Avis Car Hire
Halifax

After collecting your luggage at Halifax Stanfield, the Avis car hire desk is conveniently located inside the terminal on the lower level. Simply follow the overhead signs for rental cars, which will guide you directly to the service desks. Once you have completed the paperwork, you will be directed to the adjoining car park, where the hire vehicles are staged. The whole process is designed to be seamless, with clear signage from the baggage reclaim area to the desk and then to your vehicle.

For a late-night arrival at Halifax Stanfield, a realistic timeline from the plane touching down to driving away is typically between 45 and 75 minutes. This allows for disembarking, walking to the terminal, collecting any checked luggage and completing the hire process at the desk. Factors such as the number of other customers collecting cars and the distance to your particular vehicle in the car park can affect the total time. Allowing about an hour provides a comfortable buffer to get on the road without feeling rushed.

The process for international arrivals at YHZ is straightforward. After disembarking, you will first proceed through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for immigration and customs clearance. Once you have collected your luggage and officially entered the country, you will exit into the main arrivals hall. From there, simply follow the prominent signs for rental cars to find the Avis desk. There are no additional steps specifically for international hirers at the desk itself, but the time spent in customs can vary depending on flight volumes.

When travelling with family and a lot of kit, a good strategy is to have one adult wait with the children and luggage in the arrivals area while the other adult goes to the Avis desk to deal with the hire agreement. Once the paperwork is complete and the car is ready, the driver can bring the vehicle from the car park to the passenger pickup curb just outside the terminal doors. This divide-and-conquer approach minimises the need to shepherd the whole family and all your belongings through the hire facility, making for a much smoother start to your trip.

For a morning flight out of Halifax, it’s sensible to plan to arrive at the airport hire return about three hours before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time for the vehicle return process, which includes a quick inspection and finalising your contract. From the return lot you’ll need to walk to the terminal, check your bags with the airline and clear security. Building in this generous buffer helps ensure a relaxed, stress-free experience without worrying about queues at any stage.

The most direct route from central Halifax to the airport is via one of the harbour bridges, connecting to the Highway 118 and then the Highway 102 North. During weekday rush hour, typically from 4pm to 6pm, expect significant delays on the bridges and feeder routes. To mitigate this, consider leaving the city well before peak traffic begins or use a satnav app with real-time traffic data to find the least congested path. Regardless of route, allowing at least 30–45 minutes of extra travel time during rush hour is prudent.

Deciding when to pick up your car depends on your initial plans in Halifax. If the first couple of days are focused on the walkable city centre and waterfront, it often makes more sense to take a shuttle or taxi to your hotel and hire the car later from a city location. This saves the hassle and cost of overnight parking in the city core. However, if you plan to explore areas outside the downtown peninsula right away, picking up your vehicle on arrival at YHZ offers the most convenience.

A very popular and convenient spot for supplies after leaving the airport is the community of Enfield, just a few minutes’ drive from YHZ. Right off the Highway 102 you’ll find a major supermarket, several filling stations, coffee shops and fast-food outlets. This area serves as a perfect first stop to stock up on snacks, drinks and any forgotten travel essentials. Making a quick stop here ensures you’re well prepared before heading into Halifax or starting a longer drive to other parts of Nova Scotia.

The drive from Halifax Stanfield Airport into the city is generally straightforward, primarily following Highway 102 South. The motorway is well maintained and clearly signed, making for a relatively easy trip. As you get closer to the city you will encounter more complex interchanges, particularly around the exits for Dartmouth and the main routes into Halifax’s core. Pay close attention to signs for the MacKay Bridge (Highway 111) and the Macdonald Bridge (Highway 118/Victoria Road) to ensure you take the correct route into the city centre.

The Halifax waterfront area features many one-way streets and can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist season. Before you arrive, it’s a good idea to check your hotel’s website or call ahead for specific instructions on their designated loading zone. Many hotels have a small, dedicated pull-in area for check-in, but it can be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Having a clear plan helps you avoid circling the block or inadvertently stopping in a spot that obstructs traffic on narrow streets.

