Dartmouth

Travel Guide

Dartmouth showing street scenes
Dartmouth
Dartmouth which includes a small town or village
Dartmouth showing a house
Dartmouth featuring a park

Enjoy lots of aquatic adventures on the lakes of this waterfront community, situated on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbor.

Dartmouth lies on the eastern shore of the Port of Halifax, opposite Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. With more than 20 lakes within its borders, there is lots for nature lovers to explore. Visit the coastal community to investigate its waterways and lively downtown waterfront district.

You can easily drive from Halifax to Dartmouth via the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge. However, the ferry makes for a much more memorable trip. Running continuously since its inaugural voyage in 1752, the ferry between the two cities is the oldest operating saltwater ferry service in North America. Buy your tickets and view timetables at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal.

The ferry drops you off right by Alderney Landing, the cultural and performing arts hub of Dartmouth. Between plays, concerts and special exhibitions, there is always something to see here. Its weekend farmers’ market is also a popular attraction. Either side of the ferry terminal is Waterfront Park. Stroll along the boardwalk and take in the views of the harbor and nearby islands.

Water is a big part of life in Dartmouth. There are 23 lakes within its borders, which has earned it the nickname of the City of Lakes. Several of these water bodies form a chain that is part of the Shubenacadie Canal, a waterway that links the Port of Halifax with the Bay of Fundy. Canoe or kayak part of the route and go whitewater rafting when the tidal bore rapids power along the Shubenacadie River. Relax by the shores of Lake Banook.

Away from the water, enjoy Dartmouth's other charms. Browse the shops, dine in restaurants and learn about the city's early settlers at Quaker House. Guides dressed in period costume provide a glimpse into 18th-century Nova Scotia life.

If you are in Dartmouth during the first week of August, help the locals celebrate Natal Day. The annual fiesta features parades, live music and family activities and has been celebrated since 1895, originally to mark the arrival of the railway.

Where to stay in Dartmouth

Dartmouth which includes general coastal views

Downtown Dartmouth

5/5(2 area reviews)

Explore Alderney Landing's market, gallery, and theatre, or visit historic landmarks like Quaker Whaler House and Evergreen House. Easily connect to downtown Halifax via ferry from Alderney Landing.

Downtown Dartmouth
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Harbourview

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

While Harbourview isn't home to many top sights, Dartmouth Sportsplex and Angus L. Macdonald Bridge are some notable places to visit nearby.

Harbourview
Sandman Signature Dartmouth Hotel & Suites

Sandman Signature Dartmouth Hotel & Suites

3 out of 5
973 Wilkinson Ave, Dartmouth, NS
The price is ₩184,235 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
₩184,235
₩218,625 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Dartmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,581 reviews)
Excellent Amenities
"The rain shower head and shower stall were excellent"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Sandman Signature Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites

Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites

3 out of 5
15 Spectacle Lake Dr, Dartmouth, NS
The price is ₩213,078 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
₩213,078
₩250,196 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Dartmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,205 reviews)
"Staff were great Beds were nice - pillows were great Breakfast was very good - nice selection"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
Hearthstone Inn Boutique Hotel Halifax - Dartmouth

Hearthstone Inn Boutique Hotel Halifax - Dartmouth

3.5 out of 5
313 Prince Albert Road, Dartmouth, NS
The price is ₩159,338 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
₩159,338
₩187,094 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dartmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Obviously this is not a 5 star property. With that being said we enjoyed our stay here. It was exactly what we needed, a place to sleep and in the middle of everything we needed to get to for the week. The hotel was priced accordingly and we will stay here again next time we are in Halifax."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Hearthstone Inn Boutique Hotel Halifax - Dartmouth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Windmill walk

Windmill walk

3 out of 5
63 Windmill Rd, Dartmouth, NS
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Dartmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (197 reviews)
"The location was good, walkable to the Ferry terminal, the sports complex and the 320 bus stop to the airport was just a block away, only $3.00. There wasn’t central air but the bedroom had a large mobile air conditioner and multiple fans in the unit, so sleeping was comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Windmill walk
Cameo Hotel and Suites

Cameo Hotel and Suites

3 out of 5
1572 Barrington St, Halifax, NS
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and Netflix. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (393 reviews)
"Close to great restaurants & walking distance to Harbourfront. Good location. Easy self check-in, parking around the corner. Room was amazing! Very clean with all amenities. Bed was comfy."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Cameo Hotel and Suites
Lux Exec Home HFX Waterfront Pool Hot Tub

Lux Exec Home HFX Waterfront Pool Hot Tub

4.5 out of 5
2947 Purcells Cove Rd, Halifax, NS
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury vacation home in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Our stay was fabulous! The ho"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Lux Exec Home HFX Waterfront Pool Hot Tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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