Downtown Halifax

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title: "Downtown Halifax" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["busking-venues", "central-business-districts-in-canada", "communities-in-halifax,-nova-scotia", "downtown-halifax"] topic_path: "geography/canada" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Halifax" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

FieldValue
nameDowntown Halifax
typeDowntown Area
image_skylineHalifax Harbour Sunset Skyline, Nova Scotia (24237034620).jpg
image_captionDowntown Halifax as from Halifax Harbour
coordinates
subdivision_typeCountry
subdivision_nameCanada
subdivision_type1Province
subdivision_name1Nova Scotia
subdivision_type2Municipality
subdivision_name2Halifax Regional Municipality
subdivision_type3Community
subdivision_name3Halifax
subdivision_type4Community council
subdivision_name4Halifax and West
subdivision_type5Municipal District
subdivision_name5Halifax South Downtown
established_title
area_footnotes
area_total_km24.1
population_footnotes
population_total25555
population_as_of2021 Census
population_density_km2auto
postal_code_typeCanadian Postal code
postal_codeB3J
area_codes782, 902
blank_name_sec1
website
::

| name = Downtown Halifax | type = Downtown Area | image_skyline = Halifax Harbour Sunset Skyline, Nova Scotia (24237034620).jpg | image_caption = Downtown Halifax as from Halifax Harbour | coordinates = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Canada | subdivision_type1 = Province | subdivision_name1 = Nova Scotia | subdivision_type2 = Municipality | subdivision_name2 = Halifax Regional Municipality | subdivision_type3 = Community | subdivision_name3 = Halifax | subdivision_type4 = Community council | subdivision_name4 = Halifax and West | subdivision_type5 = Municipal District | subdivision_name5 = Halifax South Downtown | established_title = | established_date = | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 4.1 | population_footnotes = | population_total = 25555 | population_as_of = 2021 Census | population_density_km2 = auto | postal_code_type = Canadian Postal code | postal_code = B3J | area_codes = 782, 902 | blank_name_sec1 = | blank_info_sec1 = | website = Downtown Halifax is the primary central business district of the Municipality of Halifax. Located on the central-eastern portion of the Halifax Peninsula, on Halifax Harbour. Along with Downtown Dartmouth, and other de facto central business districts within the Municipality (e.g. Cole Harbour, Lower Sackville, Spryfield), Downtown Halifax serves as the business, entertainment, and tourism hub of the region.

Geography

Downtown is located within the central-eastern portion of the Halifax Peninsula. The terrain varies from 0 m on the harbour's edge, to about 74 m atop Citadel Hill (Fort George).

Sourced from Defining Canada’s Downtown Neighbourhoods: 2016 Boundaries, Downtown Halifax covers 410 ha of landmass.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Events and festivals

The Scotiabank Centre is one of the largest buildings in Downtown Halifax, as well as the largest arena in Atlantic Canada. It is the home of the Halifax Mooseheads hockey team, and it also plays host to most of the major sporting events and concerts that visit Halifax. The Nova Scotia International Tattoo is held here every year. It is connected to the Downtown Halifax Link, and directly to the World Trade and Convention Centre. The Atlantic Film Festival, Atlantic Jazz Festival and the Halifax Pop Explosion also take place in some downtown venues.

The Halifax Convention Centre offers more than 120000 sqft of space for meetings and events.

Demographics

Statistics Canada's 2021 Census article Table 5 Population by proximity to downtown, census metropolitan areas, 2016 to 2021 recorded 25,555 people who lived within Downtown Halifax.

From 2016 to 2021, the population increased by 5,288 people (an increase of over 26%) from the 2016 population of 20,267 people.

Furthermore, the population density of the area increased from approximately 49 people per hectare in 2016 to approximately 62 people per hectare in 2021. Between 2016 and 2021, Downtown Halifax's population fastest compared to all other Downtowns in Canada.

| title = Historical Downtown population | type = Canada | align = right | width = | state = | shading = | percentages = | footnote = | source = |2016|20267 |2021|25555

Economy

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/TD_Tower,_Halifax.JPG" caption="TD Centre on Barrington and George Street."] ::

Downtown Halifax, like the municipality and the urban area, has a very diverse economy. Many Crown corporations, non-governmental organizations, and private-sector organizations, have corporate headquarters and/or do business within downtown. As the most populous downtown in Atlantic Canada, that is encompassed by the most populous municipality—and—most populous urban area within Atlantic Canada, Downtown Halifax is a bustling area that hosts many industries.

Financial services

Downtown Halifax is the financial centre of the urban area of Halifax, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the region of Atlantic Canada. The Bank of Canada has one of its five Canadian regional offices located within the central business district, and all Big Five Canadian banks have major operations within the area. Manulife, along with many other private financial institutions, also do business within downtown.

