Two-Week Quebec City and Halifax Itinerary from Seattle

Morning — Seattle to Québec City

Fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport in the morning, allowing roughly 8–12 hours total for the connection—usually through Montréal or Toronto. For an international itinerary, arrive at the airport about three hours before departure, and keep your connection comfortably padded in case bags or customs take time. After landing, a taxi is the simplest way into town: expect about 20–30 minutes to central Québec City, depending on traffic, with a regulated fare generally around C$40–55. Rideshare availability can vary, so don’t rely on it as your only option. Leave the afternoon intentionally light for check-in and a reset after the long travel day.

Late Afternoon — Place Royale

Once settled, head down to Place Royale in the Lower Town, ideally by taxi or a downhill walk if your hotel is near the Upper Town. Spend about 45 minutes taking in the stone façades, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, and the compact square’s distinctly European atmosphere. The area is especially pleasant in the late afternoon, when the tourist-day rush begins to ease. Comfortable shoes matter: the streets are cobbled and the slopes back uphill are steeper than they look.

Early Evening — Quartier Petit Champlain and Dinner

Continue into Quartier Petit Champlain, wandering its narrow lanes and independent boutiques for about an hour. Most shops typically close around 5:00–6:00 p.m., though the district remains lively afterward; check the evening hours of any particular store you want to visit. For dinner, reserve at Le Lapin Sauté, a cozy Québecois restaurant known for hearty regional cooking. Budget approximately C$35–60 per person before drinks and tip, and mention that you don’t drink—restaurants here are accustomed to offering sparkling water, house-made lemonade, or other nonalcoholic options. Afterward, take a gentle stroll along Rue du Petit-Champlain before returning to your hotel and turning in early.

Morning

Start at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, reaching Dufferin Terrace around 9:00 a.m., when the promenade is relatively quiet and the morning light is excellent over the St. Lawrence River. You do not need to enter the hotel to appreciate its turrets and riverside setting; allow about 45 minutes for photographs and a stroll. From there, walk a few minutes through Old Québec to Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. It generally opens in the morning, though service times can affect visitor access; admission is typically free, with a small donation appreciated. Dress respectfully, and check the posted schedule before entering.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk downhill through Petit-Champlain and along the Lower Town lanes to the Musée de la Civilisation, about 15–20 minutes from the basilica. Plan roughly two hours here; its changing exhibitions are especially good for understanding Québec and Indigenous cultures, and opening hours are commonly around 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed Tuesdays, but verify the September schedule). After the museum, return uphill—use the funicular if you prefer to avoid the steep climb, usually about C$5 per person—and have lunch at Le Chic Shack near Place d’Youville. Expect roughly C$20–35 per person for a burger or vegetarian option, fries, and a nonalcoholic drink; no need to order alcohol, and the casual counter-service setup keeps this easy.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering Rue Saint-Jean, allowing about 90 minutes rather than following a strict route. The eastern stretch inside the fortifications is particularly atmospheric, with independent shops, bakeries, and historic façades; continue as far as Porte Saint-Jean if your feet are willing. Most shops keep roughly 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. hours, with some staying open later on weekends. For a quiet evening, simply choose a café or tea stop along the street and walk back through the illuminated Old Québec lanes—September evenings can be cool, so bring a light layer.

Morning — Art on the Plains

Begin at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, opening at 10:00 a.m. (hours can vary by exhibition). Give yourselves about two and a half hours for the Québec and Canadian collections, including the bright, modern Pavillon Pierre Lassonde and the older gallery buildings. Admission is generally around C$25 per adult; buy tickets online if a special exhibition is drawing crowds. From Old Québec, it is a pleasant 20-minute walk uphill, or a short taxi or bus ride—use the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec stop and avoid driving, since parking around the museum fills quickly.

Afterward, walk through the Plains of Abraham toward Parliament Hill, allowing roughly 90 minutes for the broad lawns, wooded paths, and battlefield viewpoints. This is a good place to slow the day down rather than follow a strict route; the park is free and open throughout the day, and September weather is often ideal for a relaxed stroll. Continue into Montcalm for lunch at La Maison Smith on Avenue Cartier, where coffee, sandwiches, salads, and pastries make an easy light meal for about C$15–30 per person. Expect café-style seating rather than a long restaurant service, and check the specific branch’s hours before setting out.

