Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, located on the east coast of Canada, known for its rich maritime history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 450,000 people in the metropolitan area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 100 Mbps for broadband connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Canadian Dollar (CAD). 1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Halifax has high-quality drinking water sourced from lakes. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Bell, Rogers, and Telus; prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include RBC, TD Canada Trust, and Scotiabank; services widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, vacation rentals, and traditional renting; prices vary by neighborhood. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely; contactless payments common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are available, like HI Halifax Hostel, with beds starting around CAD 35 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Halifax, particularly near the waterfront and historic sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | North End Halifax is popular for its cafés and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Nest on Barrington Street, known for its great atmosphere and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Java Blend Coffee Roasters provides a cozy environment for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by groups like Halifax Tech Fest and various Meetup groups throughout the year. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats Halifax is a Facebook group for socializing and networking among newcomers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Halifax, along with local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikeshare HFX operates bike rentals in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Martinique Beach, approximately 30 minutes drive from downtown Halifax. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada Express connects Halifax to other major Canadian cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada and WestJet offer numerous international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 104) provides easy access to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Halifax Transit operates buses and ferries connecting the city. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes approximately CAD 77; single fares CAD 3.50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Maritimes travel is facilitated by bus services like Maritime Bus. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre is the primary healthcare in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bend Yoga provides various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness and YMCA offer extensive gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry on demand services like Spin Laundry Lounge are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and DoorDash are popular in Halifax. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Lobster Roll, a famous East Coast delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Wooden Monkey and EN Vegan Restaurant offer diverse plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gingerbread Haus Bakery is renowned for its delightful sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market offers fresh local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca is widely used for online shopping in Canada. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery through services like Walmart Grocery and Instacart is available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Argyle Street features vibrant nightlife and numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alexander Keith's Brewery offers tours and tastings of local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Harvest Wine Bar is known for its extensive selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Halifax Food Truck scene offers diverse options throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tandoori Grill serves some of the best Indian cuisine in the area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Halifax Citadel, a historic military fort, is a key attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 offers historical insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic highlights the city's naval history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Basilica is a beautiful historical church in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Halifax International Busker Festival is a prominent summer event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The North End is known for its arts and cultural scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Neptune Theatre hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Halifax Seaport Market is a central hub for local artisans and vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Marquee Ballroom is a notable venue for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Halifax Mural Festival brings colorful street art to public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Culinary Institute of Canada offers cooking courses for all levels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia displays regional and national art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Burying Ground is one of the oldest graveyards in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Halifax has a rich maritime heritage reflected in its architecture and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is a nearby alternative for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kejimkujik National Park is approximately two hours drive from Halifax. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk offers scenic views and pathways for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Point Pleasant Park provides beautiful coastal views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The McNab's Island Provincial Park offers great natural habitats for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lawrencetown Beach is a popular spot for bonfires on warm evenings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and UPS provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | uBreakiFix offers device repair services throughout the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Halifax Table Tennis Club hosts regular play sessions. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Dalhousie University language program offers classes for various languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Halifax Central Library is a modern space with study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The North End Community Centre offers various resources and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming Lounge is a popular destination for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Nova Scotia provides gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 180,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 128,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 240,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 296,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 14% in Nova Scotia. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on residency in Canada, applying to worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 54% in Nova Scotia. |
| 🧾 VAT | HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) at 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules exist under Canadian tax law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessment value of properties. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax for primary residence, 1.5% on secondary properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits, but global income non-taxed for non-residents under certain conditions. |