The Halifax Harbour welcomed more than 357,000 cruise passengers across 184 vessel calls, including seven overnight stays that gave visitors extra time to experience the city’s shops, dining, and culture. The season also marked several firsts, with six new cruise ships making their inaugural visits, including the highly anticipated Brilliant Lady.
Canadians played a major role in this surge, choosing to explore closer to home as travel costs and uncertainty abroad reshaped vacation plans. Hotels across the region reached near-capacity, helping drive Nova Scotia’s tourism revenue to an impressive $3.0 billion by September.
Looking ahead, the excitement continues. Major international events such as SailGP and the ICF Junior & U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships are set to bring even more global attention. With new accommodations coming online, Halifax is more prepared than ever to welcome visitors from around the world.
From ocean views to unmatched East Coast hospitality, the secret is out — there’s truly nowhere like the Maritimes.
I've been to Halifax by cruise ship twice. The first time we went to Peggy's Cove on a ship tour and the second time, we walked the waterfront and saw downtown. I enjoyed both trips by sea and my later one by land. It's a beautiful city!