Historical Tours
55 minutes
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 90% of travellers
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C$73
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Closed until Nov 1, 2024
Harbour Hopper Tours
Harbour Hopper Tours
4.5
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All aboard Halifax's most popular boat tour – the Harbour HopperTour - a fun, fast-paced adventure by land and sea! From your seat aboard this impressive, retrofitted military vehicle, you'll have unparalleled views of Halifax’s most noteworthy sites, beautiful landscape, and historic and modern architecture. Your knowledgeable and very entertaining guide will share historical facts and lesser-known stories about Halifax and will keep you somewhat entertained with the occasional knee-slapper. From the winding streets of Halifax, your adventure continues as you SPLASH into the Halifax Harbour. Your driver is now your Captain, and there’s more to explore so keep your camera ready for unique photo opportunities of our active harbour, Georges Island National Historic Site, the Halifax Waterfront, and more. This award-winning, fully narrated amphibious tour is one you won’t soon forget!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,036 reviews
Excellent
654
Very good
269
Average
64
Poor
23
Terrible
26
Timbo3765
Pershore, UK650 contributions
Nov 2022
Really good tour well worth the cost. We had a great guide very informative. Booked direct from the UK which saved money rather than booking with cruise company. A good and different way to while away an hour.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Timbo,
That's amazing! We love it when people from all over the world share their experiences with us.
We're thrilled that our Harbour Hopper tour guide enhanced your experience.
Written June 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sunshynes
Ontario, Canada34 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
The Harbour Hopper Tour is an hour-long tour of Halifax on both land & sea in an amphibious vehicle. We had a substitute tour guide, as the one scheduled didn't show up (??)--not to worry though, as our guide did a great job. He was funny, knowledgable about the sites on the tour (The Citadel, the warehouse district, etc.), & kept us entertained as we drove through the narrow streets of Halifax. Our driver was amazing, moving that huge vehicle through the traffic with ease, navigating the twisting road up & down The Citadel & splashing us neatly into the harbour.
The tour price is a bit high but still worth it--you get an hour of touring around the city & harbour, entertainment & information, & a neat experience. A word of advice--don't plan on just walking up to the ticket booth & getting seats on the next available tour, as they sell out very quickly. Online ticket purchase is available through their website, or head to the ticket booth early, reserve your spots, then enjoy a walk along the great harbourfront!
The tour price is a bit high but still worth it--you get an hour of touring around the city & harbour, entertainment & information, & a neat experience. A word of advice--don't plan on just walking up to the ticket booth & getting seats on the next available tour, as they sell out very quickly. Online ticket purchase is available through their website, or head to the ticket booth early, reserve your spots, then enjoy a walk along the great harbourfront!
Written August 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonas P
Norfolk, VA14 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
It was really fun. Parking is tough in Halifax, so we did this quick tour to pick the sites we wanted visit on foot. Great way to get your bearings. The craft itself has a cool history. It's a bit disconcerting when you enter the water. Just smile and embrace the hokeyness!
Written June 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jonas P,
Thank you for your review. We're glad you enjoyed your Harbour Hopper ride. It is definitely unique experience, and driving into water is a different feeling!
Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoy the rest of your Halifax visit.
Jessica
Written July 4, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BubbaBri888
Toronto, Canada130 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
Harbour Hopper Tours gave my family the worst first impression of Halifax possible.
With a family and without, I have travelled to five continents and dozens of great cities and countries, and considering I am a born and bred Canadian, I did not expect this level of incompetence.
My family and I arrived in Halifax airport mid-afternoon and had set aside our first day to do the Harbour Hopper tour so that my kids could get a feel for the city and get ideas for what they would like to do the next day, out of the various options I already had planned out. I had called a week in advance to ensure that the tour would run, rain or shine, and dutifully took the ferry over from Dartmouth (where we were staying in a great B&B). We bought our tickets for the 5:00 p.m. tour over an hour in advance, and set about to walk the waterfront a bit beforehand.
