Plan Your Congress Experience
Your Journey to the 16th World Congress on Brain Injury Starts Here
Whether you’re travelling from across Canada, the United States, Europe, or beyond, getting to Halifax is easier than many people expect. Once you arrive, you’ll discover a vibrant waterfront city known for its rich maritime history, exceptional hospitality, world-class dining, and breathtaking coastal scenery—all just steps from the Halifax Convention Centre.
This page has everything you need to plan your journey, take advantage of exclusive airfare and hotel savings, and discover why so many delegates choose to extend their stay and experience more of Atlantic Canada.
Plan Your Trip
- Register for the Congress – Registration details, fees and important dates.
- Reserve Your Hotel – Preferred Congress rates within walking distance of the venue.
- Flight and Delegate Discounts!
- Check Visa or eTA Requirements – Confirm what you need to enter Canada before booking travel.
- Explore Halifax – Visitor information, maps, local offers and ideas for extending your stay.
Why You’ll Love Halifax
More than just the host city of the Congress, Halifax offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, coastal beauty, and warm Maritime hospitality. Here’s why delegates from around the world enjoy spending time here.
🌎 Easy International Access
Direct flights from Canada, the US, the UK and Europe make Halifax surprisingly accessible.
🚶 Walkable Downtown
Stay, dine, shop, and attend Congress—all within minutes of your hotel.
🦞 Exceptional Dining
Fresh Atlantic seafood, international cuisine, local breweries, cafés, and award-winning restaurants are all within walking distance.
🌊 Beautiful Waterfront
One of North America’s longest downtown waterfront boardwalks offers museums, shopping, entertainment, and spectacular harbor views.
❤️ Friendly Maritime Hospitality
Halifax is known for welcoming visitors with warmth, making it easy to feel at home while you’re here.
🍷 Atlantic Canada
Easy day trips to Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, wineries, and more.
Getting to Halifax
Easy Access from Around the World
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is Atlantic Canada’s premier international gateway, offering convenient non-stop and connecting service throughout Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Whether you’re travelling from a major North American hub or flying across the Atlantic, Halifax provides excellent connectivity with numerous daily flights and seamless connections.
Explore current non-stop destinations served by Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Entry Requirements for Canada
Check What You Need Before Booking Travel
Most international delegates will need either an electronic travel authorization, known as an eTA, or a visitor visa, depending on citizenship and individual travel circumstances. Canadian citizens and permanent residents have different documentation requirements.
Check official visa or eTA requirements. Apply as early as possible and before purchasing non-refundable flights if a visa is required.
IBIA has complete the international event registration process with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Delegates who require a visitor visa should make sure to check the visa letter option when registering for the Congress to be provided with an official letter.
Congress registration, an invitation letter and an event code support the application process but do not guarantee visa approval or entry to Canada.
Travelling from Europe
Europe is Closer Than You Think
Halifax is North America’s closest major gateway to Europe.
Thanks to its location on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Halifax is often quicker and easier to reach than many larger North American cities. Seasonal non-stop flights and convenient connections make attending the Congress more accessible than you might expect.
Whether you’re travelling from London, Dublin, Paris, Frankfurt, or beyond, Halifax provides convenient access to Atlantic Canada.
Travelling from Canada
Simple Connections from Across the Country
Halifax is connected to major Canadian hubs, making it easy to reach the Congress from across the country. Delegates can compare Air Canada and WestJet schedules and apply the eligible Congress discount that best fits their itinerary.
When comparing fares, consider the total itinerary, baggage and change conditions, not only the advertised discount. Confirm that the promotional fare has been applied before completing your purchase.
Travelling from Elsewhere
Connect Through a Major Canadian, U.S. or European Gateway
Delegates travelling from Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, the Middle East or Oceania can reach Halifax through major partner hubs. Compare the complete itinerary carefully and confirm whether the Congress discount applies to each flight segment before booking.
Travelling from the United States
An Easier Journey Home with U.S. Preclearance
One of the unique advantages of flying through Halifax is the convenience of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance.
Upon arriving in Halifax, U.S. travelers’ complete Canadian customs and immigration processing. Eligible travelers can prepare their Canadian declaration through ArriveCAN before arrival and use the airport’s Primary Inspection Kiosks for a streamlined entry process.
Skip U.S. Customs When You Land
Before departing Canada, eligible passengers complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance at Halifax Stanfield Airport.
This means you’ll arrive in the United States as a domestic passenger, allowing you to:
- ✔ Faster connections
- ✔ No customs line after landing
- ✔ Less stress
- ✔ More predictable travel
An additional benefit is that U.S. preclearance takes place while travelers remain in Canada. U.S. officers conduct inspections within a Canadian legal framework and are subject to Canadian law, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Bill of Rights, and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Learn more about U.S. travel and preclearance at Halifax Stanfield.
Exclusive Airfare Discounts
IBIA is pleased to offer discounted airfare through our official airline partners.
Air Canada
Promotion Code: W4DQ4ZU1
Eligible Travel Dates: May 16 – June 3, 2027
Conference Savings
Within North America
- 5% off Standard fares
- 10% off Flex fares and above
International Travel
- 10% off Standard fares and above
- 12% off Business Class fares (5% on the lowest Business Class fare)
As a member of the Star Alliance network, Air Canada provides convenient access through many international carriers, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, EVA Air, Air China, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and many more.
