If you find yourself with extra time between flights, this guide to things to do at Halifax Airport (YHZ) can help you make the most of your layover—whether it’s a few hours or an overnight stop. Halifax Airport is not huge, so it won’t overwhelm you with options, but it does offer a solid mix of practical services, local food and shopping, art and music, and chances to stretch your legs. This list focuses on what’s actually available, what’s worth your time, and what you can reasonably expect during a layover here.
1. Get a bite to eat
Halifax Airport offers a mix of familiar chains and a few chances to sample local flavours, though options thin out late at night. One of the most reliable choices for early-morning or overnight travellers is ALTcetera, a landside grab-and-go café that is listed as operating 24 hours. It serves fresh sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and snacks, making it a useful stop if security is closed or your flight departs very early. Also landside, A&W offers burgers, chicken, fries, and its well-known root beer during scheduled hours.
After security, food options are tied closely to flight schedules. Travellers may find JJ’s Burger Joint near U.S. departure gates, offering classic burgers and casual meals when open. Familiar names like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and Subway are also present airside, though most close overnight.
2. Relax in the lounge
Looking for something quieter than the gate areas? Air Canada passengers can access the Maple Leaf Lounge, which offers seating, Wi-Fi, food, and drinks. Access is included for eligible passengers, and paid entry may be available when space allows. See our Halifax Airport Guide for more information. [ read more ]
3. Shop
Halifax Airport’s shopping selection is modest, but it does offer a few worthwhile stops if you’re looking for Nova Scotian gifts, food items, or last-minute essentials. Before security, travellers can browse Artport Gallery Halifax, which features rotating displays and handmade goods from local Nova Scotia artists, including small artworks and crafts that are easy to carry. Also landside, Clearwater Seafoods sells packaged East Coast seafood products such as lobster and scallops that are designed for travel. A Hudson vending zone before security offers snacks, drinks, small electronics, and basic travel supplies, which can be useful if you arrive late or are waiting landside overnight.
After security, Halifax Duty Free carries a mix of international products alongside regional items, including Nova Scotian spirits, chocolates, and gift sets, with hours tied closely to flight schedules. Airside Hudson locations provide convenience items, souvenirs, and reading material. Across the terminal, shoppers may find locally themed postcards, Indigenous art pieces, small pottery items, blueberry-based snacks, sea salt caramel chocolates, and regional craft beverages when available. Selection varies by season and flight activity, so browsing earlier in your layover usually offers the best choice.
4. Take in some art and music
Halifax Airport quietly supports local culture in two ways you can enjoy during a layover:
Art on display:
The Artport Gallery Halifax and other rotating art exhibits feature work by Nova Scotia artists—everything from photography and paintings to crafts and sculpture. These are typically located in public parts of the terminal and are easy to walk through even if you don’t have a lot of time.
Live music & performances:
Halifax has a strong music scene, and the airport occasionally hosts live musicians and performers, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays. Performances aren’t scheduled year-round, so they’re not something you can rely on during every layover—but when they happen, they add a bit of local flavour to your wait.
5. Explore aviation history
If you’re interested in aircraft and aviation history and have a few hours to spare, the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum is located a short taxi or rideshare ride from the airport. The museum focuses on civilian and military aviation in Atlantic Canada and includes a collection of historic aircraft, aviation artifacts, and hands-on exhibits such as flight simulators. It’s compact enough to visit in a couple of hours, making it a reasonable option for longer daytime layovers.
The museum’s hours vary by season, with longer opening hours typically in summer and reduced hours in winter, so it’s important to check the museum’s official website before leaving the airport. Historically, entry fees have been modest, and some visitors report donation-based admission at certain times, but current rates should be confirmed directly with the museum. This option is best suited to travellers with at least three to four hours of free time and reliable transportation back to the terminal.
6. Go sightseeing
Getting into Halifax from the airport is straightforward but time-consuming. Halifax Transit MetroX Route 320 connects the airport with downtown Halifax, with travel times of roughly one hour depending on traffic and stops. Taxis and rideshare services are faster, typically taking about 30 minutes in good conditions, though traffic can add time. Because the airport is well outside the city centre, sightseeing is best reserved for layovers of at least eight hours, especially if you need to return through security for your next flight.
Once downtown, travellers with manageable luggage can enjoy a walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, which offers harbour views, cafés, and a steady flow of ferries and boats. The area is relatively flat and easy to navigate, even with a small suitcase. Nearby, local seafood restaurants and pubs provide a chance to sample Nova Scotia cuisine if time allows. History-minded travellers may also consider a visit to Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which is located near the waterfront and focuses on Canada’s immigration story.
Before heading back to the airport, it’s important to allow generous return time. Halifax Airport generally recommends arriving 90–120 minutes before domestic flights, and earlier for international departures. With travel time, security screening, and the lack of luggage storage, sightseeing works best as a relaxed walk rather than a tightly scheduled outing.
Whatever you do with your time away from the airport, don’t forget about that next flight! Leave plenty of time to get back and process through Security. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Halifax.
7. WiFi
WiFi is free and unlimited, so you can catch up with friends or work during your layover.
8. Sleep
Overnight stays are generally permitted, but expect limited comfort. Security typically closes overnight, and passengers inside the secure area may be asked to move landside until screening reopens.
The best known sleeping area is the observation deck on Level 2 above the main hall, which is quieter and dimmer than most seating areas. Elsewhere, seating is mostly armrest-equipped, with only a few flat benches available airside.
Feel like splurging for a hotel? ALT Hotel is connected to the terminal by a walkway. Otherwise, a few hotels are within a 5-minute drive, offering free shuttle service. Our Halifax Airport Guide lists locations and details. [ read more ]
Updated 30 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Halifax Airport. Visit our Halifax Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.