The 2026 International Gathering of Clan MacNicol will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from September 11–14, 2026. This special event will be hosted at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, footsteps away from the city’s historic waterfront. This four-day celebration promises to be a memorable occasion filled with culture, connection, and community. Planned events include a flag raising ceremony at Halifax Grand Parade, a lively ceilidh, storytelling sessions entitled. Our Stories Past and Present, and an exciting bus tour to northern Nova Scotia to showcase some of Nova Scotia’s natural beauty and Scottish Highlander heritage and culture.
The Chief of Clan MacNicol personally requested that this Gathering be held in Nova Scotia, recognizing both its Scottish roots and its unique role as a place where Highland traditions continue to thrive. It will be a very historic moment as Clan members from around the world come together in Halifax for the very first time.
Special Day Excursion
A special day excursion is being planned during the Gathering to the Town of Pictou, known as the “Birthplace of New Scotland”. Step aboard the legendary Ship Hector replica and imagine what it was like for the many Scottish immigrants who voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean in 1773. Excursion details will be available with registration information – stay tuned!
Getting Here & Getting Around
Halifax is so easily accessible by air, land and sea; you’ll be here before you know it!
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is Atlantic Canada’s centre for domestic, regional and international flight service offering direct flights to and from other Canadian cities, major city centres in the U.S., as well as the UK and Continental Europe.
It is approximately a 30 minute drive from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to downtown Halifax. There are several options from limo, taxi or Uber to express shuttle service and local transit – more details on options can be found here.
Registration and Information
To register, please contact Joe Nicholson at [email protected].
Hotel Information
The 2026 International Gathering of Clan MacNicol will be held at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront situated along the scenic Halifax waterfront. The hotel offers easy access to the shops and restaurants along the boardwalk as well as Historic Properties. You’ll enjoy luxury accommodations, excellent on-site dining, and a stylishly designed room with pillowtop bedding, marble bathroom, Wi-Fi, and an ergonomic work desk. Additional hotel amenities include indoor swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, expansive venue spaces and on-site underground parking.
Book your group rate for Clan MacNeacail (https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1759…)
Hotel cost is $299.00 CAD per night - Last Day to Book : Thursday, August 13, 2026
We warmly invite all members, families, and friends to join us in Halifax in 2026 for what promises to be a Gathering to remember. Come celebrate our heritage, share stories, enjoy music and laughter, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as Clan MacNicol. We look forward to welcoming you to our first Clan Gathering in Alba Nuadh (Nova Scotia)!
Probably should have written my name as Donna Nicholson D'Amour. Born a Nicholson in Cape Breton.
I tried to contact Joe Nicholson to get info on costs of the conference, minus the hotel, since I live nearby, but the email I copied from this site for Joe does not work.
his phone is 902-893-0897. His email address is [email protected]
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