Afternoon — Montcalm to Saint-Roch

Spend the early afternoon browsing Avenue Cartier, especially the stretch between Grande Allée and Rue René-Lévesque. The independent boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and small cafés are best enjoyed without a shopping list; allow about an hour, with extra time if something catches your eye. It is an easy continuation from lunch, and the neighborhood is compact enough to explore on foot.

For the evening, take a 15–20 minute walk downhill toward Rue Saint-Joseph Est in Saint-Roch—or use a short taxi or bus ride if your legs are tired. This lively corridor is strongest from around 5:30 p.m. onward, when design shops and restaurants begin filling up. Wander the storefronts and side streets for about 90 minutes, then choose dinner locally; many restaurants are small and reservations are worthwhile, particularly Thursday through Saturday. For two teetotalers, cafés, house-made sodas, kombucha, and alcohol-free cocktails are commonly available, so you can comfortably make the evening about food and neighborhood atmosphere rather than drinks.

Morning — Parliament Hill views and architecture

Start around 9:30 a.m. at Observatoire de la Capitale, inside Marie-Gérin-Lajoie Building on Parliament Hill. The viewing floor is the highest public viewpoint in the city, with a useful orientation to the river, Laurentian foothills, and the neighborhoods you have already explored. Allow about an hour; admission is generally around C$15–20 per adult, and opening hours can change seasonally, so check the official schedule before setting out. From Old Québec, it is a pleasant 15-minute uphill walk; otherwise, a short taxi or bus ride avoids the steepest section.

Afterward, walk a few minutes around Parliament Building and the surrounding Parliament Hill grounds. The ornate Second Empire façade is best appreciated from outside, especially from Fontaine de Tourny and along Rue des Parlementaires. Give yourselves roughly 45 minutes for photographs and a slow circuit rather than trying to force in another formal attraction. The area is compact, and the walk downhill toward Saint-Roch takes about 15–20 minutes via Rue Saint-Jean and Côte d’Abraham.

Midday and afternoon — Saint-Roch at an easy pace

Continue to Jardin Jean-Paul-L’Allier, a quiet landscaped pocket in Saint-Roch with lawns, paths, and shaded places to sit. It is a good reset before lunch; allow 45 minutes and pick up a coffee or cold drink nearby if needed. For lunch, reserve at Le Clocher Penché, one of the neighborhood’s most dependable choices for thoughtful seasonal cooking. Expect about C$40–70 per person before tax and tip, and plan on 1½ hours; weekday service is usually easier, but reservations are still sensible. The restaurant is a short walk from the garden, and its menu normally includes substantial nonalcoholic options—simply ask for sparkling water, house lemonade, or a zero-proof pairing rather than wine.

Spend the afternoon at L’Îlot des Palais, a former palace complex near Rue Saint-Joseph Est that explains Québec’s brewing and food-production history through exhibits and restored industrial spaces. Allow about 1½ hours; admission is commonly in the C$10–20 range, with hours varying by season and special programming. It is only a 10-minute walk from Le Clocher Penché, so there is no need for transit. Afterward, leave room to browse Saint-Roch’s independent shops or return slowly uphill toward your accommodation; the district is lively but more local-feeling than the tourist core, and most venues close by early evening.

Morning — Across the river to Lévis

Start at the Québec City–Lévis Ferry terminal in the Old Port around 9:00 a.m. The crossing to Lévis takes about 12 minutes each way, but allow roughly 1½ hours round trip so you can stay on deck for the skyline views and photograph Québec City from the river. Walk-on fares are inexpensive—roughly C$8–10 round trip—and boats generally run regularly, though check the day’s sailing schedule before leaving. After disembarking, continue on foot to Parc de la Jetée, about 10–15 minutes along the Lévis waterfront, for a quiet 45-minute stroll with especially good views back toward Château Frontenac and Cap Diamant. The ferry terminal is easily reached from central Old Québec on foot; allow extra time if you are starting uphill near Saint-Jean-Baptiste**.

Midday — Market and riverside lunch

Return by ferry and spend about an hour at Old Port Market, browsing Québec apples, cheeses, preserves, maple products, and fresh pastries. It is a good place to pick up picnic supplies, but save room for lunch at Le Café du Monde, a short walk away along the waterfront. Request a window or terrace table if available; the river setting is the main reason to linger over the meal. Plan on approximately C$30–55 per person before drinks and tip, with seafood and French-Canadian dishes prominent on the menu. Market hours can change seasonally, so verify both venues’ schedules the night before; September mornings are usually the most pleasant time to visit before the Old Port becomes busier.

