(HRM release follows at the bottom – got more for us to share? Shops and services? news@haligonia.ca)
Halifax is going to be a circus on Sunday
If you have plans on Sunday, May 17, build in extra time. A lot of extra time. Halifax is hosting three big things at once, and one of them shuts down a harbour crossing.
The Bluenose takes over the streets
The 23rd annual Medavie Blue Nose Marathon brings thousands of runners and walkers through Halifax and Dartmouth on Sunday. The full 42.2KM kicks off at 8 a.m. and the course runs until 2 p.m., winding past Citadel Hill, Point Pleasant Park, Lake Banook, the North End, and the Halifax waterfront. The half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids’ events are all part of the weekend, with most of the road action happening Sunday.
Expect street closures, parking bans, and transit detours across the peninsula and parts of Dartmouth. Halifax Regional Police will let traffic through select intersections when runners aren’t on the course, but the simplest advice is to stay off the roads near the route if you can.
Macdonald Bridge: closed Sunday morning
Halifax Harbour Bridges is closing the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge to all vehicle traffic from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday so runners can cross the harbour on foot. Pedestrians and cyclists can still use the bridge as normal.
If you’re driving between Halifax and Dartmouth during that window, your only option is the MacKay Bridge, which is going to take the load. Plan for delays.
Thunderbirds host Game 2 of the NLL Finals
While runners are catching their breath, the Halifax Thunderbirds are getting ready for the biggest game in franchise history. Game 2 of the NLL Finals drops at Scotiabank Centre at 7 p.m. against the Toronto Rock. It’s the first time the team has reached the finals since relocating to Halifax in 2019, and a win Sunday could clinch the championship. If Toronto takes Game 1 on Friday, Sunday becomes a must-win.
Downtown is going to be busy all day with marathon traffic, then busy all over again as Thunderbirds fans pour into Scotiabank Centre.
And there’s more
It’s also the Victoria Day long weekend, which means the Halifax Seaport Market is running all weekend, Come From Away is on stage at Neptune, and a handful of bars and venues have events planned around the holiday. Sunday afternoon has an R&B patio day party at The Pint on Argyle, and Leeroy Stagger plays The Carleton that night.
Bottom line: Sunday is busy. Leave early, take the MacKay if you need to cross the harbour before noon, and if you’re going downtown for the game, the Thunderbirds expect it to be loud.
HRM Release:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Halifax, N.S.) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following municipal program and service level adjustments for the upcoming Victoria Day weekend.
Solid Waste Collection and Facility Hours
There will be no garbage, organics or recyclables collection services on Monday, May 18.
Curbside collection normally scheduled for Monday, May 18 will instead occur on Saturday, May 16. Residents are asked to place materials curbside prior to 7 a.m. on collection day to guarantee pickup, ensuring items are contained and secured from wildlife.
The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility and Materials Recovery Facility will be closed on Monday, May 18 but will be open on Saturday, May 16 for regular business hours.
The Household Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake will be closed on Saturday, May 16 but will be open on Saturday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A mobile Household Special Waste Depot will be held on Saturday, May 16 at Mic Mac Mall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents can find more information on solid waste facility holiday hours on our website. Residents can also sign up for weekly collection reminders and service alerts, as well as print a calendar customized to their address, on our website.
Halifax Transit Bus & Ferry Services
Halifax Transit buses will be operating on holiday schedules on Monday, May 18.
Alderney ferry service will provide holiday service on Monday, May 18. Woodside ferry service does not operate on weekends or holidays.
For detailed holiday schedule and current information on service disruptions, visit our website.
Recreation Facilities, Programs and Services
Many recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, May 18. Residents are advised to call ahead to their respective facility for operating hours and program information. Contact information for municipally operated facilities can be found online.
The Sackville Sports Stadium will be open regular hours, with the fitness centre and some drop-in programs being offered. Registered programs will not be offered. Please call the Sackville Sports Stadium at 902-869-4141 for more information.
All sport courts have reopened for the season. Contact information for booking courts is available online. Municipal parks, playgrounds and trails will remain open.
Customer Contact Centres
The 311 Contact Centre will be closed Monday, May 18 for full service. Urgent calls can still be reported during the holiday. Regular operating hours will resume on Tuesday, May 19. Residents can reach 311 by phone, or by emailing contactus@311.halifax.ca
In-person Customer Service Centres will be closed on Monday, May 18. Customer Service Centres will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, May 19.
For more information on Customer Contact Centres, visit our website.
Parking
On-street paid parking will be free on Monday, May 18. Residents are reminded to always abide by posted signage and other safety regulations, including ensuring they are not blocking crosswalks.
Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
