Dollar Car Hire
Halifax

After collecting your luggage at baggage claim, the most direct route is to follow the overhead signs for hire cars. The desks are conveniently located in the airport car park, a short covered walk from the main terminal. The layout is designed to be simple for travellers, keeping you protected from the elements as you move from the terminal to your vehicle. The whole process is well signed and centralised, making it easy to manage your bags and get on your way.

Hire car desks at Halifax Stanfield Airport generally align their hours with the flight schedule, but staffing may be reduced for late-night arrivals. It’s sensible to expect a slightly longer wait than during peak hours. Once you have your vehicle, the main road from the airport is well lit and clearly signed, so driving into Halifax is straightforward even after dark. We recommend setting up your satnav or navigation app before leaving the hire area for a smooth, low-stress start to your visit.

During busy summer weekends, allow around 60 to 90 minutes from the time you deplane to when you’re driving away. That covers walking through the terminal, waiting for checked luggage, and completing the hire paperwork at the desk. Peak arrival times can mean longer queues, so having your reservation details to hand can speed things up. Planning for this buffer helps ensure you’re not rushed as you begin your Nova Scotia trip.

The drive from the airport to downtown Halifax is generally straightforward via Highway 102. The common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the interchange where Highway 102 meets Highways 118 and 111 near Dartmouth. Pay close attention to the overhead signs for Halifax via the MacKay Bridge (Highway 111). Once you cross the bridge, the streets become more complex, so having an active satnav is highly recommended to guide you through the final city blocks.

For visitors staying near the Halifax waterfront, the most reliable overnight parking is to use one of the public multi-storey car parks or your hotel’s designated parking. These provide secure, multi-level parking and remove the stress of searching for limited on-street spaces. Many are located just a block or two from the main waterfront attractions, letting you park once and explore on foot. Check with your accommodation for their specific recommendations or nearby partner garages.

Visiting these three attractions in one day is best done by parking once and exploring on foot. The area is compact but gets heavy pedestrian traffic and has limited on-street parking. A good strategy is to find a spot in a car park near Spring Garden Road early in the day. From there, the Public Gardens are directly accessible and the Halifax Citadel is a short uphill walk, allowing you to enjoy all three sites without moving your vehicle.

While a hire car is useful for exploring greater Nova Scotia, it’s often unnecessary for getting around Halifax’s compact city centre. Many visitors find it easiest to park at their hotel or a central car park and explore the centre on foot. This saves you from navigating one-way streets and hunting for parking at each stop. You can then use the vehicle for day trips to places like Peggy’s Cove or the Annapolis Valley without daily city-driving hassles.

To reach Peggy’s Cove while avoiding the busiest parts of downtown Halifax, take Highway 102 and then join Highway 103 heading west. From Highway 103 take Exit 5 for Route 333 (Peggy’s Cove Road). This scenic coastal route leads you directly to the village and keeps you on major roads for the initial part of the journey, making for a more relaxed and predictable drive.

To experience Peggy’s Cove with fewer crowds and secure a good parking space, it’s best to leave Halifax early in the morning. Aim to arrive before 10:00 am, especially in peak summer. The drive takes about an hour, so departing around 8:30 am is a sensible plan. An early start lets you enjoy the iconic lighthouse and rocky shore in a calmer atmosphere before tour buses and afternoon visitors arrive.

Driving the Lighthouse Route (Route 3) along the South Shore is a classic Nova Scotian experience with scenic, winding roads. The roads are typically two-lane and well maintained, though they can be narrow in smaller fishing villages. There are numerous designated scenic pull-offs for photo opportunities, where you can safely stop to admire the coastal views. Quaint towns like Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg offer ideal spots to park, stretch your legs and find a café or restaurant.

For a relaxed day trip from Halifax, visit Mahone Bay first and then continue to Lunenburg. Mahone Bay is the nearer of the two, making it a great first stop for coffee and a stroll along the waterfront to see its famous three churches. Afterwards it’s a short 15-minute drive to Lunenburg, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring. This order avoids backtracking and gives a smooth, linear progression down the Lighthouse Route.

When visiting Lunenburg, the most convenient place to park is the large designated visitor car park on the waterfront near the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. This area is relatively flat and offers ample space, saving you from navigating the town’s steep, narrow side streets. From here you can easily explore the entire UNESCO World Heritage site on foot and walk to shops, restaurants and the iconic waterfront.

The simplest way to visit Dartmouth’s waterfront is to park at the large lot near Alderney Landing. This central location provides easy access to the ferry terminal, waterfront path and local shops and restaurants. An alternative popular strategy is to park in downtown Halifax and take the short scenic ferry across the harbour to Dartmouth. That approach removes any parking concerns in Dartmouth and adds a memorable element to your day.

