Nova Scotia Heritage Day

Nova Scotia Heritage Day is a provincial statutory holiday observed every year on the third Monday of February. It provides Nova Scotians with a mid-winter long weekend dedicated to celebrating the people, places, and events that have defined the province's rich history.

For years, Nova Scotians advocated for a mid-winter statutory holiday similar to the Family Day observances established in other parts of Canada. In December 2013, the provincial government passed legislation establishing a new official holiday on the third Monday of February, which was celebrated for the first time in 2015. Rather than using a generic title, the province designed Heritage Day to spotlight a specific honouree each year—recognizing a notable figure, landmark, or historical movement that made a lasting contribution to Nova Scotia.

The inaugural holiday in 2015 honoured civil rights advocate Viola Desmond, setting a precedent of showcasing the province's diverse heritage, including Mi'kmaw, African Nova Scotian, Acadian, and multicultural histories. Subsequent honourees have included poet Rita Joe, Victoria Cross recipient William Hall, activist Nora Bernard, and historical sites such as Africville and Grand-Pré. Students across Nova Scotia are actively involved in researching and nominating candidates, making the holiday a meaningful educational tradition.

Because each year features a different honouree, local celebrations adapt to reflect the specific theme. Museums, heritage sites, public libraries, and art galleries across Nova Scotia frequently host special exhibitions, interactive workshops, and free admission days focused on the featured figure or event. Many families use the long weekend to enjoy winter outdoor activities such as skating, snowshoeing, or visiting historical landmarks, while community organizations hold lectures, cultural performances, and storytelling events.