This tiny city in Nova Scotia is oozing with charm. With beautiful seaside views, Halifax is rated as having some of the highest scores when it comes to the quality of life in Canada.
Unsurprisingly, that makes it a great tourist destination, too. There’s a happening nightlife and culinary scene, while parks, museums, and historic sites will also keep you busy.
If you want to live like a local, forget booking a hotel or a hostel. What you need is a vacation rental in Halifax. These vacation rentals are not only bursting with character; they also offer excellent value for money. But where do you start your search?
That’s where I come in. In this post, I’ll show you the 15 best Airbnbs in Halifax Nova Scotia. Not only that, I’ll give you some ideas on what you can do in and around the city by exploring the Airbnb Experiences on offer too.
Quick Answer: These are the Top 15 Airbnbs in Halifax
South End Halifax Condo
- > $$
- > Six Guests
- > Self-check-in
- > Fully equipped kitchen
Charming Home in Halifax’s North End
- > $
- > Two Guests
- > Top location
- > Back deck with BBQ
Architecturally Designed Townhouse
- > $$$
- > Two Guests
- > Queen bed
- > 66” Smart TV
Historical Downtown House
- > $$$$$
- > Six Guests
- > Outdoor spaces
- > Kitchen and dining Area
Roomy Penthouse with water views
- > $$$$$$$
- > 12 Guests
- > Outdoor terrace
- > Lots of light
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What to Expect from Airbnbs in Halifax
Halifax in Nova Scotia might not be the first place that comes to your mind when thinking about where to stay in Canada. However, there’s a wide range of Airbnbs in Halifax. In the city itself, there are vacation rentals that can suit all budgets and group sizes. If you’re travelling solo or hoping to keep your costs low, consider a private room.
Small groups with more to spend should consider entire rental units such as flats or lofts, while larger groups and/or families will benefit from townhouses.
Many Airbnbs in Halifax are managed by local hosts. However, with larger vacation rentals in Halifax and some condos (especially rooftops and penthouses), you’ll find that you’re dealing with a company. Both local hosts and companies will be able to give you recommendations on what to see and do during your stay.
Townhouse
There are around 60 townhouses in Halifax up for grabs on Airbnb. Often seen as homes away from home for many tourists, they often have fully equipped kitchens, large living spaces, and multiple bathrooms and bedrooms. In some, you may even get a garden.
Many townhouses are in Downtown Halifax, North End, and South End Halifax – all cool neighbourhoods to use as a base during your trip. If you’d like to be a bit further out from the bright lights and noise of the city, consider somewhere a little quieter, like Clayton Park, Armdale, or even the other side of the water in Dartmouth.
The majority of townhouses are large properties sleeping six or more guests. That means they’re great for visiting families or groups of friends. However, there are also some smaller vacation rentals that would ideally suit a couple or a solo traveller.
Loft
A loft apartment is the ideal Halifax Airbnb for a couple or a solo traveller who can afford to splash the cash. Almost always found above the ground floor, lofts are usually found on the top floor of a building. Sometimes though, a loft can refer to a ground floor flat with a mezzanine level.
If you’re lucky, that means you’re more likely to get somewhere with a roof terrace or a balcony where you can enjoy the views. Even if you don’t get that, your Halifax loft will almost always come with a fully equipped kitchen, living space, and lots of light coming in.
Though most Halifax lofts have space for two guests, you will find some that can accommodate four or five guests.
Private Room
If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, a private room is the ideal way to see Halifax. It may be in a townhouse, a local host’s flat, or a bed and breakfast.
If you choose private rooms in townhouses or entire flats, you’re likely also to have access to the rest of the house. That can include living spaces and kitchens, which will enable you to keep your costs down further.
Should you choose a bed and breakfast, you’ll have access to a room and, more often than not, a private bathroom. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll have access to a kitchen, though you will be provided with breakfast in the morning!
Why Stay in an Airbnb
Now that you know what to expect from Halifax vacation rentals, here are five sure-fire reasons you should stay in an Airbnb.
- Local Experience: When staying with a local host, you can get a cool perspective on all the best things to see and do in the area. That doesn’t just go for Halifax, but for all travel destinations in Canada. No need for a guidebook!