Gambling

Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation operates its headquarters at 1601 Lower Water Street.

Marketing communications

Trampoline is located within the area.

Telecommunication

Eastlink, a cable television and telecommunications company is headquartered within the vicinity.

Transportation

Maritime Bus operates a station within the district.

Utilities

Emera, the Canadian successor holding company, is headquartered in Downtown Halifax. Its Nova Scotia subsidiary, Nova Scotia Power, used to be a Provincial Crown corporation until Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia leader Donald Cameron privatized the company in 1992.

Parks and recreation

Downtown Halifax has an array of attractions, a plethora of events-and-festivals, and many restaurants.

Accommodation

Many of the Halifax region's hotels are located in the downtown area, with many major hotel chains maintaining a location here. There are also a number of small hostels nearby.

Hotels within Downtown

Art galleries

There are several art galleries within the Downtown Halifax area:

  • Argyle Fine Art
  • Art 1274 Hollis
  • Centre for Craft Nova Scotia
  • Anna Leonowens Gallery
  • Khyber Centre for the Arts
  • Port Loggia Gallery
  • Karl Penton Gallery
  • The Prow Gallery
  • Studio 21 Fine Art
  • Teichert Gallery
  • Zwicker's Gallery

Landmarks

Boardwalk

The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk runs along the harbour from Casino Nova Scotia in the northern-part of Downtown-to-the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in the southern-part of Downtown. It is a 24-hour public footpath, and at 4 km in length, it is one of the longest urban footpaths in the world.

[[Halifax Town Clock|Old Town Clock]]

On 20 October 1803, Halifax's town clock started keeping time. Located off Brunswick Street, the clock faces the harbour and is another example of Palladian architecture within the urban area of Halifax.

Citadel Hill

Citadel Hill, a 22.6 hectare star-shaped fort, is another historic attraction in the downtown. Originally established with the arrival of Edward Cornwallis and the out break of Father Le Loutre's War (1749), the current fort was built in the Victorian Era as the hub of the historic defence system for the port. As a result, there is viewplane legislation that restricts vertical development that might block the direct line of sight from Citadel Hill to the harbour and George's Island in particular. Recent developments have challenged the viewplane limits.

[[Province House (Nova Scotia)|Province House]]

Finished construction in 1819, Province House is a fantastic example of Palladian architecture in North America.

Granville Mall

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Granville_Mall_Halifax_2016.jpg" caption="Victorian]] era buildings."] ::

One of the few blocks to have retained its heritage character is Granville Mall, a pedestrian mall formerly part of Granville Street, made up of an array of shops and pubs in a conglomeration of rowed historic buildings built in the 1860s. It is known for the stone facades on each building. Historic Properties, a collection of 19th-century warehouses converted into shops and restaurants, is located nearby. Despite the heritage focus of these remaining blocks of heritage buildings, none are protected as heritage districts.

Museums

Downtown Halifax hosts several museums, including:

Pier 21, an immigrant entry point prominent throughout the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, was opened to the public as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1999. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a maritime museum containing extensive galleries including a large exhibit on the , over 70 small craft and a 200 ft steamship . In summertime the preserved World War II corvette operates as a museum ship and Canada's naval memorial. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is housed in a 150-year-old building containing over 9,000 works of art.

Parks

There are a number of parks within the urban setting of Downtown Halifax.

Restaurants and nightlife

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/ArgyleStreet.jpg" caption="Bars on Argyle Street. Downtown Halifax is home to approximately 200 restaurants and bars."] ::

The area is home to approximately 200 restaurants and bars, providing an interesting array of world cuisine. There are also over 60 sidewalk cafes that open in the summer months. The nightlife is made up of bars and small music venues as well as Casino Nova Scotia, a large facility built partially over the water. Pizza Corner, located at the intersection of Blowers Street and Grafton Street, is a common location for pizzerias serving Halifax-style donairs and other street food for the neighbouring bars and pubs.

Shopping

Downtown Halifax, being home to many small shops and vendors, is a major shopping area in the Municipality of Halifax. Notable retail areas include Park Lane, Spring Garden Road and Scotia Square.

Theatre

Neptune Theatre, located on Argyle Street, is Halifax's largest theatre with a 458-person capacity. Since 1 July 1963, it has performed, and performs an assortment of professionally produced plays year-round.

The Shakespeare by the Sea theatre company performs at nearby Point Pleasant Park.

Although not in Downtown Halifax, the Eastern Front Theatre performs at Alderney Landing in Downtown Dartmouth which is accessible from the area via the Halifax Transit ferry service.

