Tips when renting a car at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
- Right-side driving rules apply. Speed limits are in kilometres per hour.
- As of March 2025, there are no more tolls for crossing between Dartmouth and Halifax on the Halifax Harbour bridges.
- Compact cars handle city streets fine, but bigger vehicles work better for rural coastal roads.
- Do a full car inspection and take photos. Maritime weather can be rough on vehicles.
- Check if you need to fuel up before returning your car.
- Bring your regular license plus an International Driving Permit if your license is in a language other than English or French.
Why Rent a Car at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Nova Scotia has arguably one of the best coastlines in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s one of the three Maritime provinces located in Atlantic Canada. To get there, your gateway is the one and only Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
The best way to get around Nova Scotia is with your own wheels. You’ll be able to zip to provincial parks, cultural heritage sites, and nearby towns with ease. Just northwest of Downtown Halifax, you can reach the rugged beauty of Cape Breton Island and other Maritime sunset spots.
Driving from Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) – Getting Started
YHZ connects directly to Highway 102, providing easy access to Halifax and all major Nova Scotia destinations. It takes about 30–35 minutes to reach downtown Halifax by car.
Common routes include:
- Halifax Downtown – 30–35 mins via Highway 102
- Peggy's Cove – 1 hr via Highway 102 S
- Lunenburg – 1 hr 20 min via Highway 103 W
- Annapolis Valley / Wolfville – 1.5 hrs via Highway 101
- Cape Breton Island / Sydney – 3.5–4 hrs via Trans-Canada Hwy / Highway 104
- Truro – 40 min via Highway 102
- Saint John, NB – 3.5 hrs via Trans-Canada Hwy / Highway 104
- Charlottetown, PEI – 3–3.5 hrs via Trans-Canada Hwy / Highway 104
Maritime weather can change quickly, affecting coastal and rural driving conditions, so check real-time weather and road updates before more extended trips.
Explore Halifax and Nova Scotia from Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Nova Scotia combines vibrant urban culture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, award-winning wine regions, and some of North America's most scenic coastal drives. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) serves as Atlantic Canada's largest hub, connecting you directly to everything from Halifax's bustling downtown to the legendary Cabot Trail.
In and around Halifax:
- Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk – Miles of harbour views with restaurants and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
- Citadel Hill – Panoramic views of Halifax Harbour and the historic fortress
- Craft breweries – Thriving beer scene with Garrison, Propeller, and Good Robot leading the way
- Point Pleasant Park – Waterfront walking trails and ocean views within the city
- Halifax Public Gardens – Victorian-era botanical gardens perfect for peaceful strolls
Recommended day trips and scenic routes:
- Peggy's Cove Lighthouse – Nova Scotia's most iconic lighthouse on rugged granite coastline
- South Shore Heritage Route – UNESCO World Heritage Lunenburg and picturesque Mahone Bay
- Annapolis Valley Wine Route – Award-winning wineries like Gaspereau and Blomidon Estate
- Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island – World-renowned scenic drive through highlands and Celtic culture
- Bay of Fundy – World's highest tides at Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park
- Kejimkujik National Park – Pristine wilderness, canoeing, and Mi'kmaq heritage sites
