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Guide:
Regions & Cities:
Ports of Call
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Overview
Nova Scotia is a 350-mile (560km) peninsula on the east of
Canada, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The rugged
and jagged coastline, and the fact that this semi-island is covered
in numerous rivers and lakes, makes it a watery wonderland famous
for its seafood (the province is the world's largest exporter of
lobster), scenic routes, wilderness trails, dolphin and
whale-watching opportunities and the Scottish flavour of its bars
and restaurants. The island has a mixed history as a French,
Scottish, and British colony, but it is the Scots who still
dominate the population and culture today, with name Nova Scotia
meaning 'New Scotland' in Latin. The Mi'kmaq Nation is also local
to the area.
Nova Scotia, together with its neighbouring provinces of New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, are known as the Maritime
Provinces of Canada. Nowhere in Nova Scotia is further than 35
miles (56km) from the sea, and the busy port of Halifax attracts
more than 200,000 cruise ship passengers every year. The relatively
small island supports a vibrant musical culture, which includes the
only symphony orchestra in Atlantic Canada, and a rich tradition of
Scottish and Irish music.
The warm summers in Nova Scotia make it ideal for a range of
outdoor activities, such as golf, sailing, zip lining, hiking,
cycling, fishing, swimming and horseback riding. The winters are
cold, and offer other pastimes like cross-country skiing and
snowmobiling.