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Halifax, Nova Scotia offers more accessible adventures than many visitors realize. With a bit of local insight, the city opens up, from smooth waterfront boardwalks to historic sites and great local eats. Here’s how to explore Halifax comfortably and confidently on wheels.
The Halifax Waterfront
If you know where to go, Halifax is full of great accessible spots and activities for visitors with disabilities. I’ll start with a true gem of the city: the Halifax Waterfront. Anyone could tell you the waterfront is one of the most beautiful, and often bustling, parts of the city, teeming with restaurants, shops, and reminders of Nova Scotia’s maritime history. With its barrier-free boardwalk that stretches over four kilometres end-to-end, and plenty of cool spots in close proximity, it’s a great way for people with mobility challenges to experience some of Halifax’s best all at once.
I love going for a roll along the waterfront, stopping for a bite at Salt Yard Social, grabbing a coffee from The Daily Grind, or visiting the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market for an all-local shopping spree. With the ocean so close, the Atlantic can brew up some exciting weather, so consider bringing an extra layer or two.
Wheelchair-accessible ways to explore Halifax attractions
If you’re planning to get around Halifax using a wheelchair, it’s good to know that the city is hilly. One of our most iconic attractions is the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The city’s storied fortress offers free admission for visitors with disabilities’ support persons and is largely wheelchair-accessible, though starting from the bottom of the hill might make it feel more like a mountain. Luckily, you can drive and park in accessible spots at the top entrance or get dropped off by a taxi (Extra Care Taxi provides an accessible cab service).
One of the most fun ways to visit the Citadel and the waterfront—all in one ride—is the Harbour Hopper, the wheelchair-accessible amphibious tour bus that combines several of Halifax’s highlights into one experience. For getting around the rest of the city, Halifax’s accessible public transit system of buses and ferries makes travel more manageable.
Final tips
Travelling using a wheelchair takes some planning, and there are a few tips worth keeping in mind when planning a trip to Halifax. This is a historic port city with a lot of old-world charm. Those who built the picturesque brick-and-stone buildings at the city’s core back in the day weren’t considering accessibility the way we do now.
It’s a good idea to call ahead to restaurants and attractions to get a sense of their accessibility. Haligonians are friendly folks who are happy to help you plan accommodations.
The geography of Halifax itself is another thing to plan for. If you’re using a manual wheelchair and want free rein of the city, you’ll likely need a power-assist or a travel companion who can help push you up steeper terrain. Being able to pop a wheelie to clear sidewalk cracks and bumps is really useful, along with something to make your rig more rugged, like a FreeWheel attachment.
With a bit of knowledge and preparation, Halifax is a beautiful and welcoming city, whether you’re wheeling or walking. There are plenty of accessible places to eat, drink, and socialize, and even more opportunities for adventure. To anyone visiting with accessibility needs: I hope to see you around!
Find more practical tips from RJ here.
Meet the Local
RJ Roggeveen (he/him)
RJ Roggeveen is a medical student, adaptive athlete, adventure seeker, and wheelchair user living in Halifax. He is the co-founder of the Disabled Not Dead Society, which brings together locals with disabilities to create community and belonging.
