Skyscanner: Halifax is vacation hot spot and a big draw for Canadians travellers in August
There has been a 29 per cent month-over-month increase in August flight bookings to Halifax from Canadian travellers
Canadians are looking closer to home for August travel with Halifax proving to be a particularly popular destination this month. Information provided to Yahoo Canada by Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 29 per cent month-over-month increase in booked flights to the Nova Scotia capital from Canadian airports.
From vibrant neighbourhoods to outdoor adventures, there's plenty to do in Halifax. Additionally, travellers can take advantage of a variety of day trip options just outside the city.
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Why is Halifax such a popular destination for Canadian travellers?
If Halifax has been on your list of places to travel, August could be a great time to make that trip.
“The stunning capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax, is a key destination in August thanks to its warm weather and contagious atmosphere," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert, highlighted. "Thanks to its coastal location, temperatures in August typically reach the mid-20s, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities like waterfront walks, beach days, whale watching, and visiting iconic spots like Peggy’s Cove."
With 53 per cent of Canadians indicating in OnePoll x Skyscanner research that food experiences are priorities on a trip, Halifax has a lot of offer.
"Renowned for its fresh seafood, including succulent lobster and scallops, the city offers a delightful array of dining experiences from upscale waterfront restaurants to cozy neighbourhood bistros," Lindsay advised.
"Food festivals and markets, such as the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, provide opportunities to savour local produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet treats; with a mix of traditional and innovative culinary approaches, Halifax is a haven for food enthusiasts eager to explore Atlantic Canada's gastronomic delights."
How much does it cost to go to Halifax in August from Canadian cities?
Using Skyscanner search data for flights to Halifax, roundtrip flights from Toronto in August are as low as $159.
Travelling from Montreal to Halifax, roundtrip flights can be found for $175, and from Vancouver to Halifax flights are as low as $400.
Don't forget to check the Skyscanner site for live pricing.
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3 expert tips on what to do in Halifax
Take in the beauty of Halifax by walking the boardwalk at Halifax waterfront, which is particularly popular, with some shops to stop into, a number of dining options and a beer garden.
"Enjoy fresh oysters at The Bicycle Thief or head over to the Lower Deck for live music and a local pint! You won’t want to skip visiting Cows for the best ice cream the East Coast has to offer," Lindsay recommended.
About an hour outside of Halifax is Peggy's Cove, really a must-see stop for anyone travelling to Nova Scotia. The Peggy's Point Lighthouse is famous around the world, built in 1915. It's a beautiful spot to watch the waves around the rocks of this unique preservation area, and an active fishing community.
Another great place to explore is the Halifax Public Gardens, a beautiful representation of a Victorian garden in Canada.
"Stroll through the beautifully manicured grounds, enjoy the vibrant flowerbeds, and relax by the serene ponds. The gardens often host events and concerts, so make sure to plan accordingly," Lindsay advised.
Where to stay in Halifax
Muir, Autograph Collection is a luxury hotel in Halifax, in the Queen’s Marque district, with brilliant waterfront views. The hotel's Drift restaurant really leans into Atlantic Canada cuisine. The property also has a beautiful pool and it's home to the True Colours art gallery. The Muir also has its 36-foot Morris yacht.
Head to The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax, located in the downtown area of the city, for a pet-friendly stay that showcases a "modern luxury" aesthetic. There is a seasonal outdoor patio and hot tub area, and the property has a partnership with veritree where 10 trees will be planted for every night guests stay without requesting a stayover room clean.
Built in 1928, The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, overlooking the Halifax Public Gardens, still has a historic feel, with more modern touches, with a restaurant onsite.
Skyscanner’s Saved Feature: Save those deals to look at later
Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation.
Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later.
Step 1: Find your flights and hotel
Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you’re logged into your Skyscanner account!
Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you’re planning.
Tips for finding the cheapest flights
If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.
Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.
Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.
Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.
Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
