Resident Haligonians will agree: parking in Halifax, especially in the downtown core, is an exercise in patience. The city's early founders didn't anticipate a parking shortage when they founded Halifax in the 18-th century. Their lack of technological foresight has tested the limits of even the world's foremost parking experts. But not to worry, we've come to deliver some helpful information on how to best navigate Halifax's congested parking spaces.

Parking Meters

Every city has them. The short metal weeds have sprung up from underneath Halifax's sidewalks over the years and devour change faster than a Las Vegas slot machine. They're truly unique in Halifax with four separate colours distinguishing the meters based on time. F

Meters accept coins of 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, $1 and $2. Canadians know the latter two as "loonie" and "twoonie". City parking is enforced Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm - excluding holidays. Parking is free during evenings and weekends, except where otherwise noted, or when/where restricted in winter because of the need to have streets clear for plowing. There are more than 2,000 parking meters in downtown Halifax alone.

Parking garages

Most hotels include complimentary parking in their prices, although there are some exceptions. Check before booking to find out. It could mean the difference between paying nothing and about $15.

Parking garages are a popular alternative and, not to mention, a lot more accessible option than stopping curbside in Halifax's downtown core. Prices do vary by location and time of day. In an effort to attract more shoppers and visitors downtown, the Downtown Business Association sponsors a "Park-in-the-Heart" program.

Three main parking garages serve downtown Halifax's parking needs:

1. MetroPark
1556 Granville Street and 1554 Hollis Street
(902) 429-3743

Smack in the middle of Halifax's dining and business district is MetroPark. This is the best parking garage for club-goers and food fanatics. Located across the street from Mountain Equipment Co-Op. MetroPark also offers validation with downtown Halifax businesses.

2. Scotia Square Parking
5201 Duke Street, Scotia Square Mall
429-3660

A trip to Halifax isn't complete without dropping by Historical Citadel Hill or the beautiful Public Gardens. If you're driving to either of those spots, this is the place to park. The mall houses a few shops and a movie theatre and is centrally-located on Spring Garden Road - Halifax's busiest street and premiere shopping district.

3. Casino Nova Scotia
1983 Upper Water Street
425-7777 or toll-free at 1-888-642-6376

No need to gamble searching for a parking space here. This lot has 550 spaces and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Remembrance Day and Christmas Day. Park and walk along Halifax's beautiful waterfront or take a trip inside to the Casino. Sign up for a Player's Club Card and park for free!

Impark

These privately owned lots are scattered across the city and work on a "supply and demand" basis. Local business people usually rent these spaces by the month but some lots to accept hourly customers. Prices vary depending on location and availability. Impark will fine cars without proof of purchase tickets based on common law and contract law.

University Parking

All universities offer some kind of parking pass at an added cost to tuition, books, etc. But sometimes the parking lots can't handle the masses and thus overflows onto the surrounding streets. Try to avoid parking around the universities between September and April. If you can't avoid it, try these tips:

• Dalhousie University and King's College - Coburg Road
  Parking is available but with Larch Street and Jennings Street nearby, it can be free. Note that parking on Larch St. is allowed up to a maximum of 2 hours. Jennings St., which intersects Larch, has no time limit.
• Saint Mary's University - Inglis Street
  Finding a spot around here can be rough. But both Wellington Street and Tower Road, which runs parallel to Wellington, are both great alternatives. A small lot on Wellington used for the local park is a hidden gem during winter.

Three easy Halifax parking tips

1. A good place to park if you're shopping on Spring Garden, visiting the pubic garden or Citadel Hill, is on the western part of Sackville street, through the intersection at South Park.
2. The Atlantic Superstore parking lot on Quinpool is another free parking spot near the Halifax Commons and Quinpool Road district.
3. Try to avoid parking on or near the Halifax waterfront. Rates are higher compared to most other places. It is also patrolled 24 hours a day.

Metro Center Events Parking

A big venue needs ample parking - none of which the Metro Center has. Because it is located in the heart of Halifax, building a parking lot was not an option, leaving hockey fans, concertgoers, figure skating fans and other crowds without a place to park.

So where do you go? Try these handy locations:
1. If you can, Rainnie Drive, located on the eastern side of Citadel Hill, is close and free.
2. The Delta Halifax on Barrington Street has a parking garage many people use. Take Cogswell Street and hang a right on Barrington.
3. The Prince George Hotel on George Street is another popular spot and closer than the Delta.
4. Scotia Square Parkade, Purdy's Wharf and Casino Nova Scotia also offer parking spaces.

Wheelchair accessible parking can be found on Carmichael Street, Brunswick Street and Grafton Street.

Parking Fines

HRM currently accepts the early payment fine if the meter violation is paid within seven days of issue. The fine amount rises after seven days. Fines can be paid online by visiting the Halifax Regional Municipality Website.