- Privacy: Some Airbnbs have self-check-in, and you can filter for a completely private accommodation if necessary.
- Affordability: If you put an Airbnb next to a hotel of the same cost, there’s only going to be one winner when it comes to value for money. And guess what? It’s not the hotel!
- Safety: With host and guest vetted by Airbnb, both of you can enjoy peace of mind throughout your stay. If you need anything urgent, Airbnb customer support is available 24/7!
- Airbnb Experiences: It’s not just about great places to stay; Airbnb Experiences offer you a chance to do lots of fun stuff when you reach your destination too. More on that later!
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Halifax
Well, you’ve seen why you should stay in a vacation rental and the types of properties on offer in Halifax. So, let’s check out the part you’ve all been waiting for: here are the top 15 Airbnbs in Halifax!
Overall Best Value Airbnb in Halifax | South End Halifax Condo
- $$
- Self-check-in
- Six Guests
- Fully equipped kitchen
A good thing about Halifax is that the cost of living is quite low. In Vancouver or Toronto, you’d be looking at a private room if you were on a budget, but that’s not necessary here.
Offering a fully equipped kitchen, self-check-in, and space for six guests in the hip South End area, you’ve got a real bargain on your hands! It can be booked for both short and long stays.
Make the most of Halifax’s low cost of living with this two-bedroom condo that can sleep up to six guests. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, self-check-in, and you’re just a stone’s throw from everything in the South End neighbourhood.
Best Budget Airbnb in Halifax | Charming Home in Halifax’s North End
- $
- Top location
- Two Guests
- Back deck with BBQ
This private room in Halifax’s North End is warm and welcoming, but most importantly, it’s cheap! Your host has carefully prepared a list of places to eat and things to do, which is a nice touch.
The room has five bedrooms and common areas, so you may even meet other travellers here – great if you’re solo. Even if it’s just you and your host, you can enjoy chilling with them on the back deck over a BBQ.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Halifax start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers | Spacious Room with Harbour Views
- $
- Small balcony
- Two Guests
- Harbour views
A private room in a local’s home is ideal for a solo traveller. You can keep your costs down and get a fresh perspective on your destination. The small balcony is nice for chilling and enjoying the harbour views, and you’ve also got access to a lounge and kitchen.
In your room, there’s a queen bed, a desk, and a chair – so it’s suitable for digital nomads. There’s also a private bathroom for you to use, so you don’t need to share with strangers.
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View on Osprey View on REIMost Romantic Airbnb for Couples | Architecturally Designed Townhouse
- $$$
- Queen bed
- Two Guests
- 66” Smart TV
Looking for somewhere cosy and romantic to stay with your other half? This Halifax Airbnb Plus property might just be the place for you.
Everything is close by, so you can make the most of the city’s awesome restaurants, bars, and nightlife. However, a night in may be just as enticing: you can enjoy a movie on the 66-inch smart TV before retiring to the queen bed together.
Best Airbnb in Halifax for Families | Historical Downtown House
- $$$$$
- Outdoor spaces
- Six Guests
- Kitchen and dining Area
Travelling to Halifax with the family? Then take a look at this place. The historical house is right in the heart of Downtown Halifax, with the waterfront just steps away.
The apartment offers a bright sunny living room where you can spend quality time with your family. Or you could sit out in the garden if the weather’s good enough. The fully equipped kitchen means it’s easy to prepare a family favourite too!
Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Halifax | Roomy Penthouse with water views
- $$$$$$$
- Outdoor terrace
- 12 Guests
- Lots of light
This penthouse apartment has space for up to 12 guests and spectacular views across the city. The subtle and minimalist design leaves no distractions from the light coming in from the large windows – showing off the wooden dining table, the fully equipped kitchen, and the cool artwork.
The best thing? If you split it 12 ways, it’s not even that pricey!
Best Townhouse in Halifax | Beautiful Home in Historic Neighbourhood
- $$$
- Free parking
- Six Guests
- One of best neighbourhoods in Canada!
