Stat Holidays in Nova Scotia (2026)
All 6 statutory holidays with exact dates — plus the "holidays" that surprisingly aren't statutory in Nova Scotia.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday |
| Heritage Day | February 16, 2026 | Monday |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Friday |
| Canada Day | July 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Labour Day | September 7, 2026 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Friday |
Commonly Assumed — but NOT Statutory in Nova Scotia
- ✕Victoria Day (May 18, 2026) — not statutory
- ✕Thanksgiving (October 12, 2026) — not statutory
- ✕Remembrance Day (November 11, 2026) — retail closing day under the Remembrance Day Act, not a paid general holiday for most
- ✕Natal Day (August 3, 2026) — civic, not statutory
How Holiday Pay Works in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has only 6 general paid holidays — the fewest in Canada. Remembrance Day has special closing rules under its own Act.
Calculate your holiday pay →Frequently Asked Questions
Nova Scotia has 6 statutory holidays in 2026: New Year's Day, Heritage Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, Christmas Day. Commonly assumed but NOT statutory: Victoria Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day.
The next statutory holiday in Nova Scotia is Labour Day on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Nova Scotia has only 6 general paid holidays — the fewest in Canada. Remembrance Day has special closing rules under its own Act.
No — the first Monday of August (August 3, 2026) is not a statutory holiday in Nova Scotia, though many employers observe it voluntarily.
General information verified July 2026, not legal advice — eligibility rules and exceptions apply (retail, hospitality, and federally regulated sectors differ). Confirm with Nova Scotia's employment standards office.