Hertz Car Hire
Nova Scotia

Finding the car hire area at Halifax Stanfield is straightforward, even after a long flight. The hire desks are located on the lower level of the Airport Parkade, which is directly connected to the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the prominent signs for Rental Cars. These will lead you on a short, covered walk across to the parkade where the service desks and your vehicle will be nearby, minimising any confusion.

During peak travel times like a summer weekend it’s wise to allow a little extra buffer for the car hire pickup process. The exact time can vary depending on how many flights arrive simultaneously and the number of travellers ahead of you. Allowing for potential waiting time ensures a relaxed start to your Nova Scotia trip. This gives you time to complete the paperwork and get acquainted with the vehicle without feeling rushed.

The most direct and simple route from the airport to downtown Halifax is via Highway 102 South. This is the main road connecting the airport to the city and it is very well signposted. You will stay on this road for the majority of the drive, which takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. As you approach the city, clear signage will direct you to the exits for either the A. Murray MacKay Bridge or the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge, which will take you into the downtown core.

For a comfortable drive to Peggy’s Cove, start by taking Highway 102 South from the airport towards Halifax. Before reaching the city, take Exit 3 to connect to Highway 103 West. This main road allows you to bypass downtown traffic entirely. Follow Highway 103 for a short distance to Exit 5, which leads onto Route 333, also known as Peggy's Cove Road. This approach lets you get used to the vehicle on a wide road before transitioning to the more scenic, but still well-maintained, coastal route.

A very convenient place to stock up on supplies is in the communities of Enfield or Fall River, located just a few minutes' drive from the airport along Highway 102. Both areas have large grocery stores, petrol stations, and coffee shops easily accessible from the motorway exits. Making a quick stop here is a popular strategy for travellers before they begin a longer journey to destinations like Cape Breton or the South Shore. This ensures you have everything you need for the first leg of your trip.

Weekday rush hour in Halifax typically runs from about 07:00 to 09:00 and again from 16:00 to 18:00. During these times, traffic heading into the downtown peninsula in the morning and out in the evening can be quite heavy. The main arteries, such as the two harbour bridges and the Bedford Highway, are the most congested. If your travel plans coincide with these peak periods, it’s a good idea to allow extra driving time to ensure a timely and stress-free arrival at your hotel.

Parking on the streets adjacent to the waterfront can be challenging, as spaces are limited and in high demand, especially during summer. Rather than circling these busy streets, a less frustrating approach is to use one of the larger multi-storey car parks or surface lots a few blocks inland. Areas around Hollis Street or Lower Water Street have several options. From there it’s just a short and pleasant walk down to the boardwalk, saving you the stress of searching for a spot right by the water.

When travelling between Dartmouth and Halifax you have two bridge options: the Macdonald and the MacKay. The MacKay Bridge is generally the better choice for avoiding downtown congestion, as it connects the northern ends of both cities. During non-rush-hour times either bridge is typically fine. For a more scenic and relaxing alternative, consider parking and taking the Alderney Ferry, which offers a quick and enjoyable passenger service directly between the downtown waterfronts.

For drivers new to the area, the Halifax bridges can feel a bit narrow, particularly the older Macdonald Bridge. It’s important to stay centred in your lane and be aware of your surroundings. The bridges are exposed to the harbour, so you may experience crosswinds on gusty days, which is perfectly normal. Merging onto and off the bridges requires attentiveness and matching the speed of traffic, so it’s best to be decisive but cautious as you navigate the approaches.

The most scenic and beloved route to Lunenburg is the Lighthouse Route, which primarily follows coastal roads like Route 333 past Peggy's Cove and then Route 3. While it has more turns than the main highway, it is well signposted and takes you through charming fishing villages with beautiful ocean vistas. For a balance of scenery and simplicity, you could take the faster Highway 103 to the Mahone Bay exit and then enjoy the scenic coastal drive for the final leg to Lunenburg.

A drive to the Annapolis Valley is typically very pleasant and low-stress, perfect for a relaxing day trip. The main route from Halifax is Highway 101, a modern and well-maintained road that leads you directly into the heart of wine country. Exits for key towns like Wolfville and Grand Pré are clearly marked. The local roads connecting the various wineries are scenic, rural, and generally quiet, allowing you to enjoy the landscape at a leisurely pace.

While the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is famous for its fall colours, the Annapolis Valley offers a fantastic and simpler alternative. You can drive along Highway 101 and explore various side roads and communities like Wolfville and Berwick, creating a natural loop back to Halifax. Another excellent option is to drive a circuit around the Bras d'Or Lake in central Cape Breton. This route provides stunning scenery and a circular path that minimises the need to retrace your steps.