Forty minutes later, we're standing outside, first in line for the tour and wondering why no one else is in line, when the ticket office calls my cell to say that the 5:00 tour has been cancelled due to mechanical issues, and that the next available tour would be 7:00. With the time that would take, plus travel time, my kids would be out way past their bed time.
As well, it was also Sunday and the last ferry back to our car on the Dartmouth side would be 6:15, so if we were to do this tour we would be stranded.
After a long and useless debate with both the unhelpful young CSR on the phone AND the manager at their main office, it was now 5:30 and the only solution the place had was to refund our money. Nevermind that we had taken the time, effort, and money to ferry across for this tour specifically, and all other major attractions were now closed. In the end, I had to apologize to my kids as we left on the ferry back to Dartmouth having wasted our afternoon/evening and accomplished nothing of our Maritimes vacation, thanks to Harbour Hopper Tours. Thankfully, Cape Breton and PEI were great and salvaged some great memories for my kids and I!
Issues at hand:
No advance warnings that tours DO NOT run "Rain or Shine", and that IF a mechanical issue arises, ticket holders DO NOT get tickets on the next tour, but are forced (if able) to wait hours until the next empty tour seats (in this case, much too late if you have young kids).
No reserve tour buses/boats in contingency for this sort of eventuality. The manager said that there was only one working vehicle out of their three. This despite myself and my kids SEEING two running tours during this time, with our own eyes--one with a load of tourists in the street, another on the water.
No suggestions by employees that were helpful---more of a "sorry, but tough luck" attitude.
In summary, no answers, no truth, and no tour.
WORST EXPERIENCE EVER.
With a family and without, I have travelled to five continents and dozens of great cities and countries, and considering I am a born and bred Canadian, I did not expect this level of incompetence.
My family and I arrived in Halifax airport mid-afternoon and had set aside our first day to do the Harbour Hopper tour so that my kids could get a feel for the city and get ideas for what they would like to do the next day, out of the various options I already had planned out. I had called a week in advance to ensure that the tour would run, rain or shine, and dutifully took the ferry over from Dartmouth (where we were staying in a great B&B). We bought our tickets for the 5:00 p.m. tour over an hour in advance, and set about to walk the waterfront a bit beforehand.
Forty minutes later, we're standing outside, first in line for the tour and wondering why no one else is in line, when the ticket office calls my cell to say that the 5:00 tour has been cancelled due to mechanical issues, and that the next available tour would be 7:00. With the time that would take, plus travel time, my kids would be out way past their bed time.
As well, it was also Sunday and the last ferry back to our car on the Dartmouth side would be 6:15, so if we were to do this tour we would be stranded.
After a long and useless debate with both the unhelpful young CSR on the phone AND the manager at their main office, it was now 5:30 and the only solution the place had was to refund our money. Nevermind that we had taken the time, effort, and money to ferry across for this tour specifically, and all other major attractions were now closed. In the end, I had to apologize to my kids as we left on the ferry back to Dartmouth having wasted our afternoon/evening and accomplished nothing of our Maritimes vacation, thanks to Harbour Hopper Tours. Thankfully, Cape Breton and PEI were great and salvaged some great memories for my kids and I!
Issues at hand:
No advance warnings that tours DO NOT run "Rain or Shine", and that IF a mechanical issue arises, ticket holders DO NOT get tickets on the next tour, but are forced (if able) to wait hours until the next empty tour seats (in this case, much too late if you have young kids).
No reserve tour buses/boats in contingency for this sort of eventuality. The manager said that there was only one working vehicle out of their three. This despite myself and my kids SEEING two running tours during this time, with our own eyes--one with a load of tourists in the street, another on the water.
No suggestions by employees that were helpful---more of a "sorry, but tough luck" attitude.
In summary, no answers, no truth, and no tour.
WORST EXPERIENCE EVER.
Written August 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX5,185 contributions
The Harbor Walk is just outside the cruise ship terminals. There is a souvenir mall of nothing great between the walk and the ships.
