What is it like to move to and live in Halifax?
For this article, I’m interviewing Kamila who moved to Halifax several years ago. She’ll share both personal experiences and practical tips for anyone who is interested in living in Halifax, or living in Nova Scotia in general.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the city and country the expat now lives in.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Name: Kamila
Age: 31
Hometown: a small village in northern Slovakia near the Polish borders
Her Story:
”I worked as a flight attendant for Emirates Airlines, was based in Dubai, and traveled to 50+ countries before moving to Canada.
Although working as a flight attendant and exploring the world was fun, after three years of sleepless nights, it was time for change. That’s when I heard about working holiday visas in Canada.
It’s a type of visa that allows young people (below 30 or 35, depending on the country of citizenship) from certain countries to live and work in Canada for a year. If you come from the UK, Ireland, Portugal, New Zealand, or Australia, you can get a work permit for up to 2 years.
This visa provides an opportunity to work and travel in Canada. It’s only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I always felt drawn to Canada, so I decided to apply.
Luckily, my partner was on the same page, so we applied together and were both granted the work permits.
Initially, Canada was supposed to be only a one-year adventure, but we loved it here so much that we ended up applying for permanent residency.”
Why Did You Move to Halifax?
”For the first 3 years in Canada, we lived in beautiful Canmore in the Canadian Rockies, close to the iconic Banff National Park, and later, we decided to move to Halifax. Why? Simply because we wanted to get a full taste of Canada and explore as much of the country as possible.
That’s also one of the reasons why we did a 6000km cross-country road trip this summer. It was an unforgettable experience to see the diversity of landscapes and cities across Canada.
One of the main appeals of moving to Halifax was the proximity to the ocean and Europe compared to Alberta, where we lived before. Also, the real estate prices are more competitive here.”
What Do You Like About Living in Halifax?
What I like about Halifax is its climate. The winters in Halifax are pretty mild compared to the rest of the country. However, it does get very foggy and rainy here in winter.
The city is home to multiple universities, so there are many young people here and trendy cafes and bars to hang out.
Halifax is also a historic city that had one of the first European settlers in Canada. The city has cultural ties with Scottish, English, Irish and French. Many residential neighborhoods still have beautiful old Victorian houses.
I love that Halifax is surrounded by the ocean and beaches, and it has a laid-back atmosphere.
The fresh seafood here is delicious and readily available. Nova Scotia is primarily known for its lobster.
People in Nova Scotia are very friendly, welcoming, and engaging, which is another big plus of living in Halifax.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Halifax?
”What I dislike about Halifax is public transportation. For a start, if you want to buy a ticket directly on the bus, they only accept cash and can’t give you any change, so you must prepare the exact amount beforehand.
The bus connections could also be better. The distance that could take me 10 minutes to drive by car can easily take 1 hour by bus.
Also, I wouldn’t say I like driving in Halifax during rush hours. Parking downtown is a nightmare. But to be fair, the traffic jams in other major Canadian cities are way worse.
Another downside to living in Halifax is finding affordable accommodation. Searching for a place to stay in September when all the students flock in is a struggle. Competition to lease a place can be quite high, so you have to be quick and have excellent references.
Landlords generally require credit checks, references from previous landlords, and proof of employment. If you’ve just moved to Halifax and don’t have a job lined up yet, finding accommodation can be difficult.”
Also Read: Things to Consider When Moving to Another Country
Is Halifax Safe as a Place to Live?
”Canada is a very safe country, and that includes Halifax.
Canada consecutively ranks in the top 15 world’s most peaceful countries according to the Global Peace Index.
As far as I know, there are no “no-go” areas in Halifax, and I’ve never had any issues walking alone in the street day or night.”
Is Halifax Expensive as a Place to Live?
”Halifax is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, which means there is a high demand for accommodation.
The price of a one-bedroom apartment in Halifax is around 2,000 CAD (2026). This is cheaper than renting in other big Canadian cities such as Vancouver or Toronto, but still relatively expensive.
Many young people might struggle to get by with the current inflation rate.
I live in Halifax with my partner, and we spend roughly 3,500 CAD a month (our rent is 1,800 CAD).”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Halifax?
”My favorite thing to do in Halifax is strolling the Halifax Public Gardens or the Halifax waterfront. The gardens are free to access and are a lush oasis in the heart of the city.
Halifax waterfront comes to life in summer. It’s a fun place to stop by for a stroll or to enjoy something to eat and drink. You can find excellent fish & chips from the local food vendors at the waterfront.
