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Need to Know

There is much to see and do within the Halifax Regional Municipality, and with so many extraordinary experiences you may never want to leave. To help make your stay even more enjoyable, find in this section a collection of information to help you better plan your visit.

Capital city
Halifax Regional Municipality

Population
Halifax Regional Municipality 382,203 (Est. July 1, 2006)
Nova Scotia 934,405 (Est. July 1, 2006)

Languages
Both of Canada's official languages - English and French - are spoken throughout Nova Scotia.

Time Zone
Nova Scotia is on Atlantic Daylight Time, which is four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time and one hour later than North America's Eastern Time Zone. Daylight Saving Time is in effect annually from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November.

Climate and Weather
Nova Scotia is known as a place where the four seasons are refreshingly distinct. Average daily temperatures are:
Spring from 2° to 9° C (35.6° to 48.2°F)
Summer from 16° to 24° C (60.8° to 75.2°F)
Fall about 18° C (64.4°F)
Winter about -3° C (26.6°F)
We see all types of weather in Nova Scotia. On an annual basis we receive an average of 1,178.1 millimetres/46.38 inches of rainfall.

Weather forecasts in Nova Scotia are given in Celsius measurements. For approximate temperature conversion, use this easy calculation:

Fahrenheit to Celsius: subtract 30 and divide by 2.
Celsius to Fahrenheit: multiply by 2 and add 30.

Nova Scotia's weather forecasts are produced from Environment Canada's Weather Services Office located in Halifax. For current weather conditions click here or call for a recorded forecast: (902) 426-9090 (English) and (902) 426-9095 (French)

Area Code
902 - This area code must be dialed for long distance calls into or within Nova Scotia.

Airports
Nova Scotia is served by airports in Halifax and Sydney. Most air traffic comes through Halifax Stanfield International Airport. There are smaller airports throughout the province, many of them served by private charters. For complete information on airports across Nova Scotia click here.

Customs and Immigration
Immigration Regulations - American citizens (or permanent residents) entering Canada by air require valid passports, and as of January 31, 2008 valid passports will also be required when entering by land and sea. Visitors from a country other than the United States must carry a valid passport and, in certain cases, a visa to be eligible to enter Canada. All persons entering Canada must fill out a declaration for Canada Customs. Click here for more information.

Customs Arrangements for Exhibitors
American and International conference delegates are entitled to specific importation privileges. For more information contact Canada Revenue Agency.

Customs Information for US Residents
US residents returning from Canada after a visit click here for more information about duty-free exemption.

Holidays (2010)
New Year's - January 1
Good Friday - April 2 
Easter Monday - April 5 
Victoria Day - May 24
Canada Day - July 1
Civic Holiday - August 2
Labour Day - September 6
Thanksgiving Day - October 11
Remembrance Day - November 11
Christmas - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26

Currency
Canada's currency is based on the decimal system, with 100 cents to the dollar. You can exchange your currency for Canadian dollars at authorized currency exchange counters in Halifax, at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and at the Visitor Information Centre in Yarmouth. You can also exchange currency at banks, credit unions and trust companies throughout Nova Scotia. For up to date currency rates click here.

Banks
Banking hours vary, with most banks open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., some are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some banks are open on Saturday. Banks are closed on federal public holidays. Automated banking machines and debit (e.g. Interac, Cirrus, and Plus) services are widely available.

Credit/Debit Cards
A majority of stores, restaurants and accommodations throughout Nova Scotia accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Debit (bank) cards are readily used (Interac, Plus and Cirrus networks). Credit and debit card charges will appear on the purchaser's statement, converted to the home currency.

Sales Tax & Rebates
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is applied at a single rate of 13% to a base of goods and services. If you are a non-resident (non-Canadian) sponsor, organizer, exhibitor, incentive house, or a participant in an event, you may be eligible for a rebate of this tax. Foreign visitors may also be entitled to claim a rebate of the HST paid. For rebate forms and more detailed information click here to link to Canada Revenue Agency.

Accommodations in Halifax charge a Hotel Levy of 2% on room rates to assist in marketing of Halifax as a business and leisure destination.

Accommodations Rating Program
Star ratings found on this Website follow the Canada Select Accommodations Rating Program. Ratings are based on extent and quality of facilities, services and amenities. Visit www.canadaselect.com for more information.

Hospital/Medical Services
Visitors to Canada are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent, but a hospital stay can be costly without adequate insurance coverage. Visitors taking prescribed medications are advised to take a copy of the prescription should it need to be renewed during the trip.  

Helpful Links / Resources
We strive to help everyone make an informed decision about travelling to Halifax. Below you will find some of the best information about the Halifax Regional Municipality and our beautiful Province of Nova Scotia.