What’s open and what’s closed this Easter weekend

In addition to the many things already shut down due to COVID-19, there will be several additional closures over the long weekend on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and some of those closures extend into Monday.

Here's a look at what you can expect on the Easter long weekend:

BUSINESSES

Both Good Friday and Easter Sunday are designated retail closing days in Nova Scotia, which means you can expect many stores and businesses to be shut down those two days. 

This includes grocery stores, which have reduced hours of operation due to COVID-19, and malls.

NSLCs will be closed Good Friday and are already closed on Sundays due to COVID-19. Stores are currently operating on reduced hours of 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. with the first hour (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.) designated for seniors and other at-risk customer

Many pharmacies will be open, however some may have reduced hours of operation on Friday and/or Sunday.

Expect banks to be closed both Friday and Sunday. Note that due to COVID-19, some branches are already closed or have reduced hours of operation.

In addition to closures related to COVID-19, several other businesses may be closed or have reduced operating hours, and that may extend into Monday, so it's best to call ahead.
 
TRANSPORTATION

Halifax Transit buses will be operating on a holiday service both Friday and Sunday. There will be no ferry service on Good Friday, however, holiday ferry service will run on Easter Sunday. Transit will operate on its current, reduced weekday service on Monday, April 13.

On-street parking remains free, however motorists are reminded to abide by other posted signage.

RECREATION

All municipal parks, beaches, playgrounds and sports fields/courts are shut down until further notice.

In addition, all provincial parks, beaches and tourist attractions in Nova Scotia remain closed.

If you enter these areas you are breaching the province's state of emergency order and may be fined up to $697.50.

Anyone parking in a lot that is part of a provincial or municipal park risks being ticketed and/or towed.

Provincial and municipal trails that are not part of a park can be used for exercise purposes, but only if you are able to walk there. 

Residents who have questions about the status of a trail can call 311.

SERVICES

Canada Post will not be collecting or delivering mail on Good Friday or Easter Monday.

There will be no municipal solid waste collection on Good Friday. If that's your day, take your garbage, organics and recyclables to the curb on Saturday, April 11. There will be regular curbside collection on Easter Monday.

The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility, the municipal recycling plant and municipal composting facilities will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but will be open for regular operating hours on Saturday and Monday.

The Household Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake is closed until further notice.