The Hydrostone area has been voted as one of the best neighbourhoods in Halifax. So it’s not just an awesome townhouse you’re getting if you book this, but an incredible neighbourhood, too!
The house doesn’t just trade on the neighbourhood’s name though. It has softwood flooring, a fully equipped kitchen, and both indoor and outdoor living spaces. It’s a beautiful place to come home to after a busy day of exploring!
Best Loft in Halifax | Studio Loft in Heritage Building
- $$
- Great location
- Two Guests
- Queen bed
This cool studio loft is hidden away in a heritage building. Good for solo adventurers, business travellers, and couples, you have a mezzanine with a comfy queen bed 74 inches above the floor. Underneath that mezzanine, you’ll find a living space, a kitchen, a tv, and views onto the street outside- amongst other things!
Best Private Room in Halifax | Harbour Views
- $$$$
- Queen bed
- Four Guests
- Private balcony
You’ve already seen a couple of incredible private rooms in Halifax. However, this one takes the crown as the best. There are actually two bedrooms in the private part of this apartment, on the 25th floor of a modern and stylish unit. From your master bedroom, you can look out over the harbour itself as there’s a balcony attached!
Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads | Wonderful Home in Central Halifax
- $
- Dedicated workspace
- Two Guests
- Shared living room
Usually, a dedicated workspace and fast Wi-Fi are the bare minimum that a digital nomad will ask for. However, this cosy private room offers a lot more.
You’ve also got a shared living room where you can chill out – and if you ask your host nicely, you might even be able to work at the breakfast bar in the open plan kitchen/living area! When you’re not working, you’ll be pleased to know that all the city’s attractions are just a short distance away.
Best Airbnb in Halifax with a Pool | Beautiful Halifax Waterfront Living
- $$$$
- Access to pool and gym
- Five Guests
- Rooftop terrace with views
If you want to keep your fitness regime up during your vacation, what could be better than staying somewhere with a pool and a gym? Even if you just want somewhere to relax the muscles after a day of exploring, it’s still a great idea.
At this cool condo, you’ll have access to a swimming pool and gym – as well as a spectacular roof terrace with a hot tub and views out over the Halifax waterfront!
The condo is equipped with everything you might need, from a fully-equipped kitchen to a spacious living and dining area.
Best Airbnb for a Weekend in Halifax | Flat in Historic South End
- $$
- Exposed brickwork
- Five Guests
- Original fireplace
Choosing a location is the most important part when spending a weekend in a city. However, in a city as compact as Halifax where everything is within walking distance, this is just an excuse to show off another gorgeous Airbnb!
The Georgian rowhouse dates back to the mid 18th century, and its authentic indoor brickwork and original fireplaces take you back in time. However, there are some contemporary touches too, such as a modern kitchen, private deck, and TV.
Best Airbnb with Jacuzzi | Luxurious Hot Tub Getaway
- $$$$
- Ten-foot movie screen
- Four Guests
- Piano on site
Okay, you’ve already seen a property with a pool, but if you want something that’s going to keep you a little warmer, you’ll need a hot tub. Just imagine soaking in that jacuzzi after a day of walking around the city – it’ll be heaven!
As well as the jacuzzi, there are other cool features, including a ten-foot pull-down movie screen, a piano, and a sofa that four guests can comfortably fit on.
Best Airbnb in Halifax with a View | Harborfront Unit w/ Water Views
- $$$
- Fitness room, pool, hot tub & rooftop patio
- Five Guests
- Laundry facilities
Yes, this place has a very cool view over Halifax. However, that’s not the only reason you’d want to stay here. It’s steps away from the waterfront and is within walking distance to many of the city’s top attractions such as the Maritime Museum.
With two bedrooms, a spacious living area, and a fully stocked kitchen, you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And the warm and cosy design makes the whole space feel inviting.
There’s a swimming pool, fitness center, and rooftop with a hot tub for guests to enjoy.
Best Airbnb for a Group of Friends | Downtown Home w/ Patio & Hot Tub
- $$$$
- Rooftop patio with hot tub
- Nine Guests
- Top floor gym!