Afternoon — The modern shoreline

Take a taxi or local bus toward Promenade Samuel-De Champlain rather than walking the whole way from the Old Port; the trip is typically 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Spend two unhurried hours following the broad riverside paths, landscaped gardens, lookout points, and public art. Renting bikes is worthwhile if the weather is clear, while walking works well if you want to stop frequently for photographs. There are cafés and restrooms in the park area, but services can be spread out, so bring water. In early September, late afternoon is ideal: the light softens over the St. Lawrence, and the promenade feels much less crowded than the central tourist streets. Return by taxi or bus to your accommodation, leaving the evening open rather than adding another major sight.

Morning — Sainte-Pétronille and the western tip

Pick up a rental car around 8:30 a.m.; Île d’Orléans is much easier by car than by public transit, and a full island loop takes about six hours without rushing. Cross the bridge and drive first to Sainte-Pétronille, the island’s prettiest village, for an easy stroll along quiet lanes and the riverfront viewpoints facing Québec City. Allow about an hour, and bring a light jacket—the exposed western tip can feel cool even in September. Continue to Vignoble Ste-Pétronille, where you can enjoy the vineyard setting and ask for juice, cider, or other non-alcoholic options rather than wine; opening hours and tasting availability vary by season, so check the day’s schedule before leaving town.

Lunch and island wandering

Drive east to La Monnaguette in Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans for a relaxed, seasonal lunch—budget roughly C$25–50 per person, before drinks and tip. Reserve if possible, particularly for a September Thursday, and allow about 1½ hours. After lunch, take the scenic island roads at an unhurried pace: farm stands, old stone houses, orchards, and St. Lawrence viewpoints are the point of the outing, so stop when something catches your eye. Keep some cash or a card available for roadside produce stands, and check the fuel gauge before setting out; services are spread out.

Late afternoon — Montmorency Falls

Return toward the mainland and finish at Montmorency Falls, about a 20–30-minute drive from the island depending on traffic. Give yourselves roughly two hours to walk to the viewpoints and cross the suspension bridge above the falls; the cable car is optional if you prefer to save the uphill walk, but it costs extra. The site generally closes later than the surrounding attractions in September, though exact hours and parking fees change seasonally. Afterward, drive back into Québec City for dinner rather than trying to fit another major sight in—the island loop is best enjoyed as a full, leisurely day.

Morning

Begin around 9:30 a.m. at the Morrin Centre, an atmospheric former prison and Québec City’s English-language cultural hub. The guided tour usually lasts about 1½ hours and is the best way to understand the cells, historic library, and building’s layered history; reserve ahead if possible, with admission generally around C$15–25. From there, walk a few minutes through Old Québec to Rue du Trésor, the narrow open-air artists’ lane just off Rue Sainte-Anne. Allow about 45 minutes to browse paintings and prints, though displays can vary with weather and the artists’ schedules.

Continue to the Musée de l’Amérique francophone, housed in the historic Séminaire de Québec complex. Give yourselves roughly 1½ hours for its exhibitions on French-speaking communities and culture across North America; check the day’s hours before setting out, as museum schedules can change seasonally. It is an easy walk from Rue du Trésor, and the surrounding courtyards are worth a quiet look between galleries.

Lunch

Have an unhurried lunch at Café La Maison Smith in Old Québec, budgeting about C$15–30 per person for coffee, pastries, sandwiches, or a light bowl. This is a good place to slow the pace rather than add another major sight, and there are plenty of alcohol-free drinks—espresso, tea, hot chocolate, and house lemonades. After lunch, take a taxi or rideshare toward Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge in Sillery; allow approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transit is possible but slower, and a taxi is worthwhile for preserving your afternoon.

Afternoon

Spend about two hours wandering Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, a peaceful former estate with formal gardens, wooded paths, historic ruins, and broad views toward the St. Lawrence River. The grounds are generally free to enter and are open during daylight hours, but services are limited, so bring water and wear comfortable shoes. September is especially pleasant here: the park feels distinctly local after the busy streets of Old Québec, and you can linger on a bench or follow the paths without trying to fit in one more scheduled attraction. Return to the city by taxi or bus in the late afternoon, leaving the evening open for a simple dinner near your accommodation.

