As of today, Halifax has joined popular destinations such as Iceland, Finland and Lisbon, Portugal as Canada’s newest stopover destination, connecting several North American and European cities to Halifax.

The Stopover Halifax program opens the door for arriving and connecting passengers at Halifax Stanfield to enjoy unique and exciting experiences that will leave them wanting more. Designed for travellers with as little as seven hours up to seven days, the program promotes experiences such as strolling along Halifax’s bustling boardwalk, hiking scenic trails at the ocean’s edge, dining on delicious, fresh lobster, exploring iconic Peggy’s Cove, and more.

“We know that Halifax’s location on Canada’s East Coast provides a great opportunity for travellers to experience the best of Halifax on their journey between Europe and North America,” said Erica Pellerin, VP Marketing & Visitor Experience, Discover Halifax. “This program will help make our region more accessible, affordable and desirable to visitors who we know are interested in travelling here.”

Discover Halifax continues to develop and focus on experiences and experiential tourism – a growing global trend – through initiatives such as the newly launched Handpicked Halifax program and custom “stress-free” experience packages for layover travellers.

Discover Halifax and Halifax International Airport Authority have been working closely over the last six months to create this new Stopover Halifax program, with the help of Canadian airline partner WestJet.

“As WestJet’s global network continues to grow, we’re looking forward to our guests experiencing everything Halifax has to offer through the Stopover Halifax Program,” said Brian Znotins, WestJet Vice-President Network Planning and Alliances. “As the carrier with the most transatlantic flights from YHZ and convenient options from destinations across Canada and U.S., WestJet is proud to support tourism opportunities across Nova Scotia and we’re thrilled to provide our guests greater access into and out of Halifax Stanfield.”

There are two ways WestJet guests can book a Stopover to Halifax: booking directly through your travel agent or booking through WestJet by calling the WestJet Contact Centre at 1-888-937-8538.

The Halifax Stanfield International Airport served a record 4.3 million passengers last year, a 20 per cent increase from 2013. The Halifax Region also had a record tourism season, with its sixth year of consecutive growth.“We’re thrilled to work with Discover Halifax, WestJet and our program partners to enhance the experiences of arriving and connecting passengers at Halifax Stanfield with a stopover,” said Tiffany Chase, Director, Public Affairs & Marketing, Halifax International Airport Authority. “Stopover programs are offered by many destinations and airlines around the world – with more international air access than ever before, Halifax Stanfield is serving more domestic and international passengers and it makes perfect sense to give them additional reasons to stay a little longer in our beautiful part of Canada.”

“As we further develop this program, we’re confident it will continue to drive Halifax’s tourism momentum, bringing more passengers to Halifax Stanfield and visitors to experience all our region has to offer,” said Pellerin. “We want more people to fall in love with Halifax and Nova Scotia – that’s what this really is all about.”

For more information on the Stopover Halifax program, including traveller itineraries and program FAQs, visit stopoverhalifax.com.