Halifax Hostels
Halifax Backpackers is located in the city’s north end. It’s not far from the outdoor skating rink (in-line in the summer, ice in the winter), the Halifax Commons, Casino Nova Scotia, and Scotiabank Centre, plus trendy restaurants and bars. However, the hostel isn’t located in the best part of the city, so it wouldn’t hurt to make sure you don’t walk alone at night. The hostel has an onsite organic fair-trade cafe, as well as free wifi, free linens, laundry room, towel rental ($2), a fully equipped kitchen and common area. For a mixed dorm bed it’s $23 per night, $55 per night for a private double, and $65 per night for a private queen room.
Hi Halifax Heritage House Hostel
Hi Halifax Hostel is located in the heart of the city and is just a couple minute walk to the waterfront. You’ll find a plethora of bars and restaurants nearby, plus a grocery store, coffee shops, the farmers market, and retail stores. They have a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry room, free wifi, free coffee, and linen is included. The hostel has female only rooms, a family room, and shared rooms.
St. Mary’s University Residence
If you’ll be visiting Halifax between the months of May and August and are looking for an inexpensive place to stay, the student residence at St. Mary’s University is a great option. The university is located in the south end of the city, in a quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood. It’s just steps away from Point Pleasant Park, a ten minute walk to the waterfront, and a 20 minute walk from Spring Garden Road. The single and double rooms range in price from $57.95 to $101.95 per night, travel suites are $73.95 per night, and apartments run $139.95 to $168.95 per night. Included in the cost is taxes, parking, all you can eat buffet breakfast, wireless internet, and passes for the university’s gym.
Mount Saint Vincent University Residence
Residence rooms are also available to rent at Mount Saint Vincent University. The school is about a 15 minute drive to the downtown core. However, there is a bus stop located right in front of the school for easy access to the heart of the city. There is a Tim Horton’s coffee shop and corner store nearby, plus a pizza place, Korean restaurant, and Chinese restaurant. Single rooms run from $46.92 – $52.79 per night, double rooms are $64.52, a suite with private bath is $76.25 and apartments run from $82.11 – $133.72 per night depending on how many rooms they have. Included in the cost is taxes, parking, linens, and an athletic pass.
Dalhousie University Residence
Dalhousie University is Halifax’s largest university, which also means its residences are spread out across the city, unlike St. Mary’s and Mount Saint Vincent, which both have just one smaller campus. Dalhousie residence rooms are available to rent between May 4 and August 18. The rooms range from traditional dorm rooms, to suites and apartments. Nightly rates start at $30, with check-in at 3 p.m. and check-out at 10:30 a.m. Included in the cost is free high-speed internet, lounges with cable TV, coin-operated laundry facilities, weekly linen service, on-site dining hall, front desk staffed 24 hours, free parking (subject to availability, and access to the university’s fitness facility.
The Gleeful Globetrotter 