We will be visiting Halifax for the day while on holiday in August.Finding somewhere to park looks difficult,is there cheap car parks near the harbour? also where can you pick up the harbour tour bus

everything i've read about halifax recommends parking on the outskirts and taking public transport into the downtown area and then just walking.

Cheap parking for the day - check out Pier 21 - close enough you can walk the waterfront to the downtown core. You will typically spend around $15/day for parking at such places as Scotia Square, etc.

For those who're used to park in large cities, C$15 for a day of parking is really nothing. Think about the time and hassle associated with parking elsewhere and taking a bus, I say just spend the money and don't worry about it.

[When I visited, it was in November, and I had no problem finding meter spots on downtown streets.]

There are two large multi level parking garages right downtown by historic properties, at Purdy's Wharf, and Casino Nova Scotia. Very easy to walk from here to most downtown activities, and is connected by catwalks to some places. Scotia Square ( mall and office towers ) is just up the street and it also has multi level parking. There are a few lots further down on the waterfront, one across the street from Alexander Keith's Brewery ( great tour if you have a chance..), and Pier 21, but it is the farthest down. I have never had problems finding a spot, but beware of Tall Ships in July-August, as parking will be hard to get during this. Have fun.

We just got back from Halifax and CBI.It was a great trip. We parked in the Scotia Square Mall parking garage. It was convenient to everything and well worth the money. Traffic was not bad downtown, at least not anything compared to NYC!Also, we saw a lot on Spring Garden Rd., next to a church, across from Bud's Spuds(which are fantastic) for $8 for the day. Easy walk to the harbour from there.

I think the chip wagons beside the library are one of Halifax's best kept lunch-time secrets. What better way to spend a half-hour than sitting on a wall and watching the world go by as you eat fresh (not frozen) fries with lots of salt and vinegar.

Many thanks to all for the advice re Halifax Parking.

Like anywhere else, what is going on in the city can make a difference in parking availability. We were just there for Canada Day and the International Tattoo.

The only time we weren't able to find street parking easily was the night we went to the Tattoo and wanted to park near the arena where it was held. We used the aforementioned Scotia parking for 5 or 6 dollars on that occasion.

Thanks RufusTFirefly,we will visit when the tall ships have gone. Will spend the night at Halifax Airport Hotel then make our way down to Shelburne,we have a cottage for two weeks right on the beach.Can't wait, the weather has got to be better then here in England

We parked at Pier 21 and enjoyed walking the Halifax Harbour making jolts around the centre of Halifax. Very memorable time and splendid weather. The parking costs was $5.00.