Afternoon — Settle into Halifax

After arriving at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, take MetroX Route 320 to downtown—about 45–60 minutes, with service roughly every 30 minutes—or use a taxi/rideshare if you have luggage and want to reach your hotel sooner. Once checked in, keep the afternoon deliberately easy: Halifax Public Gardens is a lovely first walk, especially in September when the beds still have color and the paths are quiet. Allow about an hour; admission is free, but note that the gardens generally close in the early evening and may have reduced hours late in the season. From downtown, it is an easy 15-minute walk south along Spring Garden Road.

Evening — Waterfront dinner

From the gardens, walk downhill through the South End and along Sackville Street toward the Historic Properties, roughly 20 minutes. Settle in at The Bicycle Thief, where the harbor-side setting and polished seafood-focused menu make it a good first-night dinner without requiring another trip across town. Expect about C$40–75 per person before drinks and gratuity; reservations are wise, particularly for a Friday or Saturday. The restaurant has plenty of nonalcoholic choices, and afterward you can take an unhurried stroll along the nearby Halifax Waterfront before turning in—an ideal low-key introduction after a travel day.

Morning — Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Start around 9:00 a.m. at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, before the hill gets busy and while the ramparts have the best morning light. Allow about two hours for the fortifications, museum exhibits, powder magazine, and views over downtown and the harbour; the site often opens around 9:00 a.m. in September, but confirm seasonal hours and admission before setting out. Budget roughly C$14–20 per adult, depending on the day and ticket type. From most downtown hotels, it is an easy uphill walk of 10–20 minutes; wear comfortable shoes, since the cobblestones and slopes are more substantial than they look.

Late Morning and Lunch — St. Paul’s Anglican Church and Grand Parade

Walk downhill via Brunswick Street toward St. Paul’s Anglican Church at Grand Parade. Give yourselves about 30 minutes to see the timber-framed interior and the unusual “keystone” window associated with the Halifax Explosion; services or parish events can occasionally limit access, so treat this as a flexible stop. Then spend another half-hour in Grand Parade, Halifax’s oldest civic square, taking in the Halifax City Hall façade and the orderly urban plan around it. For lunch, settle into The Local Council, a relaxed downtown choice with vegetarian options and meals generally around C$20–35 per person before drinks and tip. It is a good place to pause rather than rush straight into the afternoon.

Afternoon — Discovery Centre

After lunch, walk toward the waterfront end of downtown for the Discovery Centre, allowing about two hours for the hands-on science galleries, demonstrations, and rotating exhibits. It is particularly useful on a rainy or breezy day, and the interactive displays make it more than a quick museum stop. Admission is typically around C$18–25 per adult, with hours varying by season; check the day’s schedule for live demonstrations before visiting. From The Local Council, expect roughly a 10–15 minute walk, or take a short taxi if your feet are tired. Finish with an unhurried walk along nearby Lower Water Street—without planning another major attraction—so the day ends with room to browse shops or find a quiet café.

Morning

Start around 9:30 a.m. at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, in the Seaport District at the south end of the waterfront. Allow about two hours for the permanent galleries and recorded arrival stories; it is a moving, very human introduction to Halifax, particularly if you take time with the passenger records and oral histories. Admission is generally around C$15–20 for an adult, with discounts and occasional timed-entry requirements, so check the museum’s current schedule before setting out. From downtown, it is an easy 15–20-minute walk south along the harbour, or a short local-bus ride; the museum and nearby wharf are accessible, but bring a light layer because the waterfront can be windy even in September.

Walk a few minutes along Marginal Road to the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market for late-morning browsing. Give yourselves about an hour for Nova Scotian cheese, baked goods, preserves, crafts, and small producer stalls; the market is especially useful for picking up a picnic-style snack, though vendors and opening days vary, so verify the September hours. Continue north on foot toward the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic—roughly 20 minutes along the boardwalk—or take a short bus ride if the weather turns. Plan on two hours inside, focusing on the shipbuilding displays, naval history, and Titanic material. Admission is usually about C$8–10, and the museum often closes in the late afternoon, so arriving shortly after lunch gives you time to see the main galleries without rushing.

