What’s open and closed for Remembrance Day 2023 in the Halifax area

This year’s edition of what’s open and closed for Remembrance Day is a little trickier than most: many things are closed only on Saturday, Nov. 11 but some stores and services are also closed on Monday.

If you need groceries: 

• The big stores that sell groceries, including Atlantic Superstore, Sobeys, Walmart and Costco, will be closed Saturday.
• Gateway Meat Market in Dartmouth will be open, as will Kingswood Market in Hammonds Plains.

If you want wine, beer or other spirited beverages:

• NSLC stores will be closed on Saturday. 
• Most smaller liquor stores will open late to allow staff to attend a Remembrance Day service. Many craft beverage producers will have their taprooms and/or storefronts open. 

Drug stores: Most pharmacies and drug stores will be open. 

Malls and retail: Major retailers and shopping centres such as the Halifax Shopping Centre, Mic Mac Mall, Sunnyside Mall and Dartmouth Crossing will be closed.

Halifax Public Libraries: All branches will be closed both Saturday and Monday. 

Getting around by bus, ferry or car: Buses and ferries will run on the holiday schedule on Saturday. 

Veterans and military personnel, as well as their accompanying family members, will be able to ride free Saturday if in uniform or able to show the driver a military ID.

Bus drivers will be pulling over their vehicles at 11 a.m. for three minutes of silence. 

Parking: On-street paid parking spots will be free Saturday but drivers are reminded to abide by other posted signage such as no-parking zones. 

Waste collection: Curbside collection is unaffected. The Otter Lake waste management facility will be closed Saturday but open Sunday from 1-5 p.m. (public drop-off area only).           

Recreational facilities and services: Most municipally operated recreation facilities in Halifax Regional Municipality will be closed Saturday as well as Monday. Sackville Sports Stadium will be open Nov. 11 with shorter hours and will be open regular hours Monday. The Canada Games Centre will be open from noon to 8 p.m. but drop-in fitness classes, registered programs and child-minding services are cancelled for Saturday.

Custom contact centres: The 311 contact centre will be closed Saturday for full service but will still take urgent calls. Regular operating hours resume Sunday. Residents can reach 311 by phone, or by emailing [email protected]

In-person customer service centres will be closed Monday, Nov. 13. 

Canada Post: There will be no collection or delivery of mail by Canada Post on Saturday or Monday. Post offices will also be closed. 

Lest we forget

Make the time if you’re able to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony on Saturday morning. You can find a list of the ones organized by the Royal Canadian Legion on its website.