of protected wilderness.
It’s a short drive to Long Lake Provincial Park, but you can easily spend the whole day exploring. Five times as large as Central Park, there’s a bounty of natural beauty to behold. When you’re visiting from Ottawa to Halifax, get out of the city, without going far, in Long Lake Provincial Park.
Fly non-stop from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). Ottawa to Halifax flight time is 1 hour and 50 minutes on average. The distance from Ottawa to Halifax is 960 km / 595 mi.
While onboard, sit back, relax, and enjoy our free drinks and snacks.
Porter’s check-in desk is on the third floor, in the departures area.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown Ottawa.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Take the OC Transpo 97 Airport / Bayshore and Bells bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.65 CAD.
Taxis to Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) from downtown cost about $35 CAD. Car service costs about $90 CAD.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is about 35 km / 24 mi from downtown Halifax.
Take the Metro Transit 320 bus from the airport stop. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
Car rental services are available at the airport parkade, on the lower level of Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ).
Taxi and car service to downtown cost about $55 CAD.
The Airport Express shuttle bus provides service from the airport to downtown, during the summer months. The fare is $22 CAD.