Nova Scotia - Canada Maps

Nova Scotia facts

Capital: Halifax
Population: 969,383 (2021)
Date of Admission: 1867
Provincial Motto: Munit haec et altera vincit (One defends and the other conquers)
Provincial flower: mayflower
Time Zone: Atlantic (AST) – (GMT − 4 hours)
Total Area (Sq Km): 55,284
Total Area (Sq Mi): 21,345

Time and date

Time:

Date:

Location

Quick links: About, Major places, History, Geography, Climate, Google Maps, Facts, What to do, Accommodation, Pictures, Useful information, Further readings.

Nova Scotia is a coastal province located on Canada’s east coast. To the south and east, there are rugged cliffs with crashing waves; to the northwest, mud flats can be found; and to the north, there’s a deep narrow zone between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island where water levels rise by more than 50 feet.

Nova Scotia is the perfect location if you’re looking for a place to witness various landscapes and cultures. It’s hard to fathom all the different people, landscapes, and cultures within a small area without viewing it firsthand. Within an area that includes mountains, farmlands, and forestry regions, there are wide varieties of grapes, apples, corn, peaches, and plums. Central Nova Scotia has an assortment of colors, from blueberries to cranberry bogs, in springtime. Come summertime, you can also see acres of fields covered with purple lupines or yellow coltsfoot–colorful scenes that leave you speechless. In Cape Breton, you’ll find highlands that rival Scotland’s, rugged rock-rimmed inlets, woodlands that provide spectacular fall foliage, and mountains that plunge dramatically down to meet the waves. Nova Scotia has a great diversity of species, including many endangered and threatened species that are being actively protected. The western arm of the province has a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve called the Southwest Nova Biosphere, which includes remote Kejimkujik National Park. This park protects old-growth transitional woodland and all the wildlife that depend upon it.

Nova Scotians are one diverse group. The original inhabitants, the Mi’kmaq, have been here for 10,000 years and remain a major cultural force. In the early days of European exploration, they were joined by French and English settlers who settled along the shores and harvested the sea. Later on, waves of immigrants flooded Nova Scotia: Germans in Lunenburg County; Highland Scots displaced by their landlords’ preference for sheep; New England Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution; freedmen or escaped enslaved people; then Ukrainians, Poles, West Indians, Italians, and Lebanese drawn to industrial centers of Halifax and Sydney.

Living in Nova Scotia means living in a rich, multicultural environment. As a result, you’ll see Gaelic signs in Mabou and Iona, German sausages on menus in Lunenburg, and Francophones proudly flying their flag along the western Fundy coast. This makes Nova Scotians both proud of who they are and welcoming to all “people from away!”

About Nova Scotia, Canada

Nova Scotia is a Canadian province located on North America’s eastern seaboard. The province comprises the peninsula of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, and some small islands. At 580 km / 360 miles long but never more than 130 km / 80 miles wide at any point, the province stretches from the Strait of Canso to Cape Breton Island.

The Chignecto Isthmus, a thin strip of land that seems to push the Peninsular into the Atlantic Ocean, runs along Nova Scotia’s only land boundary, with New Brunswick on the western side. The Northumberland and Cabot Straits divide Nova Scotia from Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, an island northeast of Nova Scotia. The Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Fundy are to the east and south. Halifax is the capital city.

Nova Scotia is home to many exciting opportunities. It was the site of the first permanent European settlement in North America. With no Florida due to its location, it became a hub for fishing, shipbuilding, and transatlantic shipping. The name Acadia (French: Acadie) came from the Mi’kmaq word meaning “land of.” The province, called Nova Scotia by Scotsmen in 1620, took its name from what means “New Scotland” in Latin. The region spans 55,284 square km / 21,345 square miles.

Principal cities and towns

The capital city of Halifax is the biggest in Nova Scotia, with a population of 490,980 (2021). The second-largest city is Cape Breton, with a population of 93,898 (2021). Other notable cities in Nova Scotia include Truro 13,193 (2021), Amherst 9,733 (2021), New Glasgow 9,531 (2021), Bridgewater 9,042 (2021), Yarmouth 6,866 (2021), and Kentville 6,703 (2021).