The drive from Halifax to the Canso Causeway, the entrance to Cape Breton Island, takes approximately three to four hours without stops. While it is certainly manageable in a single day, planning for breaks is key when travelling with children. Consider a midway stop in a town like Truro or Antigonish, both of which have parks, restaurants and facilities right off the motorway. This breaks the journey into more manageable segments and keeps everyone comfortable and happy.

The village of Baddeck is the ideal place to stay the night before driving the Cabot Trail. It is strategically located right at the beginning and end of the trail loop, making it a perfect base. Baddeck offers a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and services like petrol stations and grocery stores. Staying here allows you to get a fresh start in the morning without having a long preliminary drive just to reach the trail itself.

The northernmost section of the Cabot Trail, which passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park between Chéticamp and Ingonish, is the most demanding and slowest part of the drive. This stretch features very steep climbs and descents, such as on French and Smokey Mountains, along with numerous hairpin bends. The breathtaking scenery encourages frequent stops at look-offs, so it’s wise to budget significantly more time for this portion than a map might suggest.

Yes, it’s highly recommended to download offline maps for your journey in Nova Scotia. While service is reliable in Halifax and other larger towns, it can become spotty or non-existent in more rural areas. You are most likely to lose signal within Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along remote coastal drives on the Eastern Shore or along the Bay of Fundy. Having offline maps ensures you can navigate confidently without relying on a cellular connection.

The most common wildlife encounters for drivers in Nova Scotia involve deer and, less frequently, moose. These animals can appear on any road but are most often seen on roads that pass through forested or rural areas. The risk is highest during dawn and dusk, when they are most active and visibility is lower. It’s crucial to stay alert, scan the sides of the road, and be prepared to slow down, especially during these twilight hours.

During winter, major 100-series highways and main roads within Halifax are a high priority for snow clearing and gritting, making them generally safe for travel shortly after a storm. However, conditions can be more challenging in rural areas and on secondary roads, which may remain snow-covered or icy for longer periods. It’s essential to drive according to the conditions, allow extra travel time, and check the provincial road reports before heading out on a longer journey.

When dense fog rolls in from the coast, which can happen very quickly, experienced local drivers immediately reduce their speed and increase their following distance. They use their dipped headlights, as main beams can reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. If conditions become too hazardous, the safest course of action is to find a safe place to pull over completely off the road and wait for the fog to lift. Patience is key when dealing with Nova Scotia's unpredictable coastal weather.

The drive from Halifax to the Confederation Bridge takes about three hours. A comfortable plan is to leave Halifax in the morning and plan for a midway break in Truro for coffee or a leg stretch. This positions you to arrive at the bridge around midday. After crossing, you’ll have the entire afternoon to drive to your accommodation on PEI and get settled in before evening. This pacing avoids any sense of rushing and makes for a pleasant travel day.

The most direct route to the Bay of Fundy side of the province is Highway 101. This highway travels from Halifax through the Annapolis Valley, which runs parallel to the Fundy shore. From Highway 101 you can take well-marked exits that lead you on smaller roads to specific coastal destinations like Halls Harbour, Cape Split, or Digby. This route is very straightforward and avoids the complexity of navigating through multiple town centres.

Planning a visit around the Bay of Fundy tides requires checking the official tide charts online for your specific destination on your planned date. To walk on the ocean floor, you should aim to arrive about an hour before the posted low tide time. Be sure to factor in your driving time from Halifax, which can be over an hour to spots like Burntcoat Head. It’s also critical to be aware of the high tide time so you can safely exit the area well before the water returns.

On a busy summer day or weekend, it’s a good idea to plan your arrival in the waterfront area at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled tour or ferry departure. This provides a comfortable buffer to find parking, which is often in lots or parkades a short walk from the docks. Arriving early allows you to park without stress, walk to the waterfront, and check in for your activity in a relaxed manner, ensuring a smooth start to your excursion.

There is a large, primary car park for visitors located right by the lighthouse and the Sou'Wester Restaurant and Gift Shop. To avoid the biggest crowds and find parking easily, the best times to visit are early in the morning, before 10:00, or later in the afternoon, after 16:00. Midday is the most hectic period due to the arrival of tour buses. An early or late visit not only simplifies parking but also offers a more peaceful experience with better light for photos.

A great strategy for exploring downtown Halifax is to park your vehicle for the day in a central location and explore on foot. There are several large multi-storey car parks near the Halifax Convention Centre or Scotia Square, which are centrally located. From there, you can easily walk up to Citadel Hill and then down to the waterfront to visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and other attractions. This approach saves you the hassle of finding new parking for each stop.

Downtown Halifax features a grid system with many one-way streets, which can be tricky for first-time visitors. Using a GPS navigation app is extremely helpful for anticipating turns. It’s important to pay close attention to road signs and be prepared for lanes that may suddenly become turn-only. If you miss a turn, it’s often safer and less stressful to simply drive around the block rather than attempting an abrupt manoeuvre.

