Many visitors to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) are heading beyond the airport itself — to downtown Halifax, Dartmouth and the Nova Scotia coast, from Peggy's Cove and the South Shore to Lunenburg and the Bay of Fundy. The airport sits in Enfield, about 35 km north of the city, so most destinations are a 30 minute to multi-hour drive from the terminal.
Where the main destinations are
| Destination | Drive from YHZ | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Halifax | ~30–40 min | Harbour boardwalk, Citadel Hill, restaurants |
| Dartmouth | ~30 min | Across the harbour, lakes and parks |
| Peggy's Cove | ~75 min | The iconic lighthouse and rocky shore |
| South Shore & Lunenburg | ~90+ min | Historic seaside towns and beaches |
| Annapolis Valley / Bay of Fundy | ~90+ min | Wine country and the world's highest tides |
Getting to your destination
- Private transfer: fixed price and a driver waiting at arrivals — easiest with luggage and the surest way to a specific address; see private transfers.
- Taxi: on demand at the ground-transportation area, with set zone or flat rates to common destinations — confirm the price for your destination before you set off.
- Rental car: ideal if you plan to explore the coast and the valley at your own pace; desks are in the terminal.
- Hotel shuttle: some hotels include or arrange a pick-up — check when you book.
The coast vs the city
The coast and the towns of the South Shore put you among lighthouses, beaches and the world's highest tides; downtown Halifax keeps you among the restaurants, the harbour boardwalk and Citadel Hill. See our hotels guide to weigh them up. The further coastal spots are a real road trip from the airport, so a rental car or private transfer usually makes most sense. Confirm transfer prices and pick-ups close to your travel date, as rates can change.