Your Next Stay: The Muir Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Dinogo Perspective

In the last two years, the $200 million transformation of the Queen’s Marque District has revitalized the Halifax waterfront. What was once a parking lot is now a vibrant area attracting both visitors and locals, featuring diverse restaurants, a plethora of local art, a towering 60-foot tidal clock, and broad steps leading directly into the Atlantic. At the heart of this transformation lies the Muir Hotel, which reflects the city’s rich maritime heritage, from its four-degree angled structure reminiscent of boat supports to the enchanting Light Chocks installation, made of Fresnel lens-inspired glass that illuminates like a lighthouse at night.

Who is it for?

With convenient access to the Halifax waterfront and its multitude of museums, shops, and entertainment options, the Muir Hotel is undoubtedly a family-friendly destination. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a romantic getaway—plan your visit around a Canadian holiday for a chance to enjoy stunning local fireworks—and business travelers wanting to stay in the thick of the action. (Digital nomads will appreciate the suites designed with distinct sleep and work areas.)

The location

The waterfront location of Muir is simply exceptional. Within a short 15-minute stroll, you can explore several museums and attractions, including the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the Discovery Centre, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, right next door. It also serves as a perfect base for adventurous excursions: the ferry terminal is just a few steps away, providing quick access to Dartmouth and Woodside, Nova Scotia, both just 15 minutes by boat. Be sure to take a day trip to Georges Island, a national historic site located in the heart of Halifax Harbor. (During select seasons, the hotel can arrange trips on its 36-foot Morris yacht, offering options for a sunrise or sunset champagne cruise or a picnic on the island.)

Reaching the hotel is a breeze, as it's just a 15-minute walk—or a quick 5-minute drive—from the VIA Rail train station for train travelers, and only a 35-minute journey from the airport.

The rooms

The Muir offers 109 guest rooms that are incredibly cozy and meticulously designed, making it hard to step away from this comfortable retreat. Throughout the construction process, the hotel prioritized Canadian materials, which are reflected in every detail of the rooms crafted by Ontario's Studio Munge. You'll find midcentury-style furnishings from Quebec, local artwork, and specially designed modern tartan blankets that pay homage to the province's Scottish heritage (the tartan is now officially registered in Scotland). Even the mini bar features a curated selection of Canadian snacks and drinks, including custom chocolates from Peace by Chocolate, a local business run by a refugee family in the Queen’s Marque District.

Guests can select from single rooms or suites, featuring various bed configurations, including single kings and double queens. The expansive 2,075-square-foot presidential suite, known as the Watch, offers a captain's perspective with large windows overlooking the harbor, a dining area, and a private tasting room filled with both local and international wines and spirits, including selections from Lightfoot & Wolfville and Benjamin Bridge.

Food and drink

Inside the hotel, there are two dining venues. Drift is a refined tribute to Nova Scotia, specializing in locally sourced seafood such as lobster bisque, salmon tartare, and mussels, while also putting a modern twist on local favorites like rappie pie, a robust chicken and potato dish. Meanwhile, BKS serves as a speakeasy exclusively for hotel guests, nodding to the city’s rum-running past.

In the vibrant Queen’s Marque District, eight restaurants are available, with more set to open in the coming years. Notable spots include Café Lunette, a charming Parisian bistro adorned with swan-patterned wallpaper and offering excellent French classics (don’t miss the baked camembert with buttery baguette), and the Latin-inspired Bar Sofia, known for its dangerously delightful cocktails like the pisco-based Del Rey and a diverse taco selection from adobo cauliflower to carnitas. A fine-dining establishment is also on the way at the base of the Tidal Beacon, a 60-foot tide clock visible across the harbor and downtown Halifax.

The vibe

The Muir is an ideal spot for introverted extroverts: you’re right in the heart of waterfront activity but can easily retreat to your own space whenever desired. Thoughtful design elements extend even to the guest rooms, featuring alcoves that provide a moment of privacy before you step inside.

Staff and service

The Muir employs a mostly local staff, ensuring they possess extensive knowledge of the area and embody the warmth of Nova Scotian hospitality. They consistently provide friendly, accommodating, and insightful service.

Accessibility

The hotel is equipped with elevators, and each floor features several fully accessible rooms, complete with roll-in showers and grab bars.

Commitment to conservation

Sustainability is integral to the Muir’s philosophy. The hotel not only utilizes all Canadian materials but also incorporates a significant amount of reclaimed materials. (The Queen’s Marque District is crafted from cobblestone and granite, with some materials repurposed from the original seawall built over 200 years ago.) The construction also features green roofing materials, energy-efficient windows, and a remarkable sea-water loop system that draws water from the harbor to regulate the building's heating and cooling.

The property is entirely free of single-use plastics.