Canada Day 2026: Your guide to what's happening in the Halifax area

Halifax Regional Municipality hosting a parade, fireworks and several concerts

To help you plan your Canada Day, here's a list of what's open, what's closed and what's happening across the Halifax region on Wednesday, July 1, 2025.

The Halifax Regional Municipality is hosting numerous events and concerts across the city to celebrate Canada Day.

Gateway Meat Market: Open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Drugstores: Some pharmacies are open but have limited hours.

NSLC: Closed, but local agency stores may be open.

Some independent alcohol retailers will be open, as well as craft breweries and other alcohol producers.

The following malls are closed on Canada Day:

Halifax Transit buses will operate on a holiday schedule. The Alderney ferry will be free on Canada Day, but the municipality is encouraging passengers to make a monetary donation to the Parker Street Food Bank in lieu of fares.

The Woodside ferry will not be operating.

Paid on-street parking is free Wednesday.

There will be no garbage, organics or recyclables collection on Wednesday.

Collection scheduled for that day will move to Saturday, July 4.

All banks are closed on Canada Day.

The 311 contact centre will be closed on Wednesday for full service. However, urgent calls can still be reported. Regular operations will resume on Thursday, July 2.

In-person customer service centres will be closed on Wednesday. They'll reopen with regular hours on Thursday.

The municipality is encouraging people to skip backyard fireworks this Canada Day.

In a news release, it said fireworks are unpredictable, pose a fire risk and cause distress to people and animals who are sensitive to loud noise.

"Municipally organized shows are a safer, more predictable alternative. Scheduled public events make it easier for those who wish to avoid fireworks to plan ahead," the news release said.

Fireworks are off limits if a burn ban is in place. This map has the latest information on conditions.

The municipality said people should let neighbours know in advance if they're planning their own fireworks and to follow all manufacturers' safety guidelines.

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