Afternoon and Evening

After the museum, stroll north through the Historic Properties and along the harbour promenade beside the old warehouses. The stretch around Lower Water Street is ideal for a relaxed 45-minute walk: look back toward the working harbour, pause on a bench, and wander through the restored courtyards rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. Finish at The Foggy Goggle for an informal dinner, allowing about 1½ hours. Expect roughly C$25–45 per person before drinks; ask about meat-free options and confirm ingredients if you prefer to avoid alcohol in sauces or desserts. It is an easy end to the day, with downtown hotels generally within a 10–20-minute walk—though a taxi or rideshare is sensible if the evening is wet or breezy.

Morning — Halifax North Common

Begin around 9:00 a.m. at Halifax North Common, entering from North Park Street or Cunard Street. This broad, open green is a good place to slow down after several sightseeing-heavy days: follow the paths past playing fields and mature trees, with the Halifax Citadel rising just to the south. Allow about an hour. It is free and always accessible, though the grounds can feel quiet early in the day; bring a coffee from Java Blend Coffee Roasters on Agricola Street if you would like something warm for the walk.

Continue north by bus, taxi, or on foot to Fort Needham Memorial Park—roughly 20 minutes walking uphill, or about 10 minutes by car. Spend around 1½ hours at the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bells and Halifax Explosion Memorial. The elevated lookout has one of the best harbor views in the city, especially toward Halifax Harbour and the A. Murray MacKay Bridge. The park is free and open year-round; wear comfortable shoes, since the approach includes a noticeable climb and some sloping paths.

Midday — Africville and Lunch

From Fort Needham Memorial Park, take a taxi or rideshare to Seaview Lookoff and the Africville Museum, allowing about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. The small museum is generally open seasonally from late morning into the afternoon, but hours can change, so check the day’s schedule before setting out. Give yourselves about an hour to learn about Africville’s history, the community’s displacement, and its continuing cultural importance. The surrounding waterfront is deliberately quiet and reflective, so take a few minutes outside at the lookoff rather than rushing straight back into town.

For lunch, head to The Narrows Public House in the North End, usually about 10 minutes by taxi from Seaview Lookoff. Plan on C$25–45 per person, and consider ordering a Nova Scotian-style comfort-food dish such as fish and chips, a meat pie, or a hearty sandwich. It is a pub, but you can easily keep the meal alcohol-free—ask for a local soda, tea, or nonalcoholic option. Lunch service can be busy, particularly on weekends, so arriving around 12:30 p.m. is sensible.

Afternoon — Hydrostone Market

Finish in Hydrostone Market, a short taxi ride or roughly 20-minute walk from The Narrows Public House. Wander the brick-lined streets around Young Street and Novalea Drive, browsing the small shops, galleries, bakeries, and cafés housed in the distinctive post–Halifax Explosion planned neighborhood. Allow about an hour, or longer if you stop for coffee or a pastry. Most businesses close by early evening, so this is better as an afternoon visit than a late-day fallback; from here, regular Halifax Transit buses and taxis make it straightforward to return downtown.

Morning — Dalhousie University and Point Pleasant Park

Start around 9:00 a.m. at Dalhousie University, wandering the historic Studley Campus around University Avenue, Seymour Street, and Coburg Road. The leafy paths and stone-and-brick academic buildings make this a pleasant, unhurried introduction to Halifax’s South End; allow about an hour, keeping in mind that some buildings are active university facilities rather than visitor attractions. From campus, walk or take a short taxi/rideshare to Point Pleasant Park—roughly 15 minutes by car, or 25–35 minutes on foot depending on your starting point. Spend about two hours on the wooded trails, following the harbor-side paths toward Black Rock Beach and Prince of Wales Tower. Park entry is free; wear sturdy shoes, since some trails can be muddy after rain, and bring water because food options inside the park are limited.

Early Afternoon — Dingle Tower and lunch at The Armview Restaurant

Take a taxi or rideshare from Point Pleasant Park to Sir Sanford Fleming Park, usually about 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. The park’s main attraction is Dingle Tower, a stone monument marking Nova Scotia’s role in establishing representative government. Allow about 1½ hours for the climb and the surrounding trails; the tower itself may have limited access or seasonal hours, so check locally before relying on the interior stair climb. The views over the Northwest Arm are still worthwhile from the grounds. Continue by car or taxi for approximately 10 minutes to The Armview Restaurant on Purcells Cove Road. This is a straightforward, old-school diner stop—ideal for sandwiches, seafood, breakfast plates, or a milkshake—with a typical bill of about C$20–35 per person before tax and tip. Check its current hours, as independent restaurants sometimes adjust schedules midweek.