A day trip to the Annapolis Valley from Halifax is a great option, typically about an hour’s drive each way via Highway 101. Plan to start early to maximise your time exploring. It’s a good idea to map out two or three wineries or farm markets you want to visit in advance, as they can be spread out. Roads within the valley are scenic and easy to navigate, but having a plan ensures you can enjoy your stops without feeling rushed.

To minimise driving time while exploring the Annapolis Valley, many travellers base themselves in Wolfville. This charming university town is centrally located, putting you close to the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, plenty of wineries and scenic lookouts like Blomidon. Staying in or near Wolfville lets you easily access main attractions without long daily drives, creating a more relaxed experience in the heart of the valley.

The drive from Halifax to the start of the Cabot Trail in Baddeck, Cape Breton, is about four hours without stops. To enjoy the journey with breaks for viewpoints and a meal, budget at least five to six hours. That allows a comfortable pace and time to stop at places like the Canso Causeway for photos or a town such as Antigonish for lunch. Planning for these extra hours turns the drive into part of the holiday experience.

A popular, convenient halfway stop is the town of Antigonish, just off the Trans-Canada Highway. It offers several petrol stations, fast-food outlets and cafés with clean restrooms and ample parking. Another excellent option closer to Halifax is the Masstown Market near Truro. This large market has good food options, clean facilities and is a well-known stop for travellers heading in either direction.

When fog moves in on the Cabot Trail, especially in the highland sections, visibility can be severely reduced, sometimes to only a few car lengths. Expect to slow your pace considerably and use low-beam headlights for safety. The coastal views may be obscured, although the drive can take on a unique, moody atmosphere. Always drive cautiously, be prepared to pull over at a designated lookout if conditions worsen, and allow considerably more time for your journey.

While mobile signal is reliable in Halifax and other major towns, it can be intermittent or absent in rural parts of Nova Scotia. Areas like the Cabot Trail highlands, Kejimkujik National Park and sections of the Eastern and South Shores are known for spotty coverage. Before you leave Halifax, download offline maps of the province to your phone’s navigation app. This ensures you can find your way without relying on a data connection.

Wildlife, particularly deer, can be a hazard on Nova Scotia roads, especially in rural and wooded areas. Be most vigilant at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active and visibility is lower. Visitors are often surprised to see wildlife even on major 100-series highways. Always scan the road shoulders as you drive and be prepared to slow down, as animals can move unpredictably when startled.

Driving rules in Nova Scotia are very similar to those in the US, but a few differences can catch visitors off guard. Turning right on red is permitted after a complete stop unless a sign indicates otherwise. Be particularly mindful of school zone speed limits, which are strictly enforced on weekdays. Additionally, drivers are legally required to slow to 60 km/h and move to the left lane when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights.

Driving in Halifax in the rain requires extra caution, as visibility can be reduced by spray from other vehicles. Some older streets are prone to significant puddling, so it’s wise to reduce speed to avoid aquaplaning. Pay close attention at junctions, as painted lines can become slick and harder to see. Using your headlights is recommended even during daytime rain so other road users and pedestrians can see your vehicle.

For visitors unfamiliar with winter driving, ice is often the most stressful condition around Halifax, particularly black ice that can form on bridges and overpasses. Slush can also be challenging, as it can tug your vehicle unexpectedly. During storms, blowing snow can severely reduce visibility on open highways outside the city. It’s crucial to drive slowly, leave ample space between vehicles and check road conditions before setting out on longer trips.

A day trip to Kejimkujik National Park from Halifax is long but rewarding, with about two hours’ driving each way. For a first visit focused on walking and canoeing, the main inland entrance at Maitland Bridge is the best choice. That entrance provides access to the visitor centre, popular trails such as the Mersey River Trail and canoe hire. Pack food and water for the day, as services in the park are limited, and start early to make the most of your time.

For easy beach access near Halifax, Lawrencetown Beach and Rainbow Haven Beach are excellent choices. Both are part of the provincial park system and feature large, dedicated car parks very close to the sand, minimising the walk with your gear. These beaches are popular for their accessibility and are only a short drive from the city. Arrive earlier in the day on sunny weekends to secure a convenient parking spot before the lots fill.

To avoid stress when visiting weekend markets or events, the best approach is to park a few streets away and walk. For the Seaport Farmers’ Market, consider using a waterfront car park and enjoying a short stroll along the boardwalk. This helps you avoid immediate congestion and potential road closures at the event site. Arriving early, before peak crowds, also makes finding parking significantly easier and the overall experience more pleasant.