History

Throughout thousands of years, the North Coast has been inhabited by aboriginal peoples. It wasn’t until about 1000 AD-1000 that Europeans encountered it during their exploration. During the 1500s, Europeans established trading posts in the region, leading to European interest. In 1606, a group of French merchants led by Pierre Du Gua, Sieur de Monts, and assisted by the explorer Samuel De Champlain established a settlement at Port Royal near present-day Annapolis Royal. Sir William Alexander was a crucial Scottish nobleman in 1621 when he received a grant with the hopes of creating a large settlement. This lasted for about 3 years.

From the early 1600s until the late 1700s, this territory was a focal point for French-English rivalry for control of North America. This struggle for control delayed European settlement and significantly altered the lives of French settlers, who became known as Acadians. The region passed back and forth between France and England until 1713, when a treaty at Utrecht gave mainland Nova Scotia to England for the last time, although conflict continued for another 50 years. The French managed to keep Cape Breton Island, on which they built the powerful fortress of Louisbourg. Meanwhile, the English founded Halifax in 1749 as their colonies’ new administrative and military center. In the 1750s, they forced the Acadians out of the region—an event romanticized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous narrative poem, Evangeline.

The colony attracted immigrants from the British Isles, Germany, and New England, who gave it its first substantial Protestant population. By the American Revolution, New Englanders constituted roughly two-thirds of Nova Scotia’s population. Meanwhile 1769, Prince Edward Island split off from Nova Scotia, followed by New Brunswick and Cape Breton in 1784. In 1820, Nova Scotia was reunited with Cape Breton and became known as Nova Scotia. In 1848, Nova Scotia became the first British colony to allow the public to elect and vote for their MPs. (This is different from how it was before.) This greatly angered some economic and political leaders. But in 1867, Nova Scotia joined New Brunswick and Canada (present-day Quebec and Ontario) so that most elected members would make decisions.

As a British colony, Nova Scotia had been doing well in forestry, fisheries, and shipbuilding fields for the first two-thirds of the 19th century. Thanks to the Reciprocity Treaty (1854) between the Canadian colonies and the United States, the north-south flow of commerce seemed secure. During the American Civil War, Nova Scotia benefitted from increased demand by the North and South; continental and world trade patterns eroded much of its traditional economy. When Nova Scotia’s railway connected them to central Canada, the benefits were surprisingly minimal. It did help to make Nova Scotia more economically dependent on Quebec and Ontario. The late 19th century saw the simultaneous industrialization of parts of Nova Scotia and the consolidation of power in Montreal and Toronto. The out-migration during this period showed that things weren’t going as well as they could be for the region.

Halifax has undergone many changes in the last century, spanning two World Wars. During both wars, Halifax was transporting men and supplies to Europe. As a result of the war efforts, Halifax experienced unprecedented prosperity – until 1917, when two ships collided in Halifax Harbour. This collision resulted in an enormous man-made explosion at the time (before an atomic bomb), killing over 1500 Haligonians.

Nova Scotia’s population and economy continued to grow steadily in the early days of the 21st century. The province’s offshore gas reserves and expanding technology-based elements, as did its tourism industry, looked promising for the future. However, increasing difficulties posed by border security and high gas prices led to a slump in American tourist visits to the province.

Geography

Nova Scotia’s upland regions reach heights of more than 520 meters / 1,700 feet above sea level in the Cape Breton Highlands. The most critical lowlands lie along the Bay of Fundy and the Minas Basin in the southwest and along the Northumberland Strait. Many of the tens of thousands of acres of marshland created by tremendously high tides – among the highest in the world – at Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy have been turned to agricultural use by dikes. These were begun in 1638 by French settlers, Acadian refugees from colonial France, who had transported themselves to Nova Scotia after expulsion from Acadia when that colony was lost to Britain during late 17th-century wars.

Over 3,000 lakes have been impounded by or cut through this region’s unusual terrain. The most famous of the lakes, Bras d’Or on Cape Breton Island, is a saltwater lake connected to the Atlantic Ocean through three canals. Many intruding promontories make the lake’s 1,098 square km / 424 square miles a geographic paradox.