View Star Alliance Partner Airlines: https://www.aircanada.com/us/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/star-alliance-and-other-airline-partners.html#/
WestJet
Discount Code: 7Y9H3EC
Eligible Travel Dates: May 16 – June 3, 2027
Conference Savings
- 5% off Econo fares within Canada
- 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares within Canada
- 2% off Econo fares between Canada and the United States
- 5% off EconoFlex fares between Canada and the United States
- 10% off Premium fares between Canada and the United States
Discounts do not apply to UltraBasic or Business Class fares.
WestJet also offers convenient connections through its extensive network of partner airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Aer Lingus, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, LATAM, Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico, China Eastern, and many others.
View WestJet Partner Airlines: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are/airline-partners
Please note that conference discounts apply only to eligible Air Canada or WestJet operated flights. While partner airlines provide excellent routing options, conference discounts may not apply unless specifically eligible under the airline’s promotional terms.
Getting to Downtown Halifax
Whether you’re travelling independently or with colleagues, getting from the airport to your hotel is quick, convenient, and straightforward.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Halifax.
Transportation options include:
- Taxi
- Uber/Lyft
- Halifax Transit; Regional Express Route 320
- Limousine services
- Delegates planning a longer stay in Atlantic Canada may also wish to consider renting a car. There are car rental agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, National, Budget, Avis, etc.) at the Halifax International Airport and in downtown Halifax. In addition, Turo (like Airbnb, but for cars) operates in Halifax.
View transportation options: here
Hotel Accommodations
Stay in the heart of the Congress experience
IBIA has negotiated preferred rates at a selection of outstanding hotels, all within easy walking distance of the Halifax Convention Centre, waterfront, restaurants, shopping, and many of Halifax’s most popular attractions. Staying downtown means you can easily move between Congress sessions and everything the city has to offer—without needing a car.
Reserve your hotel accommodations early. Congress room blocks and preferred rates are available for a limited time, and the Blue Nose Marathon will also take place during the opening weekend of the Congress, which may increase demand for downtown accommodations.
Registration
Registration for the 16th World Congress on Brain Injury will be opening soon.
Visit our registration page for:
- Registration fees
- Important dates
- What’s included
- Congress policies
- Frequently asked questions
Explore Halifax During Your Visit
Take advantage of your time in Halifax by visiting this link for details on:
- Discover Things to Do – Explore attractions, historic sites, waterfront experiences, and activities to enjoy between sessions or in your free time.
- Find Great Places to Eat – Get ideas for restaurants, local cuisine, waterfront dining, and places to grab a meal after the Congress.
- Experience Halifax After Dark – Discover local pubs, cocktail bars, live entertainment, and other nightlife options.
- Take Advantage of Special Offers – Find exclusive discounts and offers available to conference attendees at participating local businesses.
- Explore Beyond Halifax – Get inspiration for extending your trip and visiting destinations throughout Nova Scotia, including coastal experiences and other regional attractions.
- Find Your Way Around – Access maps and walking resources to help you explore downtown Halifax and surrounding areas.
- Plan for Accessibility – Find information and resources to help make your Halifax experience more accessible.
- Get Inspired to Stay Longer – Whether you arrive early or extend your trip after the Congress, discover ways to turn your conference visit into a true Nova Scotia experience.
Click Here to Access Deals, Maps, Recommendations & More!
Turn Your Conference into a Vacation & Bring a Guest
Why not make the most of your journey?
Whether you’re travelling with a spouse, family member, or colleague—or simply planning a little extra time for yourself—Halifax is the perfect place to combine professional development with an unforgettable Atlantic Canadian experience.
Discover:
- Historic waterfront boardwalk
- Award-winning restaurants and breweries
- Museums and maritime history
- Shopping and local markets
- Guided tours
- Exclusive attendee discounts
- Maps and visitor information
Explore Halifax Details & Offers: https://businesseventshalifax.com/events/ibia/
Make the Most of Your Visit
Extend Your Atlantic Canadian Adventure
Halifax is perfectly positioned for exploring Atlantic Canada. By adding just one or two extra days to your trip, you’ll have the opportunity to experience some of Canada’s most iconic coastal landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, charming fishing villages, award-winning wineries, and scenic drives—all within easy reach of the Congress.
Peggy’s Cove |📍45 minutes
Canada’s most iconic lighthouse perched on dramatic granite coastline.
Lunenburg |📍75 minutes
UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colorful architecture, maritime history, and incredible seafood.
Annapolis Valley |📍90 minutes
Award-winning wineries, charming villages, orchards, and breathtaking scenery.
Bay of Fundy |📍2 hours
Witness the world’s highest tides and explore unique coastal landscapes.
Prince Edward Island |📍3.5 hours
Cross the Confederation Bridge to discover red sand beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and the home of Anne of Green Gables.
Cape Breton & Cabot Trail |📍4–5 hours
Frequently ranked among the world’s most scenic drives, featuring dramatic cliffs, ocean vistas, hiking trails, and charming coastal communities.
Experience Halifax Before the Congress
Arriving early?
The Medavie Blue Nose Marathon takes place May 21–23, 2027, bringing together thousands of runners, walkers, families, and spectators in one of Atlantic Canada’s signature community celebrations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the energy and hospitality of Halifax before the Congress begins.
