In short
- Youth tickets start at $30.40 CAD, and kids 2-5 are $19.05 CAD.
- The 55-minute ride keeps children engaged without taking up the whole day.
- The tour features a thrilling 1-2 minute splash into the active harbor.
In this article
Choosing the right activity for a family requires planning, but the Harbour Hopper covers the basics for parents. The ride is fully guided, combining street driving with a dramatic plunge into the Atlantic waters. The guides share entertaining jokes and stories along the way. Below is what you need to know before bringing children on board.
Is the Harbour Hopper good for children?
The tour is exactly 55 minutes long and features an exciting splash into the harbor.
The retrofitted LARC-V military vehicle keeps the ride unusual and interesting. The guide delivers lively commentary filled with jokes to keep younger riders entertained. The 55-minute duration is short enough to hold a child's attention while you see key city sights.
How much are Harbour Hopper tickets for kids?
Children aged 0-1 ride free, while youth tickets (ages 6 to 15) start from $30.40 CAD.
Children aged 2 to 5 cost $19.05 CAD. You can also book a family ticket package. This covers two adults and two children under six, starting from $126.48 CAD. Prices fluctuate by platform and date. Even though infants ride free, you must account for them when booking your tickets.
What happens during the harbor splash?
The 5-ton vehicle plunges directly down a slipway into the active Halifax Harbour.
This is the highlight of the trip for most young visitors. The vehicle transitions smoothly from the street route to the water segment. Have a camera with a strap ready for this 1-2 minute transition. Once in the water, the vehicle acts as a boat for 25 minutes.
What to pack for a Halifax boat tour with kids?
Dress children in layers and bring a light rain jacket or windbreaker.
The military vehicle is open-air and lacks a roof. Coastal weather changes quickly, and harbor temperatures are usually cooler than the downtown streets. Apply sunscreen before boarding. Provide a snug-fitting hat that will not blow away in the ocean breeze.
Can you bring a stroller on the Harbour Hopper?
No large luggage or strollers are permitted on board.
Passenger space on the amphibious vehicle is very limited. You cannot store strollers or large items during the ride. Plan to use a small daypack or crossbody bag for your personal items and water bottles.
What else is there for kids on the waterfront?
The wooden boardwalk is free to explore and features maritime museums and food kiosks.
After the tour, you can walk to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to see the exhibits. You can also visit the Salt Yard to buy a classic Halifax donair or fresh seafood from the seasonal kiosks.
Questions travellers ask
Does the Harbour Hopper run in the rain?
Yes, tours operate rain or shine. No refunds are issued for poor weather unless the captain determines the harbor water conditions are unsafe.
Where does the Harbour Hopper depart?
The departure point is at 1549 Lower Water St, directly on the Halifax Waterfront boardwalk. It is a 5-15 minute walk from most downtown hotels.
What kind of vehicle is the Harbour Hopper?
It is a retrofitted LARC-V military amphibious cargo vehicle. Originally designed in the United States in the 1950s, it carries a 5-ton payload.