Venues

Nova Centre

Completed in 2017, the Nova Centre is Halifax's premier conference centre, and has over 11000 m2 of event space.

Scotiabank Centre

Formerly, and colloquially, known as the Halifax Metro Centre, the Scotiabank Centre was opened on 17 February 1978. It has a concert-capacity of up-to 13,000-people, and has hosted bands-and-musicians, comedians, multi-sport events and motivational speakers.

Government

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Province_House_(Nova_Scotia).jpg" caption="Province House]], home of the [[Nova Scotia House of Assembly]]."] ::

Downtown Halifax is the home of the Halifax Regional Council chamber at Halifax City Hall. Offices for the mayor, city councillors, and additional staff can also be found downtown.

At the provincial level, the downtown area is the home of Nova Scotia's Province House where the Nova Scotia House of Assembly meets. Government House, where the Lieutenant-Governor resides, is located on Barrington Street. The provincial government also has offices in several other downtown office buildings.

Canada's federal government also maintains a significant presence in the area, working from various buildings including the Dominion Public Building, the Ralston Building, and previously, the Maritime Centre.

Transportation

Pedestrian

Streets within Downtown Halifax are set in a grid-pattern. Downtown Halifax is similar to other central business districts where it has many varied crosswalks, hills, paths, and sidewalks.

Spring Garden Road is a street approximately 1200 m in total-length that goes in an east-west direction from Barrington Street-to-Robie Street.

Barrington Street traverses approximately 1500 m through Downtown in a north-south direction. Its total-length from Highway 111 in the North End-to-Inglis Street in the South End is approximately 7 km.

Road

The streets in the downtown area are set in a grid pattern like the rest of the Halifax Peninsula, the way the town officials originally planned in the 18th century.

[[Halifax Transit|Public transit]]

Halifax Transit provides public transit routes from several points throughout Downtown Halifax via different modes of transport.

Bus routes

Lower Water Street terminal
  • Route 2 (Fairview)
  • Route 29 (Barrington)
  • Route 90 (Larry Uteck)
Scotia Square terminal
  • Route 1 (Spring Garden)
  • Route 2 (Fairview)
  • Route 5 (Scotia Square)
  • Route 7 A (Peninsula) (clockwise)
  • Route 7 B (Peninsula) (counter-clockwise)
  • Route 8 (Sackville)
  • Route 9 (Herring Cove)
  • Route 10 (Dalhousie)
  • Route 29 (Barrington)
  • Route 84 (Glendale)
  • Route 93 (Bedford Highway)
  • Route 123 (Timberlea Express)
  • Route 127 (Cowie Hill Express)
  • Route 135 (Flamingo Express)
  • Route 136 (Farnham Gate Express)
  • Route 137 (Clayton Park Express)
  • Route 138 (Parkland Express)
  • Route 158 (Woodlawn Express)
  • Route 159 (Colby Express)
  • Route 161 (North Preston Express)
  • Route 165 (Caldwell Express)
  • Route 168 B (Cherry Brook Express)
  • Route 182 (First Lake Express)
  • Route 183 (Springfield Express)
  • Route 185 (Millwood Express)
  • Route 186 (Beaver Bank Express)
  • Route 194 (West Bedford Express)
  • Route 196 (Basinview Express)
  • Route 320 (Airport/Fall River MetroX)
  • Route 330 (Tantallon/Sheldrake Lake Regional Express)
  • Route 370 (Porters Lake Regional Express)

Ferry routes

Lower Water Street terminal

References

References

  1. "Defining Canada's Downtown Neighbourhoods: 2016 Boundaries". Statistics Canada.
  2. (9 February 2022). "Table 5 Population by proximity to downtown, census metropolitan areas, 2016 to 2021".
  3. "Defining Canada's Downtown Neighbourhoods: 2016 Boundaries". Statistics Canada.
  4. (9 February 2022). "Table 5 Population by proximity to downtown, census metropolitan areas, 2016 to 2021".
  5. (9 February 2022). "Table 5 Population by proximity to downtown, census metropolitan areas, 2016 to 2021".
  6. (9 February 2022). "Table 5 Population by proximity to downtown, census metropolitan areas, 2016 to 2021".
  7. (9 February 2022). "Canada's large urban centres continue to grow and spread".
  8. (9 February 2022). "Table 5 Population by proximity to downtown, census metropolitan areas, 2016 to 2021".
  9. "Directory {{!}} Downtown Halifax Business Commission".
  10. (2021). "The Halifax Waterfront in a Day". novascotia.com.
  11. link. (February 21, 2006)
  12. (26 October 2022). "Routes & Schedules". Government of the Municipality of Halifax.

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