The walk is easy and has nice views of the water. There is little to do--other than eating and drinking. There are a few activities for the kids. There is one art gallery.
There are a number of streets off the walk that let you see the Victorian roots of the city. Some of the remaining buildings are very attractive, but need some TLC.
All and all, it is nice walk that takes less than a few hours.
The walk is easy and has nice views of the water. There is little to do--other than eating and drinking. There are a few activities for the kids. There is one art gallery.
There are a number of streets off the walk that let you see the Victorian roots of the city. Some of the remaining buildings are very attractive, but need some TLC.
All and all, it is nice walk that takes less than a few hours.
Written September 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lela19702014
Winnipeg2 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Booked early to ensure our spot on a 7 o'clock tour. Arrived 20 minutes early (6:40), the hopper was sitting there, heard the driver on the phone getting mad about picking up a tour at a different locale, lifted the ladder for the bus up, him and the assistant smiled and laughed and drove away on us. Thought they would return to pick us up by 7 o'clock but quickly realized, as we saw the hopper drive by, that the kids were not going to get the tour they were promised!
Both kiosks were closed so had to go to main ticket terminal to find out about the tour. We were informed that the 7 o'clock had been "cancelled". They even had our phone number to contact us in the case of this exact event taking place! No call was made. Lied to our faces. Very disrespectful and serious management issues for this tour.
My suggestion would be to find another amusement to take your kids on. Don't trust them with your money or your time. First time in Halifax visiting from Western Canada - sure leaves a terrible first impression.
Both kiosks were closed so had to go to main ticket terminal to find out about the tour. We were informed that the 7 o'clock had been "cancelled". They even had our phone number to contact us in the case of this exact event taking place! No call was made. Lied to our faces. Very disrespectful and serious management issues for this tour.
My suggestion would be to find another amusement to take your kids on. Don't trust them with your money or your time. First time in Halifax visiting from Western Canada - sure leaves a terrible first impression.
Written July 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iloveparis00
46 contributions
Aug 2015
Did this tour with 4 of my friends, it was rather pricey for what you get. The tour guide sort of tells you what they think they know and I found some of the stories were kind of interesting but some of the "facts" I was told were false so that made this tour less appealing to me. It was ok to do once but once is definitely enough
Written August 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smileyeye
Denver, CO314 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
We had a terrible experience with harbor hopper and in general Murphy tours. They offer many different options on boats for tours.In town for A local wedding many of our out of town guests were wanting to explore Halifax.
We bought 6 tickets on the 1:15 hopper, the only timing Hopper had left that would work with everyone's schedule. We ate lunch beforehand at Murphy's restaurant on the pier and while we had lunch they called to say it had been canceled due to some sort of mechanical problem, they would have to take one hopper offline to fix. When we finished lunch we spotted the hopper loading people onto the the 1:15 for the tour. I questions the driver and he said there was a misunderstanding and if we ran over to the booth they could get us on. At this point half our group was off somewhere else. I called the tour group to complain. She now had a third story. They just found a driver for the 1:15 and only arranged that it was going to happen moments before. This was the second boat excursion that we were canceled on in two days time. The other being a sailing boat. What was the real reason? Were we displaced by a larger group from the more important cruise ship? Are they that disorganized? Do they routinely have engine trouble in all their boats/vehicles? Could they have called us back or walked from their booking desk into the next room where we were dining to let us know they indeed did have a spot for us when they figured out the hopper would go? Or call us back and give us the option? We were to be guests on a sunset sailboat cruise the evening before with 16 friends booked a week or more in advance. They tried several days ahead to get us to change times because they thought it would be too cold. Then they had mysterious engine trouble the day of the sailing event. Again, the coincidence of the cruise ship being in town and being bumped from both our trips is very suspicious.