Nova Scotia’s rocky southern peninsula is virtually inaccessible for farming. 82% of the province’s surface is unsuitable for agriculture, forcing Nova Scotians to live by the sea. Podzolic soil dominates most of the land, with pockets in soft grey soil that make up a few local communities, mainly found along parts of the Northumberland Strait and in villages on Cape Breton Island. In 2008, Joggins Fossil Cliffs were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Forests cover about 80% of the land area. One-quarter of the woodland is deciduous forest, which consists mainly of balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and pine; some is a mixed coniferous subtropical rainforest. Among the conifers are spruce, larch, and Douglas-fir. Animal life includes deer, moose, partridge, ptarmigan, and ducks.

Climate

A modified continental climate influences Nova Scotia. When you get near the sea, you’ll experience warm winter temperatures and cool summer temperatures. At Halifax, on the central part of the Atlantic coast, the average day’s temperature in January is about –4.5 °C / 24 °F, and in July, it’s almost 19 °C / 66 °F. The coldest temperatures usually happen inland, and summers are slightly warmer near the coast. There’s a lot of variability in yearly precipitation depending on the section of the province. Every part of Nova Scotia has different levels, ranging from less than 1,250 mm / 49 inches of rain and snow along the Northumberland Strait to more than 1,600 mm / 63 inches at Cape Breton Highlands.

Google Maps Nova Scotia

Please click here for driving directions.

Google Street View is a feature of Google Maps that provides 360-degree panoramic images of many locations worldwide, including the province of Nova Scotia. Here are a few exciting objects and locations that Google Street View has captured in Nova Scotia:

The Halifax Citadel: Google Street View has captured images of the Halifax Citadel, a historic fort located in the city of Halifax, a popular tourist destination.
The Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse: Google Street View has captured images of the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, an iconic lighthouse located in the town of Peggy’s Cove, a popular tourist destination.
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site: Google Street View has captured images of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, a museum located in the town of Baddeck dedicated to the life and work of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.
The Lunenburg Fisheries Museum: Google Street View has captured images of the Lunenburg Fisheries Museum, a museum in the town of Lunenburg dedicated to the history of the fishing industry in Nova Scotia.
The Halifax Waterfront: Google Street View has captured images of the Halifax Waterfront, a popular area along the harbor in the city of Halifax that is home to various shops, restaurants, and other attractions.
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site: Google Street View has captured images of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a historic fort located in Louisbourg, a popular tourist destination.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Google Street View has captured images of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a protected area on Cape Breton Island that is home to various plant and animal species and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Did you know?

In the late 1500s, Europeans started traveling to Canada and exploring. The Mi’kmaq people lived in Canada for centuries and had been there long before the Europeans arrived.
Out of Nova Scotia’s total population, one-eighth is descended from Acadian French who were exiled after 1763.
Most people in Nova Scotia are descendants of both the settlers from the British Isles and those from the American colonies. Settlers loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution (known as United Empire Loyalists) settled much of western and northern Nova Scotia, with scattered settlements elsewhere.
Nova Scotians are primarily rural, but urbanization was still a trend from the 20th century.
Settlement in the early European period typically took place near the coastline because it was easier to get around by boat. Early economies relied on fishing, fur trading, and farming.
The decline in shipping and shipbuilding during the late 19th century led to many workers moving away from small towns such as Yarmouth, Windsor, Truro, and Amherst. Coal, steel, and textiles became more popular industries in Sydney and Halifax.

