What is Heritage Day and Why Do We Celebrate It? [Nova Scotia, Canada]
Learn about the history of Heritage Day in Nova Scotia and how you and your family can celebrate this long weekend.
What is Heritage Day in Canada?
Heritage Day in Canada is a celebration of the diverse cultural heritage of the province of Nova Scotia. Across the country, each province observes a similar holiday, though the name and timing vary by region. In Nova Scotia, Heritage Day honours a different individual or group each year, chosen for their significant contribution to the province's heritage.
The honouree of the 2026 Heritage Day celebration is Joseph William Comeau, an advocate for preservation and recognition of Acadian history and culture. Comeau was a representative in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1907 to 1925 and 1928 to 1948. He also represented Clare in the Senate from 1948 to 1966.
Last year’s honouree (2025) was Nora Bernard, a tireless advocate for Residential School Survivors and a member of the Millbrook First Nation. In 1995, she founded an organization to represent survivors, which brought the struggle to public knowledge and eventually led to a class-action lawsuit.
When is Heritage Day in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, Heritage Day is observed annually on the third Monday of February. In 2026, it falls on Monday, February 16th.
History of Heritage Day in Nova Scotia
The celebration of Heritage Day is deeply rooted in the province's history. Nova Scotia has a rich tapestry of traditions, influenced by Indigenous, African, Acadian, Scottish, Irish, and many other cultures. Each of these has made invaluable contributions to the development and identity of the region.
The idea of having a specific day to celebrate and acknowledge this diverse heritage gained traction in the early 2000s. After “Family Day” was introduced in the province of Alberta in 1990, other provinces added their own statutory holidays in February for a variety of reasons.
Nova Scotia officially established their new holiday, Heritage Day, in 2015. Since then, each year has been dedicated to honouring a different aspect of Nova Scotia's vibrant heritage. Past honourees have included notable historical figures, civil rights activists, artists, and community leaders, all of whom have left a lasting impact on the province.
Why We Celebrate Heritage Day
The celebration of Heritage Day serves as an opportunity for reflection and education, as well as a time for communities to come together and celebrate their shared history. It also provides an occasion for people to learn about each other's cultures, fostering a greater sense of unity and mutual respect.
Heritage Day promotes understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of Nova Scotia, honouring the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to a future of inclusivity and diversity.
Heritage Day Celebrations
What can you and your family and friends do over the long weekend to honour this day?
Here’s a list of activities and resources you can check out:
Check the official website of Nova Scotia Heritage Day for the calendar of events to be held across the province
You can also browse through the same site for more information about the celebration and a list of past and future honourees
Learn more about Nova Scotia's National Historic & UNESCO Sites and how to visit them
The following cultural museums will be open and free of charge on Heritage Day: Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Museum of Industry.
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