## Easter Monday Holiday in Halifax: A Guide to What’s Open and Closed
Whether your family celebrates Easter on Sunday or Monday, understanding what’s open in Halifax is key to planning your long weekend. While Easter Sunday and Monday aren’t statutory holidays in Nova Scotia, the impact on services and businesses varies. Here’s a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the Easter Monday holiday in Halifax.
### Statutory Holiday Status & Retail Closures
Although not a statutory holiday province-wide, Easter Monday *is* a paid holiday for federal employees. Easter Sunday is designated a “retail closing day” across Nova Scotia, meaning most shops and grocery stores will remain closed. This impacts shopping and dining options significantly.
### City Services & Recreation
Expect closures across most city services on both Sunday and Monday. The 311 contact centre will be unavailable on Sunday but will resume operations on Monday. Municipal recreational services, including community centres and pools, will also be closed for both days. Libraries across Halifax will follow suit, remaining closed on both Easter Sunday and Monday.
### Waste Collection & Transit
The good news for residents is that Easter Monday waste collection will proceed as scheduled. Halifax Transit will operate on a normal weekend schedule on Sunday. On Monday, buses will run on a regular weekday schedule, ensuring continued public transportation access.
### Ferry Services
The Alderney ferry service will operate on a holiday schedule on Sunday, with the first trip departing Alderney Ferry Terminal at 7:30 a.m. However, the Woodside ferry will be out of service on Sunday, with service resuming on Monday.
### Grocery & Liquor Stores
Major grocery store chains and NSLC locations will be closed on Easter Sunday. For those needing essentials, the Gateway Meat Market in Dartmouth will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Kingswood Market in Hammons Plains will operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
### Retail & Shopping Centres
Major retailers and shopping centres, including the Halifax Shopping Centre and Mic Mac Mall, will be closed on Easter Sunday and will reopen on Monday. Most drug stores will be open on Sunday, but may operate with reduced hours.
### Other News from Around Nova Scotia
Beyond the holiday closures, several other stories are making headlines in Nova Scotia:
* **Alcohol Sales Increase:** Despite the return of U.S. liquor to shelves, local alcohol sales are steadily rising across the province. The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation reported a 1.1% increase in total beverage alcohol sales. [https://www.nsliquor.com/](https://www.nsliquor.com/)
* **Halifax Wanderers Season Opener:** The Halifax Wanderers kicked off their 8th season in the Canadian Premier League with a promising 1-0 victory, showcasing a new coach and fresh talent. [https://www.canpremierleague.ca/](https://www.canpremierleague.ca/)
* **Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen:** Jeremy Hansen is preparing to become the first Canadian to orbit the moon as part of the Artemis II mission, offering a glimpse into the future of space exploration. [https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/](https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/)
* **Indigenous Jurisdiction Debate:** Tensions remain between the Nova Scotia government and First Nations leaders regarding jurisdiction in Indigenous communities.
Stay informed and enjoy your Easter Monday in Halifax!