The most important thing when travelling with friends is that you have somewhere to kick back and relax together. You can do that here on the back patio – in or out of the hot tub! If the weather is making that difficult, the indoor living spaces aren’t bad either. There’s even a gym on the top floor.
Top 5 Airbnb Experiences in Halifax
Well, there you go. You’ve seen the 15 best vacation rentals in Halifax. While you’re still mulling over which is the best place to stay, let’s look at what to do when you arrive.
The best way to do that is through Airbnb Experiences. Curated by local guides, they can be anything from a walking tour around your chosen city to an outdoor activity such as kayaking or hiking.
Airbnb Experiences are a great way to get out and discover not just Halifax, but the whole state of Nova Scotia. You’ll notice that some of these Experiences are an hour or so away from Downtown Halifax, but making the trip is well worth it!
Blacksmithing Basics
- $156
- 3 hours
- Up to 2 people
Have you ever been interested in trying your hand at blacksmithing? If you’re curious, you can take a three our beginner blacksmithing workshop in Nova Scotia.
You’ll learn all about heating, forging, bending and twisting while you work on a project that you can take home with you at the end.
All the materials are provided, you just need to show up with a can-do attitude. This is one of the most unique Airbnb Experiences in Nova Scotia.
Sunset Cruise
- $132
- 2 hours
- Up to 10 people
What better way to enjoy the gorgeous harbour views of Halifax than from the ocean itself? You can enjoy an evening cruise with your friends or family whilst riding through the calm waters.
As you admire the views, you can sample some of the best local food and stop for photo ops at various points.
Your boat will be captained, but if you want to learn the ropes, your captain would be happy to show you the ropes.
Lobster Cooking Class
- $538 per group
- 2.5 hours
- Up to 25 people
One of the best local delicacies in Halifax is Lobster. Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook it? Well, with this cooking class you’ll get to learn how to create the perfect lobster dish.
All your ingredients and cooking utensils will be provided, just turn up with good vibes. You’ll also be provided with a beverage of your choice.
Come hungry, because once you’ve finished cooking your lobster meal, your lovely hosts will have a homemade dessert waiting for you.
Oh, and I hope you like dogs, as they have three Labrador Retrievers who like to share in the experience.
Sea Kayaking
- $106
- 4 hours
- Up to 6 people
If you like to turn the adventure level up on your vacation, you might enjoy a guided sea kayaking tour! You don’t need any prior experience, and you can use single or double kayaks, whichever you prefer.
The best part is you can tailor the tours to what suits you, from half day, full day, and sunset tours, as well as customized private tours.
You’ll get to explore protected bays, secluded beaches, and the rugged coastline, as well as take a trip to one of the many pristine islands to catch your breath on. The helpful guide will provide you with snacks.
To reward you for your hard work, you’ll get to enjoy a Lobster Feast on the wharf at the end of your trip.
Daytrip SpeedBoat to Beach and Seal Watch
- $39/person
- 2 hours
- Up to 7 Guests
This one is the furthest away from Halifax, but it’s well worth the journey. New Glasgow is 160km (in other words, a 1.75-hour drive) – but when you arrive, you’ll be boarding a speedboat straight away.
Travel up the New Glasgow River to the Pictou Harbour before heading to hidden beaches and cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for seals on this awesome day trip from Halifax!
FAQs About Airbnbs in Halifax
Here’s what people usually ask me about Halifax vacation rentals…
Don’t Forget Your Halifax Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Halifax Airbnbs
So, there you have it. Not only have you seen the 15 best Airbnbs in Halifax, but you’ve also seen five of the best Airbnb Experiences. You’ve now got everything you need to start planning an epic vacation!
Whether you want to stay in a cool condo, a spacious townhouse, or a fabulous penthouse overlooking the harbour, there’s an Airbnb in Halifax for you.
If you still can’t make your mind up, I’d suggest going for my overall best value Airbnb in Halifax. That’s the South End Condo. Everything you could want to see in the city is within walking distance of here, and it’s pretty stylish too!
I hope that wherever you choose to stay, you have a fantastic vacation in Halifax. Make sure to check out World Nomads for travel insurance policies to keep yourself and your belongings safe too.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