On a hot day, I love going for a swim at Chocolate Lake.
Sometimes, I take a road trip to one of the nearby beaches for some sun and relaxation.”
What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Halifax?
”I actually prefer to hang out in Dartmouth, which neighbors Halifax and is only a short ferry ride from downtown Halifax. I love Two If by Sea Cafe. Their pastries are delicious and remind me of European baked goods.
Humble Pie Kitchen has terrific pies, and The Canteen is a popular restaurant to dine in, serving chef-inspired seasonal dishes.
In Halifax, my favorite spot is a Mexican restaurant, Antojos Tacos + Tequila.
Fun Fact: Halifax has the most bars per capita in Canada, so if you like nightlife, it’s a place to be.”
What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Halifax?
”Canada is full of expats from all around the world, and Halifax is no exception, which makes it easy to blend in.
You’ll find especially many international students living in Halifax.”
Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Halifax?
”Newcomer to Halifax, Nova Scotia, or New to Nova Scotia are helpful Facebook groups where you can ask questions to other locals and expats living in Halifax.
Kijiji is great for finding accommodation, used furniture for your new place, or a car.
Before you find your long-term accommodation, you might want to start with something short-term. You can check Airbnb or house-sitting websites. If you haven’t heard about house sitting before, it’s an excellent way to save on accommodation, especially when you’re new to the area. Basically, you take care of someone’s house and pets while they’re away, and in exchange, you can stay at their place for free.
Also Read: How to Start House Sitting
Communauto is the car-sharing app in Halifax. With Communauto, you can rent a car for reasonable rates. They have various locations throughout Halifax, making it convenient if you don’t own a car. We used Communauto multiple times before we bought our car and had a positive experience.
If you’re interested in the working holiday visa that we used to move to Canada, you can find out if you’re eligible to apply for it on Canada’s official website.
The best part about this type of visa is that you don’t need any Canadian job offer lined up upfront. If you’re selected, and everything goes well with your paperwork, you’ll get an open work permit. That means the work permit isn’t bound to any specific employer, and you can move and work freely anywhere across Canada (or work remotely if you choose).
If you have dual citizenship, let’s say an Irish and UK passport, you’re in luck because you can apply for a working holiday visa twice and gain a work permit for up to 4 years!
In this working holiday visa guide, you’ll find the list of countries that have agreements with Canada for this type of visa, the step-by-step application process, and the required documents to apply.
Extra Tip: Humidity in Halifax is very high in summer, so getting a dehumidifier is a life-saver; otherwise, you might have a problem with mold.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Halifax?
”There are many beautiful places less than an hour’s drive from Halifax.
One thing you can’t miss is the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. It’s a beautiful place to take photos and experience the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia.
Another must-do activity is visiting one of the many wineries and orchards in Annapolis Valley with stunning countryside views.
If you love nature, I recommend checking out the beaches and trails in and around Halifax. I enjoy Lawrencetown Beach Park or Shubie Park in Dartmouth.
Also, be sure to try out some of the local seafood restaurants and breweries. Lobster is a must-try!
Lunenburg is another must-see place in Nova Scotia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fishing town is full of colorful houses and has a charming atmosphere.”
Also Read: What to See & Do in Nova Scotia
About Kamila
Kamila is a freelance writer and founder of Expat in Canada.
On her blog, she shares useful tips for expats who want to make Canada their new home. When she isn’t writing, you can find her sipping tea or exploring Canada’s natural beauty.
About Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and offers a nice blend of maritime charm, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.
With a population of just over 420,000 it’s Nova Scoatia’s largest city, yet by no means a massive city.
Halifax is located on the eastern coast of Canada and is known for its rich maritime heritage, historic sites, and picturesque waterfront.
Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s 10 provinces, is renowned for its stunning coastline, rugged cliffs, and serene beaches.
One of the main reasons expatriates choose to move to Halifax and Nova Scotia is the quality of life. The province boasts a high standard of living, excellent healthcare facilities, and a good education system.
The cost of living is more affordable than in other major Canadian cities, making it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to settle down.
Additionally, the province offers a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking along scenic trails and exploring historic sites to enjoying the vibrant arts and cultural scene. Nova Scotia is also a food lover’s paradise, with its fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and local delicacies.
Halifax, in particular, has a thriving job market, with opportunities in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and academia.
The city’s friendly residents, diverse communities, and strong sense of community make it a good choice for people looking to build a new life in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
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