Introduction
Bordered between Quinpool Road in the north, Morris Street in the south, and stretching from South Park Street to the harbour in the east, Downtown Halifax is the heart of the city. This neighbourhood is one of Canada's signature port communities, and it offers attractions such as Halifax City Hall, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and a celebrated waterfront.
Lifestyle
Downtown Halifax offers a spectacular mix of old and new. The rich history of the waterfront’s Historic Properties – featuring some of the city's oldest buildings dating back as far as 1790 – is only steps away from the stylish boutiques and trendy restaurants of Spring Garden and Barrington streets. This neighbourhood offers an opportunity to see Halifax as the seaside settlement it once was and the global city it has become.
The Vibe
Downtown Halifax puts you right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a major Canadian city. A tourism hotspot with over 200 restaurants, you’ll find the Halifax International Busker Festival here during the summer. This area is Atlantic Canada’s chief financial district and is also home to the Nova Scotia Legislature, so it’s a good mixture of work and leisure.
Meet the Neighbours
The population of Downtown Halifax is diverse, but consists mostly of singles and couples of various ages who don't have children. Residents here mostly speak English, but there's also a small French-speaking part of the community. Students frequent the numerous bars and pubs when class is in session, but often they’re back on campus by morning. According to 2006 figures reported by Global News, the average income was $41,275.
In the Area
Residents live in close proximity to the Halifax Citadel, a national historic site with plenty of walking space and a spectacular view, along with Citadel High School. For the hockey fan, there’s Scotiabank Centre, home to the CHL's Halifax Mooseheads. There’s also the $57.6 million Halifax Central Library, completed in 2014, which features a 300-seat auditorium, two cafes, and more books than you’ll know what do with.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The area is easily accessible by foot, car, bus, or ferry. Numerous Halifax Transit lines travel down Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road for easy transport throughout the city. The Halifax Ferry Terminal is right on the waterfront, providing you with a calm and picturesque trip to nearby Dartmouth on North America’s oldest salt-water ferry.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
While Downtown Halifax has a rich and vibrant history, its development in recent years hasn’t been nearly as notable. Some businesses have vacated and fewer people are moving to the area. The Halifax Chamber of Commerce has taken note, however, and numerous new developments like the luxurious Nova Centre are under construction.
Dollars & Sense
For an area that contains a financial district, Downtown Halifax is surprisingly affordable. The middle class integrates nicely with wealthy professionals and downtown tourists, resulting in a variety of options to suit your budget. Whether you want the glitz and glamour of the Prince George Hotel or a pint at Durty Nelly’s, the downtown core has got you covered.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Halifax Central Library
Opened in December of 2014, the new and improved Halifax Central Library has undergone a $57.6 million makeover. Five floors literally stacked with fun for the whole family.
more infoArt Gallery of Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada’s largest art gallery has over 15,000 pieces in its permanent collection, featuring artists with strong ties to Nova Scotia as well as an always eclectic schedule of new exhibitions.
more infoNeptune Theatre
Featuring the largest professional theatre company in Atlantic Canada, the Neptune Theatre, is where you want to go to take in a show for a night on the town.
more infoStillwell
A great place to check out if you want to peruse what Halifax has to offer in regards to craft beers. Come for the wide selection of brews, stay for the late-night pinball.
more infoBiscuit General Store
This is retro-inspired clothing/home decor/everything else store is a real staple of the community. You can bet there’s going to be something here that grabs your attention.
more infoHalifax Waterfront
Home of Halifax’s beautiful Harbourwalk, a seaside boardwalk with shops, restaurants and events like the Halifax International Busker Festival; there’s always something worth checking out down by the water.
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