Parking directly on the Halifax waterfront can be challenging, as on-street spaces are limited and in high demand, particularly on sunny days and at weekends. Your best bet is to use one of the many paid car parks or surface lots located a block or two away from the boardwalk. While this may require a short walk, it is far less stressful than circling for a street space. Planning to park a little further away and enjoy the stroll is often the most efficient strategy for daytime visits.

When there’s a major concert or hockey game at the Scotiabank Centre, expect significant traffic congestion in the surrounding downtown blocks. Streets such as Duke, Brunswick, Carmichael and Argyle become heavily backed up before and after the event. Parking also becomes extremely scarce in the vicinity. If you need to drive in the area during an event, plan to arrive much earlier than usual or consider parking further away, perhaps in a garage closer to the waterfront, and walking the final few blocks to your destination.

A highly effective plan for a day trip is to drive to Peggy’s Cove first thing in the morning to experience it before the largest crowds arrive. After spending time there, you can continue along the scenic coastal route towards charming towns like Mahone Bay and the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg. This creates a logical loop that avoids backtracking and allows you to see several of the South Shore’s highlights. You can then return to Halifax via the more direct Highway 103 in the late afternoon.

A day trip to Lunenburg is a fantastic way to see the coast, and it’s easy to break up the roughly 90-minute drive. A great plan is to take Highway 103 from Halifax and make your first stop in the picturesque village of Chester for a quick stroll and coffee. Afterwards, continue to Mahone Bay to see the iconic three churches before making the final short drive to Lunenburg. This approach turns the journey itself into part of the experience, allowing you to enjoy multiple scenic spots without feeling rushed.

A day trip to the Annapolis Valley from Halifax is very manageable and highly recommended. The drive to the heart of the valley, around Wolfville and Grand-Pré, takes about an hour on Highway 101. You can comfortably spend several hours exploring wineries, visiting historic sites and enjoying the scenery. To avoid driving back in the dark, especially in seasons with earlier sunsets, simply plan to begin your return journey by late afternoon, which will get you back to Halifax with plenty of daylight to spare.

While it’s possible to drive from Halifax to the Cabot Trail entrance in one day, it makes for a very long and tiring start to your adventure. A more relaxed and enjoyable approach is to plan an overnight stop. Driving from Halifax to a town like Baddeck, which is situated at the beginning of the trail, takes about four hours. Staying overnight there allows you to wake up refreshed and ready to start the scenic Cabot Trail drive first thing in the morning.

Outside of Halifax, the main 100-series highways are modern and well maintained. However, as you venture onto the scenic coastal routes and secondary roads, be prepared for varied conditions. These roads often have narrower shoulders, and it’s important to be vigilant for wildlife, especially deer, at dawn and dusk. Coastal fog can roll in unexpectedly, drastically reducing visibility, and in more rural areas you can travel long stretches without encountering petrol stations or restaurants, so plan your stops.

Most of Nova Scotia’s primary scenic routes, like the Lighthouse Route or Evangeline Trail, are paved and well maintained. However, you may encounter short stretches of well-graded gravel when accessing more remote lookouts, trailheads or secluded beaches. These are typically manageable for a standard hire car if you drive slowly and cautiously. If your itinerary is heavily focused on off-the-beaten-path locations, it’s a good idea to check local maps or guides for road conditions beforehand.

Winter driving in and around Halifax presents several challenges, with unpredictable weather being the foremost. Be prepared for sudden snow squalls that can reduce visibility and make roads slick. Black ice is a common hazard, especially on bridges and overpasses, and can be present even when the road looks clear. Coastal areas can experience high winds and blowing snow, so it’s essential to check the forecast and road conditions before heading out and always allow for significantly more travel time.

