The Best Hostels and Budget Accommodation to Book in Halifax, Nova Scotia
With three major universities and the country’s largest naval base, Halifax has a vibrant cultural scene and nightlife that includes one of the highest numbers of bars per capita in Canada. Plus, there’s no denying it: the place is darn pretty. These top hostels and budget accommodation in Halifax, Nova Scotia – bookable with Culture Trip – will ensure you have enough money left to paint the city red.
Hotel Halifax, for award-winning cuisine
Hotel
With a view to die for, at budget prices, there’s really not much more you need to know about this hotel overlooking the harbor, other than this: the rooms are spacious, the indoor pool is heated, the on-site restaurant has won awards – you have to try the desserts – and you can spend time at the nearby beer gardens and green spaces, including the grounds of the Halifax Citadel just a couple of blocks away.
Coastal Inn Halifax, for proximity to Long Lake Provincial Park
Inn
Located in the Bayer’s Lake Business Park on the western outskirts of town, this homey hotel is close to great shopping. If outdoor adventure is more your thing, the trails and swimming spots of Long Lake Provincial Park are on the other side of the interchange. Your pup will love this doggie paradise as well as the Chain of Lakes Trail and the nearby off-leash park. And you’ll love a dip the hotel’s indoor pool after a day’s exploring.
Salter’s Gate, for self-caterers
Hotel
Looking for something that’s fancier than a hostel in Halifax but need kitchen access to keep expenses low? These self-catering apartments have everything you need to feel right at home. Walk a block down the hill and you’re at the waterfront with all its eateries and shops – although you’ll find plenty of dining and drinking options by simply going downstairs. If you need to stay for a while, you can bring your furry companion, as pets are welcome upon request.
Future Inns Halifax Hotel & Conference Centre, for proximity to the Canada Games Centre
Hotel
Not much more expensive than most backpackers’ hostels in Halifax, this hotel is only about a 15-minute drive from downtown. The sports facilities of the Canada Games Centre are so close you could walk there in the time it would take to get everyone on the bus. If you want to bring your pooch for the weekend, no problem: after frolicking in the off-leash dog park only a short walk away, you’ll be right on time for brunch at the on-site restaurant.
Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel Halifax, for a dog-friendly vacation
Chain Hotel
As you can tell, quite a few Halifax budget hotels are pet-friendly, and this hotel takes it up a notch: the welcome ambassador of the canine persuasion is as much of an attraction as the arcade games or the lake outside. Speaking of the lake: if it’s sunny out, skip the indoor pool and go have an outdoor splash. Otherwise, watch from a dry distance while you have a drink and a bite to eat on the patio.
Comfort Hotel Bayer’s Lake, for easy driving access to attractions
Hotel
If Halifax is a stop on your road trip, this hotel makes for a straightforward yet comfortable base. Downtown is about 15 minutes’ drive to the east; Peggy’s Cove is a little over half an hour to the southwest. There are lakes and forest trails within walking distance, too. Then there’s the shopping: you’re in the heart of Bayer’s Lake Business Park, where you can stock up on all the supplies you need.
Château Bedford Hotel & Suites, for proximity to good restaurants
Budget Hotel, Suite Hotel, Hotel
Need to stay for a while? This hotel is within minutes of some of the best shopping and dining in Halifax and about 15 minutes from downtown. It’s less than 2km (1mi) to the seashore, too. After filling your belly and maxing out your credit card, you can go for a hike in Hemlock Ravine Park a stone’s throw away. On the way back, pick up some groceries next door before a refreshing dip in the pool and a cozy night in.
Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax, for great rooftop views
Hotel
Budget accommodation in Halifax doesn’t get much more conveniently located than this: just check out those views from the rooftop to remind yourself that you’re not far from Citadel Hill and halfway between Halifax Public Gardens and the waterfront. Have you overdone it in the city’s famed beer gardens? Sweating it out in the hot tub and a snack from the lobby will soon have you right as Halifax rain.
For more options in Nova Scotia, discover the best hotels in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where else you can stay in Halifax. Or why not stretch the budget a little further with our guide to the best boutique hotels in Halifax – all bookable on Culture Trip.