When parking in historic areas with narrow streets, first check carefully for any posted restrictions, such as residential permit requirements, street cleaning schedules, or time limits. Be mindful of how much space your vehicle takes up to ensure you are not blocking traffic or a private driveway. It’s also wise to note the kerb height and any inclines, and to turn your wheels appropriately when parking on a hill to be safe.

For a hassle-free family beach day, Rainbow Haven Beach Provincial Park and Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park are excellent choices. Both are located a relatively short drive from the city and feature large, dedicated car parks, which eliminates the stress of finding a spot. They also offer amenities like toilets and supervised swimming areas in the summer, making them convenient and popular destinations for visitors with children.

When travelling with bulky gear, the primary consideration is vehicle size and storage capacity. An SUV or a minivan will typically offer more interior cargo space and flexibility than a saloon. It’s also worth inquiring about the availability of a roof rack if you need to transport items like surfboards, kayaks, or a cargo box. Ensuring your chosen vehicle can accommodate your equipment comfortably will make your entire trip more convenient and enjoyable.

Nova Scotia's 100-series highways are the main transport corridors and are generally very well paved and maintained. As you venture onto smaller, secondary highways and local coastal roads, the surface quality can be more variable. While many are in good shape, you may encounter rougher patches or potholes, particularly in the spring after the winter freeze-thaw cycle. It’s always good practice to adjust your speed to the road conditions.

For accessible sunrise views, coastal spots like Lawrencetown Beach or the Eastern Passage offer beautiful, open horizons facing east. For stargazing, driving about 30–45 minutes away from the city lights in any direction will significantly improve your view of the night sky. Areas along the Peggy's Cove loop or towards the Annapolis Valley provide darker skies without requiring a major expedition. These locations offer a great celestial experience close to the city.

On a rainy day, driving on the main Highway 103 to the South Shore is generally fine, as it’s a modern, dual carriageway. However, if you opt for the scenic Lighthouse Route, you should exercise more caution. That road is narrower, winds along the coast, and can have reduced visibility in rain and fog. It’s important to slow down, use your lights, and be aware that the road surface will be slick, especially when covered with wet leaves in the autumn.

A very manageable and popular lighthouse tour is the loop that includes Peggy's Cove. Starting from Halifax, you can drive the scenic Route 333 to see the iconic Peggy's Cove lighthouse, and then continue along the coast to visit smaller but equally charming lighthouses in the area. This creates a natural circuit that can be completed in a half-day or a leisurely full day. Trying to combine lighthouses from different coasts, like the South Shore and Eastern Shore, in one day is generally not practical.

Basing yourself in Halifax is an excellent choice if you prefer a mix of urban exploration with manageable day trips to nearby attractions like Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley. This approach minimises packing and hotel changes. A point-to-point road trip is better suited for those who want to explore farther-flung regions in depth, such as driving the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, which requires several overnight stays along the route to be fully appreciated.

With three days, a popular and well-paced itinerary is to dedicate one full day to exploring the South Shore, including Peggy's Cove and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg. Use the second day for a trip to the Annapolis Valley to experience the Bay of Fundy tides and visit a winery. Your third day can be spent exploring the city of Halifax itself or taking a shorter drive along the scenic Eastern Shore.

Along the main 100-series highways and near all major towns, petrol stations are frequent and easy to find. However, when you venture onto more remote scenic routes, such as the northern part of the Cabot Trail or some coastal roads on the Eastern Shore, services can be few and far between. A good rule of thumb for stress-free travel is to make it a habit to refuel whenever your tank gets to the halfway mark.

To ensure a relaxed and stress-free departure for an early morning flight, many travellers choose to stay at a hotel near the airport for their final night. There are several options right by Halifax Stanfield or in the nearby communities of Enfield and Goffs. This removes any worry about pre-dawn city traffic or unexpected delays on the motorway. It allows you a leisurely morning and a short, simple drive to return your hire car and check in for your flight.

A smart approach is to structure your trip in distinct blocks. Spend the first few days based in Halifax, exploring the city and its nearby attractions. Then treat the Cape Breton portion as a separate mini-trip, planning for at least two to three nights there to make the long drive worthwhile. Pack a smaller overnight bag for Cape Breton so you can leave your main luggage in the car, which simplifies checking in and out of accommodation along the Cabot Trail.

During a major event, you should expect significant disruptions in the downtown and waterfront areas. Be prepared for road closures, traffic diversions, and extremely limited parking. The best strategy is to park your vehicle at a hotel or a car park on the edge of the downtown core and explore the festival area on foot. Trying to drive directly into the event zone will likely lead to frustration and delays, so walking or using public transport is highly recommended.