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Hertz car rental in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is meant for travellers who love to explore new places at their own pace, and a Hertz car rental in Nova Scotia grants you the easiest way to do that. From the harbourfront streets of Halifax to the winding coastal roads of the Cabot Trail, having your own vehicle means you're never waiting on a bus schedule to catch the next lighthouse, fishing village, or scenic overlook.
With Hertz car hire in Nova Scotia, you can pick up your vehicle at the airport or a city location and head straight out to explore. Drive along the rugged Atlantic coastline, wander through the historic streets of Lunenburg, or take your time through the Annapolis Valley's vineyards and orchards. Inland routes open up quiet lakes and forested trails that are hard to reach without a car.
Weather and road conditions can shift quickly outside the cities, so it's worth building in some extra time on longer coastal or rural drives.
Hertz Airport Locations Nova Scotia
Benefits from day one.
- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Why Hertz?
Reserve direct for our best rate guarantee
Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
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Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
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Everything you need to know about hiring a car in Nova Scotia
Parking in Nova Scotia
- Scotia Square Parkade: A large central Halifax car park with around 1,697 spaces, disabled bays and EV charging. The covered facility has a 1.8-metre height limit, with short-stay, daytime, overnight and 24-hour rates available.
- Dominion Public Building: This uncovered Amherst car park offers nearly 85 spaces, disabled parking and electric vehicle charging.
- Portland Hills Terminal: Located in Dartmouth, this uncovered terminal car park has about 230 spaces and offers free parking for up to two hours. It is convenient for journeys around Portland Hills and nearby residential areas.
Electric Car Hire
Nova Scotia's mix of city driving and long coastal stretches makes it a good match for going electric. Hertz offers EV models for rent if you'd rather skip the gas station altogether.
Whether you're sticking to Halifax and Dartmouth or planning a longer route out to the South Shore or the Annapolis Valley, an EV rental gives you a quieter, lower-emission way to cover the distance.
New fast-charging locations continue to come online, with fifteen additional sites recently added along major routes, making it easier to plan longer trips across the province with an EV.
Charging Points
Charging isn't hard to find once you're on the road. The province has more than 100 public charging stations, and Nova Scotia Power has been building out a dedicated fast-charging network alongside them. Hence, when you rent an EV car with Hertz, you're free to top up even well outside the city.
Congestion Charges
Nova Scotia doesn't have congestion charges. What it does have is toll roads, and even those have shrunk recently. So as of now, there's no congestion charge and effectively no toll cost for Nova Scotia-registered vehicles anywhere in the province. Out-of-province visitors driving a rental should only expect a small toll if you're on the Cobequid Pass; the roads are toll-free.
Key Roads
- Highway 102: A north–south freeway linking Halifax to Highway 104, the Trans-Canada Highway, and running past Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the main route for airport transfers and travel north toward Truro.
- Highway 103: An east–west route connecting Halifax to Yarmouth, making it the key corridor for reaching the South Shore, including Lunenburg, Bridgewater, and Chester.
- Highway 101: An east–west highway running from Bedford to Yarmouth along the Bay of Fundy, passing through the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia's main agricultural region.
Toll Roads
- Cobequid Pass (Highway 104): Previously a toll section on the Trans-Canada Highway, this is now toll-free for all Nova Scotia–registered vehicles, though out-of-province vehicles still pay a toll.
Driving tips: When you are in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's coastal roads are as scenic as they are unpredictable, and a few local rules and quirks catch first-time drivers off guard. Here's what every new visitor should know before hitting the road.
- Nova Scotia is surrounded by three bodies of water, so a breeze off the Atlantic can bring thick sea fog. Check conditions before longer drives, as weather can shift quickly between regions.
- Nova Scotia's one-metre rule requires drivers to leave at least one metre (three feet) of space when passing a cyclist.
- Nova Scotia law prohibits holding or operating a cell phone while driving; hands-free use via Bluetooth is fine, but the device can't be held. Even GPS coordinates can't be manually entered while moving.
- Slow down on rural roads, particularly after dark, as moose and deer crossings are common on highways.
- Rural roads generally carry an 80 km/h limit, while urban areas are typically 50 km/h, and these can shift quickly as you move between towns and open highway.
- Drivers must stop when a school bus is stopped ahead with its lights flashing, a rule strictly enforced across the province.
- Seatbelts are required at all times, even for short trips.
A quick guide to Nova Scotia
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront
1919 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS
A waterfront hotel in the heart of Halifax, known for its harbour views and easy access to the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and Historic Properties.
Fox Harb'r Resort
1337 Fox Harbour Rd, Wallace, NS
A five-star coastal resort on the Northumberland Shore, known for its championship golf course, private marina, and secluded oceanfront setting.
Lunenburg Arms hotel
94 Pelham St, Lunenburg, NS
A boutique hotel in the heart of historic Old Town Lunenburg, prized for its harbour views and short walk to the town's UNESCO waterfront.
FAQs about car hire
What do I need to bring for a car rental in Nova Scotia?
Bring a valid driving licence and a payment card in the main driver’s name. A passport, government-issued identification or additional documents may also be required, depending on your licence and payment method. In case your driving licence is not in English, make sure to bring an International Driving Permit.
What are the age rules for car hire in Nova Scotia?
Hertz generally allows drivers aged 20 or over to rent in Canada. A young renter fee and restrictions on certain vehicle categories may apply to drivers under 25.
What payment methods are accepted?
A major credit card in the main driver’s name is generally the simplest option. Debit cards may be accepted under additional conditions, but cannot be used for prepaid rentals or some premium vehicles. So, it is preferable to carry a credit card.
Does the rental come with a full tank of fuel?
The fuel level and return requirement will be shown in your rental agreement. You can refuel before returning, prepay for fuel, or allow Hertz to refuel the vehicle for an additional charge.
What is Hertz’s cancellation policy in Nova Scotia?
The prepaid bookings often allow refunds if canceled early enough, while pay-at-location rentals are usually free to cancel before pickup but may carry a no-show fee.