Afternoon — York Redoubt National Historic Site

After lunch, continue by taxi or rideshare to York Redoubt National Historic Site in Fergusons Cove, allowing roughly 15–20 minutes. The former coastal defense site is best enjoyed slowly: follow the lanes between the grass-covered batteries, stone structures, and cliff-top viewpoints, looking back across the harbor approaches. Plan on about 1½ hours, and bring a light jacket—the exposed shoreline can feel noticeably cooler and windier than inland Halifax. Admission is generally modest or free depending on the current Parks Canada setup, but seasonal staffing and access can vary. A taxi/rideshare is the practical choice for this sequence; bus connections to the outer sites are limited and would significantly reduce your walking time.

Morning — Across the harbor to Dartmouth

Start at the Halifax Ferry Terminal around 9:00 a.m. and take the public ferry to Alderney Landing; the crossing takes about 12 minutes each way, with departures generally every 15–30 minutes. A round trip is inexpensive—roughly C$5–7 per adult—and regular transit fares usually cover the ride, but check the day’s schedule before setting out. Stay outside if the weather is calm: the harbor views back toward downtown Halifax, Georges Island, and the working port are the real point of the trip. Allow about 30 minutes round trip, then spend roughly 45 minutes around Alderney Landing, whose cultural center and waterfront plaza often have exhibitions, markets, or small events.

From there, follow the Dartmouth Harbourwalk Trail south along the shoreline for about 1½ hours. It is an easy, mostly level stroll with benches and broad views across the water; pause whenever a ferry or harbor vessel passes rather than treating it like a hike to complete. The route leads naturally toward the Lake Banook area, where you can spend about an hour walking beside the attractive paddling and rowing lake. This is one of Dartmouth’s most pleasant local landscapes, especially when the water is still and the houses and boathouses reflect across it. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer—the harbor can feel cool even on a sunny September morning.

Lunch and afternoon

Return toward downtown Dartmouth for lunch at The Canteen, a good choice for locally focused comfort food and a relaxed, non-drinking-friendly atmosphere. Expect about C$25–45 per person before tax and tip; a reservation is sensible if you are visiting on a busy day, though earlier lunch is often easier. Afterward, finish at Ferry Terminal Park, a quiet place to sit with a final view across to Halifax. It is only a short walk from the terminal, so you can linger without worrying about a long return journey. When you are ready, take the next Halifax–Dartmouth Ferry back across the harbor; allow 15–20 minutes for the crossing and a little waiting time, with the city skyline especially good in the afternoon light.

Morning — A final walk through the Public Gardens Bandstand

Begin at the Halifax Public Gardens Bandstand in the South End for one last quiet garden walk. The gardens generally open at 8:00 a.m. seasonally, and arriving around 9:00 gives you peaceful paths, clipped flowerbeds, and morning light on the Victorian bandstand before the midday visitors arrive. Allow about 45 minutes; stay on the marked paths and check the seasonal closing date, since the gardens may have reduced hours late in the season.

From the gardens, walk north through the Halifax Common toward Emera Oval, roughly 15–20 minutes via Bell Road and Cunard Street. Set aside about an hour for a casual skate or other seasonal recreation if the oval is operating. Equipment rentals and admission, when available, are typically modest—often around C$5–15—but hours and programming are highly seasonal, so confirm online that day. If skating is not running, the Common is still an easy place to stretch your legs before lunch.

Lunch — Edna Restaurant

Continue into the North End for lunch at Edna Restaurant, about a 15-minute walk from the oval or a short taxi ride if you have luggage. This is a good final Halifax meal: polished without feeling stiff, with carefully prepared seafood and strong vegetarian choices. Plan on 1½ hours and approximately C$40–70 per person before drinks, tax, and tip; because it is a popular small restaurant, reserve ahead and verify the daytime service schedule.

Afternoon and departure — To Halifax Stanfield International Airport

After lunch, return to your accommodation for luggage, then leave for Halifax Stanfield International Airport about three hours before your Seattle flight. The airport bus, MetroX Route 320, takes roughly 45–60 minutes from downtown and is the budget option; a taxi or rideshare is more comfortable with bags and usually takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Build in extra time for airline check-in, security, and U.S. preclearance at Halifax, and keep passports and travel documents accessible. If your flight is later in the day, avoid cutting it close: airport-bound traffic and bus timing are less predictable than the city walk you have just enjoyed.