For a successful lighthouse tour, focus on a specific coastal region for the day, such as the South Shore’s Lighthouse Route. Start early to get ahead of the crowds, especially at popular spots like Peggy’s Cove where parking is limited. A great strategy is to mix famous lighthouses with lesser-known ones, as the smaller, more local spots rarely have parking issues. This approach allows you to enjoy the iconic views while also discovering quieter, equally beautiful locations without the stress of finding a parking space.

The best strategy often involves a hybrid approach. The core of central Halifax, including the waterfront, Spring Garden Road and the Citadel, is compact and best explored on foot. For this part of your trip, it’s easiest to park your hire car at your hotel or in a central car park. However, the car is invaluable for reaching destinations just outside the city centre, such as Point Pleasant Park, the North End, or for day trips along the coast, giving you the flexibility to see more of the region.

For a group of four or more with luggage, hiring a standard or full-size SUV or a people carrier is the most practical choice. While a car might seem sufficient, the extra space in a larger vehicle is invaluable for passenger comfort on longer drives and for securely stowing everyone’s luggage. This is especially true for a multi-day trip where you’ll be checking in and out of accommodation. The added room ensures a more comfortable and less cramped travel experience for everyone.

Finding a petrol station before your return to Halifax Stanfield is very convenient. The most popular places to refuel are the communities of Fall River and Enfield, which are located directly off Highway 102 just before the airport exit. These areas have multiple filling stations that are easily accessible from the highway. Topping up your tank here is a common practice for travellers and ensures you can complete the hire return process smoothly without having to search for fuel at the last minute.

The most efficient and stress-free method is to first drive to the airline departures level at the main terminal building. Here you can drop off all your passengers and luggage at the curb, allowing them to head inside to check in. After they are safely on their way, you can proceed alone to the clearly marked hire car return area. This avoids the hassle of everyone having to manage bags on the walk from the car park to the terminal.

If you learn your flight to Halifax is significantly delayed, the best course of action is to try and contact the local Avis office at the airport directly. While airport hire desks often track flight arrival times, a quick call provides extra assurance that they are aware of your updated schedule. Having your reservation confirmation number handy will help them locate your booking quickly. This proactive communication can provide peace of mind and help streamline your pickup process, no matter how late you arrive.

Before you drive off the lot, it’s wise to do a quick but thorough inspection of your hire vehicle. Take a moment to walk round the exterior and note any pre-existing scratches or dents on the hire agreement paperwork. Inside the car, familiarise yourself with the controls such as the headlights, windscreen wipers and hazard lights. It’s also a good idea to check the fuel level to ensure it matches what’s indicated on your contract, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.

Should a warning light appear or you suspect a mechanical issue, the first and most important step is to pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Once you are safely stopped, consult your hire agreement for the 24/7 roadside assistance contact number. Calling this dedicated line is the smartest way to handle the situation, as the agents are equipped to diagnose the problem and guide you on the proper procedure. This ensures you get the help you need while following the correct process.

Mobile coverage in Nova Scotia is generally strong in towns and along the main 100-series highways. However, as you travel along more remote coastal roads or into the interior of the province, coverage can become intermittent or unavailable. For this reason it is highly recommended to download offline maps of the region to your smartphone before you begin your trip. This ensures you can always navigate confidently, even when you’re out of mobile range.

As in any city, it’s best to be cautious with your belongings. The most effective approach for securing your luggage is to never leave it visible inside the car’s cabin. On a day with multiple stops, such as the trip to Peggy’s Cove, always store your bags out of sight in the boot before you arrive at your destination. Parking in well-lit, high-traffic areas can also deter potential theft. By taking these simple precautions, you can greatly reduce any risk and enjoy your sightseeing with peace of mind.

Driving and parking in Dartmouth are generally considered easier and less congested than in central Halifax. While Dartmouth has its own busy areas, particularly around the Dartmouth Crossing shopping district, its town centre is typically more relaxed. Parking is often more readily available and less expensive. Crossing one of the two harbour bridges is straightforward outside of peak rush hour, making Dartmouth an accessible and pleasant destination for an afternoon of exploring or dining.