In the last 150 years, Nova Scotians have moved out of the province first to New England, then to Ontario, and into Western Canada.
Today, Nova Scotia has a diverse economy based on traditional land-based industries, such as fishing and forestry, and much more significant tourist and service industries.
Dairy products, livestock, poultry, eggs, and fruit are often the focus of farming. Extensive forestry resources supply large pulp and paper mills, numerous sawmills, and the expanding Christmas tree and maple syrup industries.
Fish processing and exporting are still significant, but they’ve become less important these days. The near-complete destruction of cod stocks has significantly impacted the fishing industry.
Traditionally, coal was the leading mined product in Nova Scotia, but many mines have shut down since the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
There are significant resources of barite, sand, and construction materials such as gravel.
Nova Scotia has a variety of industries, including food processing, wood and paper-related industries, metal production, and many smaller ones. Its solid manufacturing base provides a great foundation for the provincial economy.
The tourism industry is booming. More than a million visitors came to the province last year.
More than one-fourth of the people who work in the local workforce are employed in knowledge-based service industries, such as telecommunications, computer technology, and education.
Shipping is a big deal in Nova Scotia, with the world’s largest oil carriers docking at Point Tupper and Halifax having facilities for all sorts of vessels, including colossal container ships.
There’s also a network of paved highways, a trucking industry that has largely replaced local rail service, an international airport at Halifax, and several smaller airports.
Car and passenger ferries operate between Nova Scotia and ports in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the U.S. state of Maine.
Nova Scotia’s highly developed telecommunications system features a provincewide fiber-optic network.

What to do in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a province full of excitement and adventure. From the Bay of Fundy to the Cabot Trail, many ways exist to explore the great outdoors. And for those who prefer to stay indoors, Nova Scotia has no shortage of delicious food and drink options.

One of the best ways to experience Nova Scotia is to feel the power of the Bay of Fundy. This massive body of water is home to some of the highest tides in the world. Visitors can participate in several activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Lighthouse spotting is another popular activity in Nova Scotia. Over 150 lighthouses dot the coast, each with its unique history. Many of these lighthouses are open to the public and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

For a truly unique experience, glamping under the stars is a must-do while in Nova Scotia. Several companies offer this service, including setting up a luxury campsite complete with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

Cruising along the Cabot Trail is one of the best ways to see all that Nova Scotia offers. This scenic route takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada, including Cape Breton Island. Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunity to spot wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and whales.

Because Nova Scotia is on the Atlantic coast, it is home to some of Canada’s best coastal views. It’s great for fishing, hiking, biking, and watching sea breezes roll through. Pack your sense of adventure and light layers if you travel here and try some of the 10 best things to do in Nova Scotia; Feel the power of the Bay of Fundy, Go lighthouse spotting, Glamp under the stars, Cruise the Cabot Trail, Take a helicopter to an island picnic, Sip wine through the Annapolis Valley, Chow down on seafood, Dive into a whale-watching expedition, Go stargazing, Head off in search of the best brews.

Accommodation in Nova Scotia

Explore Nova Scotia’s vast landscape and return to one of the many charming accommodations. Relax on the deck of a coastal cottage after a long day, enjoy a fresh lobster dinner at a luxury hotel, or pamper yourself with fantastic accommodation options like B&Bs. No matter where you stay, you’ll be able to enjoy nature and kick back from your adventures. Nova Scotia offers a wide range of accommodations to suit any taste. Choose from top-quality resorts, hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts to quaint and hospitable campgrounds and RV parks.

You have many options for places to stay when you’re in Nova Scotia. There are luxury resorts, charming bed and breakfasts, ocean-side cottages, and backcountry and serviced camping sites – the list goes on!

Reserve a room

Our tip for accommodation in Nova Scotia would be to consider staying in a traditional “fishing village” or “lighthouse” accommodation. Nova Scotia is home to many picturesque fishing villages, like Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and Mahone Bay, that offer unique and authentic experiences. These villages often have B&Bs or cottages that are nestled among the colorful houses and offer a cozy and comfortable stay. Staying in a lighthouse accommodation, such as Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, can provide a unique opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty and learn about the province’s rich maritime history. Another option is to consider a traditional Inn or a Boutique Hotel in the main cities like Halifax and Sydney. These options offer the convenience of being close to downtown and amenities while also providing great service and comfortable stays.

Pictures

Useful information

Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s three Maritime Provinces, and it’s accessible by your own set of wheels. There are also many ways to travel, including scenic ferry rides or helicopter charters. You can also explore some incredible bicycle routes that rank among the world’s best.