After collecting your hire car, a good place to stop and get organised is the Enfield Big Stop, just a few minutes’ drive from the airport. This large service centre has a spacious car park where you can take your time to fit car seats properly. It also has a restaurant, convenience store and clean toilets, making it a perfect first stop to grab snacks and prepare for the drive into the city or beyond.

When selecting a hire car for Halifax, a compact or mid-size vehicle is often the most practical choice. Downtown Halifax has some narrow streets, and car parks can have tight turns and compact spaces. A smaller vehicle is much easier to manoeuvre and park in these conditions. While a larger SUV might be comfortable on the highway, it can be cumbersome when navigating historic parts of the city or fitting into snug parking bays.

For travellers heading directly to the South Shore from the airport, the most convenient places to stop for groceries are Tantallon or Hubbards. After taking Highway 102 from the airport and connecting to Highway 103, the supermarkets in these towns are located just off the highway exits, requiring minimal detour. This allows you to stock up on supplies without driving through busy city traffic first.

The route from the airport to Dartmouth Crossing is very straightforward. Take Highway 102 South from the airport and then Exit 5A for Highway 118 South towards Dartmouth. From Highway 118 you’ll see clear signs for the Dartmouth Crossing exit. After shopping, you can easily get back on Highway 118 and follow signs for the MacKay Bridge (Highway 111) to cross into Halifax, making for an efficient and easy trip.

Driving in downtown Halifax at night can be challenging for first-time visitors because of its grid of one-way streets and sometimes complex junctions. While major routes are well lit, some side streets are darker and lane markings and signs can be harder to see. Using a satnav app is highly recommended, as it provides turn-by-turn directions that account for one-way streets. It also helps to review your route before setting off to build confidence for your nighttime drive.

Visitors should be especially mindful of their speed on the major highways into and out of Halifax, such as Highways 102, 103 and 118. Speed enforcement is also common along the Bedford Highway, a scenic but heavily used route with changing speed limits. Within the city, stick to posted limits in residential areas and school zones. The best practice is always to drive at or below the posted limit to ensure a safe and uneventful trip.

For an easy-to-access sunset view, York Redoubt National Historic Site is a great option, offering ample parking and panoramic views of the harbour entrance. For sunrise, Lawrencetown Beach provides a beautiful east-facing view with a large car park right by the shore. Another simple option is Point Pleasant Park, where you can park and take a very short walk to the coastline to watch ships arrive and depart as the sun rises or sets.

When returning your hire car to the airport from downtown Halifax on a weekday morning, allow for heavy commuter traffic. Leave at least 30–45 minutes earlier than your satnav suggests to buffer for potential delays, especially on the bridges connecting Halifax and Dartmouth. Peak rush hour is typically between 7:30 am and 9:00 am. Giving yourself this extra time will ensure a low-stress drive and help you arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight.

Staying in Bedford or Dartmouth changes your primary travel routes considerably. From Bedford you’ll use the often-congested Bedford Highway or the faster but busy Highway 102. From Dartmouth you’ll rely on crossing either the Macdonald or MacKay bridges to get to the Halifax peninsula. This daily commute can add 20–40 minutes to travel time each way during rush hour, an important factor to consider when planning your days.

The most efficient way to manage luggage with a group is to drive to the terminal departures level and drop off passengers and bags with one driver. While the group checks in, the driver can go to the hire car return area in the car park. After returning the vehicle, it’s a short covered walk back to the terminal to rejoin the group. This minimises how far everyone has to carry luggage and streamlines the departure process.

For international visitors starting a one-way trip, the pickup process is designed to be clear and efficient. Be prepared to present your valid driving licence from your home country and your rental confirmation at the desk. The hire agent will run through the vehicle’s features with you and can answer questions about local driving customs or road rules. This ensures you feel comfortable and ready before you begin your journey through Nova Scotia.

When inspecting your hire car in poor conditions, use your phone’s torch to get a clear view of the vehicle. Pay attention to lower bumpers and side panels where scratches are common. Carefully check the windscreen for any small chips or cracks that might be hard to see in rain or low light. It’s also sensible to take photos or a video of the car’s condition from all angles before you leave the lot for your own records.

For a ‘park once’ experience in Halifax, the waterfront area is your best bet. Find a spot in one of the large car parks near Lower Water Street or the Halifax Seaport. From there you can easily spend several hours exploring the waterfront boardwalk, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and various shops and restaurants on foot. This strategy lets you see some of the city’s main highlights efficiently without the hassle of moving your car multiple times.