Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia, and the largest city in eastern Canada. As such, it’s the region’s intellectual, educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub. Halifax is home to eight universities and colleges, national and international corporate offices, and every urban lifestyle attraction a resident or visitor could desire. A safe and lively city, Halifax is where a diversity of people gather to work, eat, drink, shop, and celebrate.
Central Halifax is characterized by a mix of historic and modern architecture, reflecting the city's evolution over centuries. The Citadel, a star-shaped fortress perched on Citadel Hill, stands as a symbol of Halifax's military history and offers panoramic views of the city and Halifax Harbour. At the foot of the city’s downtown, where it meets the harbour, the waterfront boardwalk is an urban pedestrian playground of restaurants, pubs, shops, cafes, public art beer gardens, and historic sites.
Downtown Halifax is a compact, lively, and historic destination featuring a blend of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city's streets come alive with festivals, street performers, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the warmth of its residents. The city is home to numerous galleries, theatres, and live music venues, making it a cultural haven for both residents and visitors.
Halifax is also home to a thriving academic community, with institutions like Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University, and the Halifax campus of the French Language based, Université Sainte-Anne contributing to the city's youthful energy. The diverse population, a mix of maritime hospitality and a global perspective, adds to the city's dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
Nature enthusiasts are drawn to Halifax for its proximity to scenic beauty. From exploring Point Pleasant Park to hiking along the rugged coastlines, there are countless opportunities for outdoor discovery—many just minutes outside of the downtown core. The city's parks and green spaces provide a tranquil respite from urban life.
Education in Halifax
- Many public elementary, middle, and high schools, including French language schools and institutions with French immersion
- Private elementary and high schools
- International Baccalaureate program in five high schools
- Nova Scotia Community College Institute of Technology Campus
- Dalhousie University
- Saint Mary's University
- Université Sainte-Anne Halifax Campus
- Oxford International Career College
- Eastern College Halifax Campus
- Cape Breton Business College Halifax Campus
Amenities in Halifax
- Halifax waterfront boardwalk, a 4km long pedestrian experience
- Halifax Public Gardens, a Victorian-era garden in the heart of the city
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, with a diverse collection of Canadian and international art
- Point Pleasant Park, a large urban park in the south of the city
- Halifax Central Library, a vibrant community space in a stunning building
- Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, one of the oldest farmers' markets in North America.
Health care facilities in and near Halifax
QEII Health Sciences Centre
The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) is a multi-campus teaching and research organization located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is comprised of two separate “campuses”—the Victoria site and the newer Halifax Infirmary site.
- Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre—the largest centre of its kind in Atlantic Canada, this emergency department serves as a combination of academic referral centre and community hospital. It's also a trauma centre, stroke centre, a burn unit, and provides many specialist and sub-specialized services, like transplant surgery, to patients aged 16 and up from all four of the Atlantic Provinces.
- Bethune Building—located on the Victoria General site, the facility is primarily made up of administration offices. Psychology offices are also located here.
- The Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Building—houses restorative rehab and geriatric outpatient care. It is also the residence for Camp Hill Veterans’ Services Long Term Care.
- The Centennial Building—located at the Victoria General site, it is home to inpatient units and offers a variety programs and services.
- The Centre for Clinical Research—a research services centre supporting the research community.
- Dickson building—located at the Victoria General site, it houses the cancer care program, the James and Edna Claydon radiation treatment centre and a number of outpatient clinics.
- The Halifax Infirmary—home to the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre, it also houses a number of inpatient units, general surgery, vascular surgery, cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery and outpatient clinics.
- The Mackenzie Building—home to the largest clinical laboratory in Atlantic Canada.
- The Nova Scotia Rehabilitation and Arthritis Centre—specializes in adult rehabilitation. It houses inpatient and outpatient care through a variety of clinics and services.
- The Victoria Building—located at the Victoria General site, it houses the outpatient clinics and services.
- Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building
- The QEII Cancer Centre—provides a full range of cancer care and support. It also serves as the referral centre for complex cancers for Atlantic Canada.
IWK Health Centre
IWK Health is dedicated to providing quality care to women, children, youth, and families in the Maritime provinces and beyond. Services are delivered through our Children's Health program, Mental Health and Addictions program, and Women's and Newborn Health.
Joseph Howe Centre
Nova Scotia Health Authority's continuing care offices are located here.
Bayers Road Centre
This centre houses a blood collection clinic and a community mental health clinic.
Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre
This modern new centre offers appointment-based services and clinics including endocrinology, medicine, plastic surgery and orthopedic surgery assessment, eye care, diagnostic imaging, blood collection, renal dialysis and rehabilitation.
The Integrated Chronic Care Service
This is a treatment facility for environmental sensitivities and complex chronic conditions. It is formerly known as the Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre.
Mumford Professional Centre
Spryfield Shopping centre
Home to the Community Wellness Centre, it offers a variety of community-based health services.