What’s open and closed for Heritage Day 2025 in the Halifax area

Heritage Day in the Halifax region is a time to celebrate and reflect on the rich history and culture of Nova Scotia. While the schedule for the day may be altered due to a storm in the region, here is a list of what’s open and what’s closed on Monday.

Grocery stores such as Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, Costco, and Walmart will be closed for the holiday. However, Gateway Meat Market in Dartmouth will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those in need of last-minute supplies.

For those looking to stock up on beer, wine, and liquor, the NSLC will be closed, but agency stores will remain open. Most private liquor stores, taprooms, and craft breweries will also be open for business on Monday.

Malls including the Halifax Shopping Centre, Mic Mac Mall, Sunnyside Mall, Bedford Place Mall, Scotia Square, and Park Lane Mall will be closed for the holiday. However, the movie theatre at Park Lane will be open for those looking for entertainment.

Halifax Public Libraries will be closed on Monday, so be sure to plan ahead if you were hoping to visit a branch.

Halifax Transit’s buses and ferries will be operating on holiday service, so be sure to check the schedule if you plan on using public transportation.

There will be no waste collection on Monday, so residents are advised to hold onto their garbage until the next scheduled pick-up.

Several city recreation facilities will be closed on Heritage Day, so it’s best to call ahead to see if your desired location is open. Cole Harbour Place will have a delayed opening at noon due to the weather, but the Halifax skating oval is scheduled to be open with free public skates throughout the day.

Federal services will be operating as usual on Monday, as the designation of the third Monday in February as a statutory holiday is by provincial legislation. This means that Service Canada offices will be open, Canada Post outlets will be open regular hours, and there will be mail delivery.

This year’s Heritage Day honours Mi’kmaw activist Nora Bernard, a member of Millbrook First Nation and a survivor of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. She played a crucial role in leading a class-action lawsuit against the Canadian government to seek compensation for other residential school survivors.

As we celebrate Heritage Day in the Halifax region, let us take the time to honor and remember the contributions of those who have shaped our history and culture.