A fantastic and efficient loop from Halifax is to drive straight to Peggy’s Cove to enjoy it in the morning. From there, instead of returning the way you came, continue along the scenic Route 333 as it winds along the coast. This route will eventually connect you to Highway 103, where you can head west for a short drive to the exit for Mahone Bay. After visiting Mahone Bay you can take the direct Highway 103 back to Halifax, completing a beautiful and logical circuit.

For a sunrise drive, the Eastern Shore offers stunning east-facing views, and a trip along Route 7 towards Lawrencetown Beach is a great option. For an iconic sunset, the Peggy’s Cove area on the South Shore is unbeatable. The key to a safe and enjoyable trip is to scout your chosen spot and route during daylight first. Always drive with your headlights on during twilight hours and be especially watchful for wildlife, which is more active at dawn and dusk.

Staying in suburbs like Bedford or Sackville offers excellent access to major highways, which is a great advantage for day trips. You can easily get on the road to the Annapolis Valley (Highway 101) or the airport and Truro (Highway 102) without navigating downtown traffic. However, you will need to account for a 20–30 minute commute into central Halifax for city sightseeing, which can be longer during rush hour. Your location essentially trades proximity to the urban core for easier access to the rest of the province.

For a typical Halifax weekend, the most practical approach is to dedicate one full day to a major day trip that requires the car, such as exploring the South Shore or the Annapolis Valley. On the other day, park the car and explore the highly walkable city centre and waterfront areas on foot. Using the car for short hops within the city can often be more trouble than it’s worth due to traffic and parking challenges. This strategy maximises your time and minimises transport-related stress.

A trip to Kejimkujik National Park from Halifax is a full-day commitment, with a drive time of approximately two hours each way. It’s important to know that services are very limited once you get close to the park, so be sure to have a full tank of fuel and pack snacks and water. A good place to stop along the way is the town of Annapolis Royal, a historic and charming community where you can grab a meal or stretch your legs before or after your park visit. Plan to leave Halifax early to maximise your time exploring the trails and lakes.

The Macdonald and MacKay bridges are critical links between Halifax and Dartmouth, and they heavily influence traffic flow. During the morning commute (roughly 7–9am) traffic is heaviest heading into Halifax, while in the evening (4–6pm) it’s heaviest leaving the city. If your plans require crossing the harbour, scheduling your travel outside these windows will save you considerable time and frustration. Unexpected bridge maintenance or accidents can also cause significant delays, so checking local traffic reports is always a good idea.

Driving in Halifax’s heavy rain or dense coastal fog requires significant adjustments for safety. Visibility can drop to near zero very quickly, especially along coastal highways. The most important adjustment is to dramatically reduce your speed and increase your following distance from the car ahead. Always use your low-beam headlights, not your high beams, as they reflect off moisture and worsen visibility. Visitors often wish they had allowed much more travel time and weren’t in a rush when these conditions set in.

When exploring rural Nova Scotia, it’s wise to adopt a strategy of using facilities whenever you find them. Larger towns will have petrol stations, cafés and visitor information centres that are reliable stops for restrooms and snacks. Don’t assume the next small village or scenic lookout will have public facilities. Before setting out for a more remote stretch of coastline, it’s good practice to check your map, identify the next major town on your route and plan your breaks accordingly.

If you’re short on time, the key is efficiency. As you take the airport exit from Highway 102, immediately get into the correct lane and follow the large, clear signs for "Rental Car Return." Have your luggage ready to be removed quickly from the vehicle. Once you’ve dropped off the car and keys, proceed directly from the car park to the terminal’s departures level. Knowing the exact process and focusing on the signage will help you move through the steps as quickly as possible.

To ensure a low-stress departure, plan your itinerary so that your final night is spent outside of the Halifax peninsula, but still close to the airport. For example, if you’ve been exploring the Annapolis Valley, you could stay in a town like Windsor or Truro on your last night. This positions you for a simple, direct drive to the airport on Highway 101 or 102, allowing you to completely bypass any potential central Halifax traffic on the morning of your flight.