How to organize your visit
Welcome to Halifax (Kjipuktuk in Mi'kmaw)! The 2026 Annual Congress of the Canadian Philosophical Association runs 6–9 June 2026 at Dalhousie University, and is jointly hosting events with CSHPS, CSHPM, CSA, CSCP, CJMA, Ethics Bowl Canada, the Hume Society, and CAPAI.
For broader trip planning, see Discover Halifax and Tourism Nova Scotia.
Where is the Congress?
All sessions take place in the Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building, 6135 University Avenue, with additional sessions in the Scotiabank Theatre. The registration desk will be able to direct you to any room.
What to pack
Early June in Halifax is mild and changeable — expect highs around 17–20 °C (63–68 °F) and cooler evenings, especially near the water. A light rain jacket is more useful than an umbrella (wind), and comfortable walking shoes will serve you well: the peninsula is very walkable. Bring layers.
Power: Canada uses 120 V, 60 Hz, Type A/B outlets (same as the U.S.). Travellers from elsewhere need a simple plug adapter.
Invitation letters and visas
Accepted speakers needing a formal letter of invitation for visa purposes should contact acp.cpa.meeting@gmail.com as early as possible. Partner society attendees should contact their society directly.
Getting to Halifax
- Fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). CPA delegates can use Air Canada corporate code VADAV7R1 for a discount.
- Train: VIA Rail's Ocean runs Montréal–Halifax. CPA delegates can use VIA Rail corporate code 15931.
- By car or ferry: see Tourism Nova Scotia.
From YHZ to campus (≈40 km)
- Taxi / limo: fixed fares via the airport's Ground Transportation desk, around $68 CAD + tax/tip. See fixed-fare list.
- Uber: available from the lower-level pickup zone; typically $50–70 CAD.
- MetroX Route 320 bus: $4.75 one-way, runs hourly, ~60 minutes into the city, plus a connection to campus. Tickets via the HFXGO app or at the airport kiosk.
- Maritime Bus airport shuttle to downtown (~$20): book in advance at maritimebus.com.
Accommodations
On campus — Risley Hall (Dalhousie): reserved block for CPA26 delegates. Use promo code TCPA26 when booking through Dalhousie Summer Accommodations. Rates from around $70/night, with private and suite-style options. A few minutes' walk to the McCain Building.
Other university options:
- University of King's College — adjacent to Dalhousie, shared-bath residence rooms.
- Saint Mary's University — ~2 km away.
Hotels (15–25 min walk or short bus ride to campus):
Halifax offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget. The following downtown hotels are recommended by Discover Halifax. Book early — Congress coincides with a busy period in the city. Reservations are made directly with each hotel.
- Atlantica Hotel Halifax — 1980 Robie St.
- The Barrington Hotel — 1875 Barrington St.
- Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax — 1583 Brunswick St.
- Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown — 5120 Salter St.
- Four Points by Sheraton Halifax — 1496 Hollis St.
- Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel — 1919 Upper Water St.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton — 1960 Brunswick St.
- The Hollis Halifax – a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton — 1649 Hollis St.
- Hotel Halifax — 1990 Barrington St.
- The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites — 1515 South Park St.
- Moxy Halifax Downtown — 5417 Cogswell St.
- Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel — 1709 Lower Water St.
- The Prince George Hotel — 1725 Market St.
- Residence Inn by Marriott — 1599 Grafton St.
- Sutton Place Hotel Halifax — 1700 Grafton St.
- The Westin Nova Scotian — 1181 Hollis St.
Getting around
Halifax is very walkable — most places of interest are within 20–25 minutes on foot. Downtown and the waterfront are a ~25-minute walk east from campus along Coburg Road / Spring Garden Road.
- Transit: Buses and the Halifax–Dartmouth ferry are run by Halifax Transit. Adult cash fare is $3 (exact change); tickets and day passes are also available via the HFXGO app. An activated HFXGO ticket or a paper transfer lets you switch routes within the validity window. Routes are searchable in Google Maps and the Transit app. Note: bus route and map changes took effect in February 2026 — check the Halifax Transit site for current schedules.
- Rideshare / taxi: Uber operates in Halifax; Casino Taxi (902-429-6666) is a reliable local option.
Food and essentials near campus
Conference lunches and coffee breaks will be provided on site; you are on your own for breakfasts and dinners.
- Tim Hortons — multiple locations on and around campus for quick coffee/breakfast.
- Noggins Corner Farm Market (Coburg Rd) — groceries, sandwiches, coffee.
- Pete's Frootique and Atlantic Superstore in the Halifax Shopping Centre area.
- Nova Pharmacy on Coburg Road for essentials; Shoppers Drug Mart on Quinpool Road for extended hours.
Where to eat
- Near campus — Quinpool Road (10–15 min walk, or bus north): pubs, cafés, and affordable international cuisine. Highlights include the Oxford Tap Room, Quinn's Arms, Naan 'n' Curry, and Heartwood (vegan).
- Spring Garden Road / downtown (20 min walk east): the main dining and shopping corridor. Try Mappatura Bistro (Italian), Efes (Turkish), or Rasa Flavours of India. Stop by the award-winning Halifax Central Library and its rooftop café.
- Argyle Street and Barrington Street: pedestrian-friendly blocks of restaurants and bars, including the Economy Shoe Shop, 2 Doors Down, Obladee wine bar, and the Wooden Monkey.
- The Waterfront: a must for an evening stroll. Bishop's Landing has patios (The Bicycle Thief, Ristorante a Mano, Sea Smoke). Further north are the Historic Properties, Salty's (seafood with a harbour view), and the Lower Deck (live Maritime music).
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available; HappyCow is a good filter.
Things to do
In Halifax:
- Halifax Public Gardens — Victorian gardens, 20 min from campus.
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site — 18th-century star-shaped fort; noon cannon.
- Halifax Waterfront — boardwalk, museums, patios.
- Pier 21 Canadian Museum of Immigration — national museum on the waterfront.
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic — Titanic and Halifax Explosion exhibits.
- Point Pleasant Park — urban forest at the tip of the peninsula with coastal trails.
- Public ferry to Dartmouth — same fare as the bus, spectacular harbour views.
Beyond Halifax:
- Peggy's Cove (~45 min drive) — iconic lighthouse and working fishing village. Stay well back from the black rocks — the surf is dangerous.
- Lunenburg and Mahone Bay (~1 hr) — UNESCO-listed town and a postcard-perfect coastline.
- Wolfville and the Bay of Fundy (~1 hr) — the highest tides in the world; Halls Harbour is a great viewing spot.
- Annapolis Royal (~2 hr) — one of the earliest European settlements in North America, with deep Mi'kmaq heritage.
Questions?
For CPA-specific congress logistics: acp.cpa.meeting@gmail.com. Partner society attendees should contact their society's congress organizers directly. We look forward to welcoming you to Halifax in June!