Here’s what’s open and closed in Halifax for Natal Day 2025

Halifax will mark Natal Day on Monday, August 4. But, it’s not a statutory holiday in Nova Scotia, meaning most retailers and services will continue operating, some with reduced hours.

Retail & shopping

If you’re looking to run errands or get some shopping done, here’s what to expect:

  • Sobeys – Open from noon to 6 p.m.
  • Atlantic Superstore – Open from noon to 6 p.m.
  • Walmart – Open from noon to 6 p.m.
  • NSLC – All locations in HRM are open noon to 6 p.m., except Hubbards, which is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Shopping centres – Halifax Shopping Centre, Mic Mac Mall, Sunnyside Mall, and Dartmouth Crossing are all open from noon to 5 p.m.
  • Pharmacies – Hours vary. Some may be closed or running reduced hours. Check ahead.

Transit & municipal services

  • Halifax Transit – Buses and ferries will run on holiday schedules.
  • Alderney Ferry – Runs every 30 minutes, with the first departure from Alderney at 7:30 a.m. and the last from Halifax at 11:45 p.m.
  • Woodside Ferry – Also runs every 30 minutes, starting from Woodside at 7:37 a.m. and ending with the last ferry from Halifax at 8:52 p.m.
  • Libraries – All branches are closed Monday.
  • Municipal recreation centres – Many will be closed for Natal Day.

Pools, beaches, and splashpads

  • The Halifax Common Pool, Bedford, and Cole Harbour outdoor pools are open.
  • Supervised beaches across HRM are open.
  • Splashpads at Bayers-Westwood, George Dixon, Isleville Street, Cole Harbour, Shirley’s, Westmount, and Sackville are all open.
  • The Emera Oval is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. Free equipment will be available.

Waste & mail services

  • Canada Post – No mail delivery or collection Monday.
  • Garbage & recycling – No curbside collection for garbage, organics, or recyclables.
  • Otter Lake waste facility – Closed Monday, open Saturday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Bayers Lake household special waste depot – Closed Saturday.

Fire safety

  • A provincewide burn ban remains in effect.
  • Consumer fireworks are prohibited across HRM while the burn ban is active.
  • Permitted professional fireworks shows for Natal Day are still scheduled to go ahead if weather conditions allow.

Bridge closures

  • The Angus L. Macdonald Bridge will be closed Sunday, August 3 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the MacPass Miles road race and Bridgewalk 2025.

Have a tip or update to add? Email us at news@haligonia.ca.

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