We bought 6 tickets on the 1:15 hopper, the only timing Hopper had left that would work with everyone's schedule. We ate lunch beforehand at Murphy's restaurant on the pier and while we had lunch they called to say it had been canceled due to some sort of mechanical problem, they would have to take one hopper offline to fix. When we finished lunch we spotted the hopper loading people onto the the 1:15 for the tour. I questions the driver and he said there was a misunderstanding and if we ran over to the booth they could get us on. At this point half our group was off somewhere else. I called the tour group to complain. She now had a third story. They just found a driver for the 1:15 and only arranged that it was going to happen moments before. This was the second boat excursion that we were canceled on in two days time. The other being a sailing boat. What was the real reason? Were we displaced by a larger group from the more important cruise ship? Are they that disorganized? Do they routinely have engine trouble in all their boats/vehicles? Could they have called us back or walked from their booking desk into the next room where we were dining to let us know they indeed did have a spot for us when they figured out the hopper would go? Or call us back and give us the option? We were to be guests on a sunset sailboat cruise the evening before with 16 friends booked a week or more in advance. They tried several days ahead to get us to change times because they thought it would be too cold. Then they had mysterious engine trouble the day of the sailing event. Again, the coincidence of the cruise ship being in town and being bumped from both our trips is very suspicious.
Written September 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. Lana
47 contributions
May 2019
This is a quick good tour to see the best of Halifax if you have only a couple days. The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. It's not great for good-quality pictures though.
Written November 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lana J,
We're very happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour on the Harbour Hopper! We can't think of a better way way to experience Halifax by both land AND sea- all on the same tour. We most certainly agree with you when you say that the Harbour Hopper Tour is especially great for anyone visiting Halifax for a few days as it provides a great "lay of the land" for further exploring! Hope to see you on board again very soon!
Written May 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SueL2012
Singapore, Singapore127 contributions
Sept 2019
A good way to see the highlights of Halifax. The guide was good, not a dull moment on the tour. What a way to enter into the waters of the Halifax Harbour. Our grandson (he is 2 1/2 years old) had a good time.
Written October 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi SueL2012,
The Harbour Hopper Tour is truly great for all ages! It's heartwarming to hear that you enjoyed this tour with your grandson and hope that all of you will be back again in the near future. If you happen to share any photos of your experience on social media, feel free to tag us.
Written October 8, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No idea! Ask your hotel or look online. Our hotel told us to find their booth on the harbor and ask! There are schedules posted all along the harbor area.
Written September 30, 2019
What are the stops on the hop on hop off 6 hour tour
Written September 14, 2018
I don’t know about any six hours tour. As long as I know they offer 1 hour tours during the day. You can call them to confirm. Their service is really good.
Written September 16, 2018
Do you remember how long this tour was? I booked through our cruise ship and then realized it's only an hour. And double the price. Yikes.
Written July 19, 2018
We are staying At Lord Nelson Hotel...where do we pick up Hopper?.Also booking indicated not to forget vouchers...how do we do that??
Written May 29, 2018
To my knowledge, the Hopper tour only starts and stops at 5050 Salter St (their kiosk at the waterfront). They do have a Hop On - Hop Off Bus, but I believe that is separate. 1-902-490-8687 is their number to confirm. I don’t know about their vouchers as we walked up.
Written May 30, 2018
sodiumbill
Woodbridge, Virginia
How far is it from the cruise ship to the harbor hopper
Written May 22, 2018
According to Google maps it is 1 km, or 15 minutes, walking. There are taxis available. If you book as part of a cruise excursion, Island Hoppers picks you up at the cruise terminal.
Written May 23, 2018
Hey I'm just wondering if it's possible to rent the harbour hopper with a driver to take us to prom near the end of June around the Brookfield area?
-Ethan Smith
Written October 3, 2016
I'm sure you can - might have fun and games getting in and out with long dresses though
Written October 5, 2016
Yes, until the end of October
Written October 2, 2016
Is there any place that offers coupons for the Harbour Hopper?
Written August 2, 2016
We did not come across any discount coupons. However keep your receipt and you can get 20% off of apps at Murphys Restaurant
Written August 3, 2016
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