Is Dartmouth part of Halifax?

Yes, Dartmouth is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

How do I get to Dartmouth from Halifax?

You can drive across the bridges or take the public ferry.

Are there buses from Wilmot?

Maritime Bus provides service from nearby valley towns.

Is the ferry expensive?

The ferry is very affordable and part of the local transit system.

What is the best bridge to use?

The MacKay Bridge is usually faster for accessing Dartmouth from the highway.

Dartmouth

Bus Driving

Wilmot to Dartmouth

Updated: 01 Jun 2026

Traveling from Wilmot to Dartmouth involves crossing the Halifax harbor via the MacKay or MacDonald bridges. The distance is roughly 165 kilometers, primarily using Highway 101 and the provincial highway network. You can drive directly or take a bus to the Halifax terminal and transfer to a local transit bus or ferry. Dartmouth is known as the City of Lakes and offers a quieter alternative to downtown Halifax. The route is straightforward and well-marked throughout the Annapolis Valley.

Total Distance: 165 km driving distance; 138 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via Highway 118 is the fastest route, taking approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if traveling with more than one person.

Compare Wilmot to Dartmouth Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	2 hours 15 mins
Avg Price	50-65 CAD	35-45 CAD
Operator	Maritime Bus	Personal Vehicle
Route	Bus to Halifax, then transfer to Halifax Transit bus or ferry.	Highway 101 East to Highway 118 into Dartmouth.
Tip	The ferry is the most scenic way to cross from Halifax to Dartmouth.	Use the MacKay Bridge to avoid the downtown Halifax congestion.

Travel Tips

Bridge Tolls
Keep a MacPass or exact change for the bridge tolls if driving.
Ferry Access
The Dartmouth ferry terminal is located at Alderney Landing.
Shopping
Visit the downtown Dartmouth area for unique local boutiques and cafes.
Navigation
Use GPS to navigate the complex highway interchanges near the bridges.
Events
Check the Dartmouth events calendar for weekend farmers' markets.

Safety Tips

Bridge Traffic
Be prepared for heavy traffic during bridge maintenance or peak hours.
Water Safety
Always wear a life jacket if renting a kayak on the local lakes.
Night Travel
Ensure your headlights are clear as rural sections of the route are dark.
Emergency
Keep a roadside assistance contact saved in your phone.