Car: In Nova Scotia, cars and motorcycles are the most convenient way of getting around. An extensive highway system links virtually every town and city in the province, making them the only plausible option for any road trip. Nova Scotia has a variety of highways, with the “highways” (101, 103, etc.) circumnavigating and intersecting the province. But when you’re sightseeing in Nova Scotia, you might prefer to take the old road (Highway 1 or 3).

Nova Scotia Tourism has created names for some of the best scenic routes in Nova Scotia, such as the Lighthouse Route or the Glooscap Trail. They’re all distinctive, and they’re marked with their special signage. You can easily follow them using the Nova Scotia Tourism Regions Map, found constantly updated on the provinces’ official site.

If you’re driving in Nova Scotia during the winter, it’s advisable to have winter tires. The provincial government publishes a live highway report showing which roads are closed for snow or ice.

Bicycle: On two wheels, there are many ways to get around Nova Scotia. Rail-to-Trail projects have created bicycle routes such as the Rum Runners Trail (Lunenburg to Halifax), The Harvest Moon Trailway (Annapolis Royal to Grand-Pré), and the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail (Port Hastings to Inverness).

Bus: Maritime Bus has over 50 locations throughout the Maritimes, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Past clients include students, budget-minded travelers, and residents looking to get large packages there in less time than the post office could provide. Maritime Bus Halifax is next to the VIA railway station, with steps-away access to the Halifax waterfront. Within the city limits, Halifax Transit provides bus routes throughout the city. You can pay either by cash or with coins of the correct amount.

Plane: Halifax, the native Mi’kmaq people call “K’jipuktuk” (Great Harbor), is the largest Canadian city east of Montreal. With daily flights to major cities across Canada and America, you’re never too far from home. The main airport in Halifax, Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), is a large, full-service airport with car rental facilities, restaurants, hotels, and even tourist information for first-time visitors.

Private air charter: If you have friends willing to spend a few bucks, taking a helicopter tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences visiting Nova Scotia. Halifax airport-based Vision Air Services offers an island escape package that includes seeing the ocean and islands while on a helicopter. Breton Air, based at J.A. Douglas McCurdy airport in Sydney (YQY), also provides private charters with transport to Cape Breton Island’s most exclusive lodges, retreats, and golf courses.

Ferry: It’s always nice to arrive in Nova Scotia by boat. Of course, you can fly or drive, but why not take the scenic route? The most comfortable and sizeable boat ferries operate between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Maine (3 hours and thirty-five minutes); Digby, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick (2 hours and fifteen minutes); And Cariboo, Nova Scotia to Wood Islands on Prince Edward Island (1 hour and forty-five minutes). All times are approximate, depending on weather conditions.

There is also a ferry service between Sydney, Cape Breton, and two ports in Newfoundland: Port Aux Basques (7 hours) and Argentia (16 hours.)

Take a scenic and charming car ferry on small waterfronts where a bridge or causeway would be too expensive. The blue boats only take a few minutes to cross the water. And what’s more, fares are free on local ferries, which can be found throughout Nova Scotia.

In Halifax, take the 15-minute ferry ride between Halifax and Dartmouth – it’s both cost-effective and historical. Enjoy some captivating views from the front upper deck before exploring on foot across the MacDonald Bridge.

McNab’s Island is a popular destination for travelers exploring Halifax Harbor, and North West Arm Boat Tours makes it easy. The ferry takes you to McNabs on high-speed rigid hull inflatable boats that are fun for the whole family.

Taxi and Ride Shares: There are a lot of great cab companies in Halifax that all use the traditional meter system and accept cards and cash. Like other world cities, Halifax was slow to adopt the new trend of ride-sharing services, but we’re happy to say that they were finally able to operate in November 2020. Despite protests from traditional taxi firms, this change has proven very popular with commuters.

Train: The VIA Rail Halifax-Montréal service is the only rail link to Nova Scotia – it takes around 21 hours. The former rail beds in many Maritime provinces have been replaced by hiking or cycling trails, which are some of the best free things to do.

You can find more helpful information on these websites about Nova Scotia: novascotia.com or explorenovascotia.com.

You may also be interested in

Did you like this Nova Scotia map and information page? Please don’t forget to share or bookmark this content on Canada Maps.com!