Move to the beat of music and monuments
Fly from Halifax to Washington, DC for a cultural excursion to the United States capital.
One of the best places to begin your adventure in Washington, DC is at the National Mall. Tour through the historic monuments dedicated to famous presidents in this sprawling 1,000 acre park. Also known as America’s Front Yard, the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument are popular landmarks within the park.
Surrounding the National Mall are a number of museums appealing to a wide range of interests. The National Gallery of Art contains a vast collection of fine art, including the works of Rembrandt and da Vinci. Peruse the paintings decorating the museum’s hallways or head outside to its sculpture garden.
Stroll by the captivating outdoor sculptures to the central water fountain that also serves as an ice rink during winter. Step back into the National Mall and head over to the National Museum of Natural History. You won’t want to miss a visit to this museum, home to the fabled Hope Diamond, during your trip to from Halifax to Washington, DC.
Get the full story of the capital’s jazzy history with a visit to the iconic Lincoln Theatre. The performance venue is a reminder of the swinging 1920s on the U Street Corridor. Legendary jazz musicians like hometown hero Duke Ellington once filled the theatre with catchy tunes.
If you’re looking for places to eat in Washington, DC, pop by Ben’s Chili Bowl right beside the theatre. The restaurant is a local hotspot with fans that include past presidents. Take a bite of a delicious half-smoke, a larger, better-seasoned version of the hotdog decked in savoury toppings.
Work off your meal with a bike ride along the C&O Canal Towpath. Come enjoy the canal’s quiet, leisurely atmosphere with flights from Halifax to Washington, DC.
Columbia Heights
A hub of high spirits
Dive into the budding social scene in Columbia Heights after a flight from Halifax to Washington, DC.
The recent entry of international retailers and a bevy of inviting bars in the neighbourhood have led to its revival. Columbia Heights continues to meld its historic 19th century charm with modern growth. The shaded streets are lined with colourful Federal-style row houses and well-lit restaurants where visitors can grab a drink.
Adding to Columbia Heights’ riveting personality are its residents, forming part of Washington, DC’s Hispanic community. Enjoy a magnificent cultural display at the annual Fiesta DC Latino Festival. The parade marches down Constitution Avenue near the White House. The festival has been a staple in the capital for more than 40 years.
Opt for a visit to the Mexican Cultural Institute while visiting Washington from Halifax. Housed in a 16th Street mansion and former home of the Embassy of Mexico, the building is now draped in Mexican heritage. Throughout the Institute, you’ll come across the dramatic murals of renowned Mexican painter Roberto Cueva del Río.
Artistic expression also extends into Columbia Height’s green spaces. Visit the outdoor sculptures of Joan of Arc and President James Buchanan at the Meridian Hill Park. One sight you won’t forget is the Cascading Waterfall, a water fountain that descends into a series of smaller terraces.
The serene ambiance of the park is a welcome escape from the political energy gripping the rest of Washington, DC. Another Columbia Heights retreat is the historic Tivoli Theatre. Completed in 1924, grab a seat in this Washington, DC landmark. Take in a lively Spanish-themed performance by the venue’s resident GALA Hispanic Theatre.
Catch all of the entertaining activities in Columbia Heights on your trip from Halifax to Washington, DC.
Foggy Bottom
A clear choice
Get to the bottom of Foggy Bottom’s moniker following your flight from Halifax to Washington, DC.
The origin of the name may be a lot less shocking than other Washington scandals. The neighbourhood sprang up in the mid-18th century from foggy marshes near the Potomac River. Today, it is a beautiful enclave of historic homes and iconic government buildings.
Start a tour of Foggy Bottom on the Potomac River. Jump into a kayak and paddle past Theodore Roosevelt Island and the towering marble monuments at the National Mall. Keep your eyes peeled as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts comes into view.
In the evening, the performance venue transforms into a stylish destination for drama, music and dance. Stop by for a mesmerizing performance from the National Symphony Orchestra. Or catch one of the free daily shows on its Millennium Stage.
Move away from the river and further into the neighbourhood for a clearer picture of its famous buildings. Sharing the name Foggy Bottom, the United States Department of State resides in the Harry S. Truman Building. Apart from its location, an underlying political jab may be the reason behind the nickname.
The Department of State is also a great place to visit, if you’ve made an appointment. You’ll feel like a foreign dignitary touring the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Glide through the John Quincy Adams State Drawing Room elegantly decorated with classic American furnishings.
Mosey over to the DAR Museum (which stands for Daughters of the American Revolution) \for a peek at post-colonial home décor. Explore the museum’s collection of over 30,000 preserved items. Among these is a set of Chinese porcelain dishes, highly desired by households in the 1800s.
Discover the hidden interior design secrets of Foggy Bottom when you fly from Halifax to Washington, DC.
How to get to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Porter’s check-in desk is located on the second floor, in the departures area.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is about 35 km / 24 mi from downtown Halifax.
Transportation to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Take the Metro Transit 320 bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
The Airport Express shuttle bus provides service to the airport from downtown Halifax from May 1 to October 31, with a reduced schedule from November 1 to April 30. The fare is $22 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown cost about $55 CAD.
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer services to Halifax Stanfield International Airport and can drop customers off alongside regular passengers and taxis.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Dulles
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 44 km / 28 mi from downtown Washington, DC.
Washington Dulles International Airport Transportation to Downtown
Uber and Lyft are available at Washington Dulles International Airport. Exit on the arrivals level where all ride-sharing vehicles meet travellers.
Car rental car services are available at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Take the shuttle bus from doors 2, 4, or 6 of the baggage claim area of the main terminal to get to the rental lot area.
Taxis to downtown cost about $55 USD. Car service costs about $80 USD.
The Silver Line Express shuttle bus provides service from the airport to Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station, on the Metro Silver Line. The fare is $5 USD.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
