Halifax Thanksgiving 2025 Long Weekend: What’s Open and Closed
This Thanksgiving weekend in 2025, residents and visitors in Halifax can expect various closures and adjusted schedules. With the holiday approaching, it’s essential to know what services will be available and which will be shut down. Below is a detailed guide on what to expect during the long weekend.
Thanksgiving Weekend 2025: Open and Closed Services
Municipal Services
- Garbage and Recycling: No pickup on Monday, October 13. Schedule shifts to Saturday, October 11.
- Facilities: Both the Otter Lake and Materials Recovery facilities will be closed on Monday. The Bayers Lake Household Special Waste Depot is closed on October 11, but reopens on October 18.
- Mobile Waste Depot: Available on October 11 at Mic Mac Mall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Halifax Transit: Holiday schedule in effect on Monday. Buses and the Alderney Ferry will operate normally; however, the Woodside Ferry will not run. The first Alderney ferry trip is at 7:30 a.m., with the last at 11:45 p.m.
- Recreation Centers: Most municipal recreation facilities are closed on Monday, except for the Sackville Sports Stadium, which remains open.
- Customer Service: The 311 service and Customer Service Centres will be closed on Monday. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, October 14. Urgent 311 calls will still be answered.
- Parking: Free on-street parking on Monday, but all other regulations apply.
- Halifax Water: Water offices will be closed Monday, October 13, and will reopen Tuesday, October 14. Emergency services for water and stormwater issues will remain on call.
Grocery and Retail Closed
- Grocery Stores: Major grocery chains like Sobeys, Superstore, Walmart, Costco, Halifax Shopping Centre, Mic Mac Mall, and Dartmouth Crossing will be closed on Thanksgiving Day due to retail regulations in Nova Scotia.
- Corner Stores: Some smaller corner stores, markets, and pharmacies may open but likely on reduced hours. It’s advisable to check ahead.
- Liquor Stores: All Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) locations will be closed on Monday. Some private beer and wine retailers may open at their discretion.
Quick Summary
If you need service on Monday, it’s best to plan ahead. Most transportation, waste services, and retail will not be operating. The local corner shops might provide limited services, whereas larger retail outlets and grocery chains will remain closed.
Make sure to verify the hours of any specific location before venturing out during this Thanksgiving weekend in Halifax.
