Heritage Day in Halifax is a provincial holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February, honouring individuals and events that shaped Nova Scotia’s history — and in 2026, we recognize Joseph Willie Comeau’s lasting impact on Acadian culture and education.
Celebrating Heritage Day in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Today, February 16, 2026, communities across Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and beyond are celebrating Nova Scotia Heritage Day — a holiday rooted in reflection, education, and pride.
Unlike Family Day in other provinces, Heritage Day in Nova Scotia has a distinct purpose: it honours the people, places, and events that shaped this province into the vibrant, diverse community you call home.
Whether you're strolling the Halifax waterfront, skating at the Oval, or enjoying time with family, today is about more than just a day off — it's about recognizing the stories that built Nova Scotia.
What Is Heritage Day?
Heritage Day is a provincial statutory holiday observed annually on the third Monday in February.
The holiday was created in 2015 after a province-wide campaign invited students to help name and shape the new February holiday. Three schools proposed the name Nova Scotia Heritage Day, emphasizing a celebration of the province’s unique history and cultural identity.
Each year, a different honouree is selected — highlighting individuals or defining moments that contributed to Nova Scotia’s social, cultural, or political fabric.
You can learn more about the holiday’s origins through the Province of Nova Scotia’s official Heritage Day page:
👉 https://novascotia.ca/heritageday/
2026 Honouree: Joseph Willie Comeau
This year, Nova Scotia honours Joseph Willie Comeau (1876–1966), a proud Acadian Nova Scotian whose legacy spans nearly five decades of public service.
Why He Matters
Joseph Willie Comeau was:
A long-serving Member of the Legislative Assembly
A Senator of Canada (appointed in 1948)
An advocate for Acadian language and culture
An educator and entrepreneur
A father of 16 children
Recognized as Canada’s longest-serving active politician at the time of his retirement
Born in Clare, Digby County, Comeau dedicated his career to strengthening Acadian communities across Nova Scotia.
His Impact on Education
Education was central to Comeau’s mission. He:
Led efforts in 1923 to build a new school in Clare
Helped introduce a new curriculum to Acadian schools in 1939
Supported teacher-training credit courses at Collège Sainte-Anne
His work helped preserve French language education and cultural expression in Nova Scotia — something that continues to shape communities throughout Halifax Regional Municipality and the province today.
As Minister Colton LeBlanc stated this year:
“Nova Scotia Heritage Day celebrates the contributions that have strengthened our province in lasting and meaningful ways. This year, as we honour Joseph Willie Comeau, we reflect on the remarkable impact he made as an Acadian and francophone politician, educator and father.”
A Look Back: Previous Honourees
Since its launch in 2015, Heritage Day has honoured influential Nova Scotians such as:
Viola Desmond (2015 inaugural honouree)
Mi’kmaq cultural leaders
African Nova Scotian trailblazers
Community builders and changemakers
Each year provides a new opportunity to learn and reflect on the people who shaped Halifax and Nova Scotia’s identity.
How Halifax Residents Celebrate Heritage Day
Across Halifax, Dartmouth, Sackville, Bedford, and surrounding communities, residents mark the day with cultural events, outdoor activities, and free museum access.
🎨 Museums & Galleries (Often Free Admission)
You can explore some of Halifax’s most iconic cultural spaces:
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – Home to Titanic artifacts, Halifax Explosion exhibits, and Mi’kmaw cultural displays.
Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History – Featuring interactive exhibits and seasonal programming.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia – Showcasing local and international art.
Check current hours and programming at:
👉 https://museum.novascotia.ca
👉 https://agns.ca
❄️ Outdoor Halifax Traditions
If you prefer fresh air, Heritage Day is a perfect excuse to enjoy winter in Halifax:
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site grounds (don’t miss the noon gun!)
Emera Oval for free skating (weather permitting)
Point Pleasant Park walking trails
Halifax Waterfront boardwalk
Shubie Park and Sir Sandford Fleming Park
These spaces are part of what makes living in Halifax so special — a city where history and lifestyle blend seamlessly.
🎉 Local Events
Communities across HRM also host events such as:
Sackville Snow Days
Winter sportfishing weekend
Family skating and community programming
Heritage Day feels distinctly Nova Scotian — community-driven, reflective, and welcoming.
Why Heritage Day Matters to Halifax Homeowners
As someone living in Halifax, you’re part of a city deeply shaped by:
Acadian heritage
Mi’kmaq culture
African Nova Scotian history
Maritime trade and immigration
A resilient spirit forged through events like the Halifax Explosion
Heritage Day is a reminder that Halifax isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place with stories layered into every neighbourhood, from the Hydrostone to the South End, Bedford to Eastern Passage.
And in real estate, heritage plays a meaningful role.
Historic homes, character neighbourhoods, walkable waterfront communities — these aren’t just features. They’re reflections of the province’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heritage Day in Halifax
Is Heritage Day the same as Family Day?
No. While other provinces celebrate Family Day, Nova Scotia observes Heritage Day, focusing on provincial history and annual honourees.
Is everything closed on Heritage Day in Halifax?
Most government offices, banks, and schools are closed. However, many museums and recreational facilities are open — often with free admission or special programming.
Who chooses the Heritage Day honouree?
The Province of Nova Scotia selects a new honouree each year, highlighting individuals or events that significantly shaped Nova Scotia’s culture and history.
A Final Thought This Heritage Day
Today, as you enjoy time with family, visit a museum, or simply take in the winter beauty of Halifax Harbour, take a moment to reflect on the people who built this province.
Joseph Willie Comeau’s lifelong commitment to education, culture, and public service reminds us that community leadership leaves a lasting legacy.
Halifax continues to grow and evolve — but its strength will always come from its history.
From our home to yours:
Happy Heritage Day, Halifax! 🇨🇦
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