Another side to the maritimes
It’s smooth sailing ahead, when you fly from St. John’s to Halifax.
This maritime metropolis is awash with activities, with variety of cultural events throughout the year. Whether you’re feasting on lobster or singing along to a sea shanty, you can choose from a bounty of things during your trip from St. John’s to Halifax.
Stay by the shore for some of Halifax’s premier museums. Peer into Pier 21 to find the Canadian Museum of Immigration, which shares the stories of Canada’s immigrants, from past to present.
At the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the seascapes of the city are framed by the province’s prominent artists. For a window into the way waves and tides are tied to the city’s history, set a course for the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
The Halifax Citadel watches out over the Halifax harbour from its vantage point in the middle of downtown. Dating back to 1856, the Citadel is a key piece of Halifax’s military heritage. Historical reenactments and guided tours will take you back in time at this National Historic Site of Canada.
History takes a tasty turn in the Alexander Keith’s Brewery, which has been brewing beers for thirsty Haligonians for around 200 years. After a pint of the past at Alexander Keith’s Brewery, take a bite out of Halifax’s extensive seafood offerings. With lobster, fish, and shellfish on almost every menu, Halifax’s restaurants are always cooking up the catch of the day.
Walk off your meal in one of Halifax’s parks. From the Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens, to Canada’s oldest urban park, the Halifax Common, Halifax’s parks are equal parts scenic and historic. Whether you stick to city gardens, or make your way to the parks surrounding the city, you’ll find plenty of serene green spaces to stretch your legs in before flying back to St. John’s.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Nova Scotia’s natural wonders
Escape into Nova Scotia’s nature in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Take the scenic route from Halifax to Cape Breton Island, with a ride along the Cabot Trail. Wrapping along the Cape Breton coastline, this road overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, with dramatic vistas of the crashing waves far, far below. One third of this highway runs through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, providing you a path into the natural beauty of this National Park.
Situated on the northern end of Cape Breton, this National Park covers around 20 per cent of the island’s area. From the heights of its towering cliffs, to the depths of its river canyons, Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s landscape is always awe-inspiring. With thick woods throughout the plateau of ancient Appalachian Mountains, this park is stunning in every season.
Amidst the maples, birches, and spruce, a variety of animal inhabitants make their homes in the park. Keep your camera ready for bald eagles overhead and giant moose below. If you stroll along the park’s coastline, you may just spot pilot and minke whales swimming through the waves.
While you can easily make your own way along hiking trails that run the park’s perimeter, several special guided hikes can enhance your experience. Wander through lush meadows and forests on the Skyline Sunset Trail, before watching the sun dip below the Atlantic from a high headland.
After dark, the Lantern Walk leads you down historical routes used by the Mi’kmaq people and early settlers to Cape Breton. On the Night Hike, you’ll trek along the starlit Warren Trail, as guides give you a glimpse into the park’s nocturnal life.
Settle in for the night in one of Cape Breton Highlands’ many overnight options, to rest up for another amazing day on your trip from St. John’s.
South End
Pupils on the peninsula
After your flight from St. John’s lands, study up on Halifax’s most educational neighbourhood in the South End.
With both the St. Mary’s University and Dalhousie University campuses in this Halifax neighbourhood, backpacks are a must-have accessory in the South End. You don’t have to be enrolled in either educational institution to enjoy the benefits of these well-read establishments; as some of the most prominent performers in Atlantic Canada grace the stage of the Dal Arts Centre’s Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.
If you’re feeling inspired in the midst of all this higher learning, head to the Halifax Central Library. While you can always settle in with a good book in this glass library, the music, a First Nations reading circle, and theatre provide alternative ways to enjoy this community space. Designed as a communal living room for Halifax, this modern library combines literature with culture. For even more educational attractions, journey to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax Citadel Historic Site, or Museum of Natural History, all situated within the South End.
The South End’s parks are sure to attract even the most studious St. John’s visitors. From the Halifax Commons in the north of the neighbourhood, to Point Pleasant Park at the southern tip, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in the South End. The stately Victorian designs of the serene Halifax Public Gardens can provide you with a piece of peace during a busy visit from St. John’s.
As you trek your way through the South End’s shores, this Halifax neighbourhood will leave you hooked.
How to get to St. John’s International Airport (YYT)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
St. John’s International Airport (YYT) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown St. John’s.
Transportation to St. John’s International Airport
Taxis from downtown cost about $25 CAD.
The Metrobus route 14 from downtown St. John’s costs $2.50 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
St. John’s International Airport Parking
Driving to St. John’s International Airport? There are three parking options at St. John’s Airport close to the terminal. Choose from short-term parking for $2 CAD per half hour, long-term parking for a daily maximum rate of $16 CAD or weekly rate of $80 CAD, or Gold Pass Parking with a monthly fee of $120 CAD (requires a minimum 6-month contract). Pre-pay options are available at the six pre-pay stations in the Airport Terminal Building.
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 Halifax
You have options for transportation to downtown Halifax from Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ).
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is about 35 km / 24 mi from downtown Halifax.
Halifax Airport Transportation to Downtown
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.
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.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
