Facts

Nova Scotia is considered to be the most beautiful province of Canada due, in part, to its rugged coastline, a climate to rival the South of France, scores of picturesque fishing villages, more than 50 golf courses, perfect conditions for water sports and a countless array of other treats for the mind and body.

• The most beautiful Canadian province. Even at its furthest point from the Atlantic, you’re only ever a mere 56 km from the handsome coastline
• The influence of the Gulf Stream makes for a wonderful climate combination of warm weather and cool breezes and fresh waters
• The province is free of natural disasters and dangerous animals
• The coastal region is simply a wonder to behold and offers ideal conditions for water sports too
• The capital, Halifax, is located only 6 hours away from Europe • The province boasts an impeccable infrastructure with a great supply of good quality roads and paths
• Thanks to the ever increasing demand across Canada, America and Europe, properties values are appreciating all of the time, making for great investments
• Despite rising property values, the cost of living is low
• There’s plenty to see and do – you’ll never get bored!
• 3,700 islands spread across 5,000 lakes and 300 rivers
• The official language in these parts is English
• The low population density means you’ll never feel overcrowded, whereas the friendly neighbours will ensure you never feel alone
• It’s possible to apply for permanent residence, and during the first 6 months, there’s no need to apply for a visa at all
• Nova Scotia is a great investment location

Download:  Scenic Travelways Map


Nova Scotia from A-Z

Autumn

As the summer draws to a close, the autumn creeps in, bringing with it a colourful carpet of red, brown, orange and gold leaves. As the sunshine stubbornly refuses to leave and the temperatures still enjoying the final froes of summertime, those who have the good luck to witness an Indian Summer are very fortunate indeed. From burnt orange maple trees to beaming blueberry fields and onto the soft yellow glow of the salt marshes, Nova Scotia is a veritable explosion of colour – a spectacle of nature that is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Bay of Fundy

Located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia itself, the tides at the Bay of Fundy are a world-famous natural phenomenon. The highest tides in the world fill the bay with over 100,000,000 tonnes of seawater and bring with them an assortment of sea creatures big and small. After only a few hours, the tide retracts, giving the creatures just enough time and space to go for a stroll along the beach. You can witness this incredible spectacle twice a day – don’t miss out!

Bugs

Black fly season tends to last for three weeks in the springtime, with rivers and swamps suffering the brunt of the action. To protect yourself against these irritating insects, we recommend investing in citronella based products such as “Natrapel”. This contains 10% citronella and comes as a spray or as lotion or in oil form. These are typically available at pharmacies and drug stores along with other insect repellents.

Cabot Trail

The eleven different travel routes and winding coastal roads - so-called trails - are one of the reasons why Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s best-loved tourist destinations. The Cabot Trail snakes across 300 km of Cape Breton’s fascination highlands, hugging the coast and offering the once in a lifetime opportunity to spot whole schools of whales. Take in the fresh sea air and wonder at the possibilities of nature as bald eagles swoop around on the sea breeze above.

Climate

Nova Scotia is located on the same latitude as the South of France and Northern Italy. During the warm summer months, the temperatures climb to almost Mediterranean levels. Even the sea temperatures climb to an almost tropical 28 ºC along the Northumberland Strait and within the St. George’s Bay. The lakes heat up to a refreshing 25 ºC whereas the cooler waters of the southeast Atlantic coast reach highs of only 19 ºC.
Climate in Nova Scotia

Entertainment

Warm currents of the Gulf Stream and the hundred of lakes and rivers make Nova Scotia something of a holy grail for water sports fans, with plenty of opportunities for diving, sailing, water skiing, fishing or simply swimming. There are plenty of things to do on dry land too, such as hiking through the unspoiled nature or enjoying a round of golf or two on one of the regions many well-tended greens.

Fauna

70% of Nova Scotia’s surface area is covered by thick forest. Scores of different animals call this unspoiled nature haven home, including – amongst others – deer, elks, raccoons, porcupines, wild cats, minks, beavers, wild geese and bald eagles. 

Fishing

With a fantastic selection of salmon, trout, mackerel, cod, haddock, perch and tuna, there’s a great day of fishing to be had either along the coast, from one of the many bays or during a relaxing boat trip out at sea. It’s possible to go angling in the lakes as well, but for this, you will require a permit. These can be renewed on a yearly basis and cost a mere 16 Canadian Dollars. The permit is well worth investing in, as the lakes are home to a plentiful supply of salmon, trout, perch, stints and eels.

Golf 

If you’re looking for a challenge on the golf course, there’s nowhere quite like Nova Scotia. Home to three of Canada’s very best golf courses (The Highland Links, Fox Harb’r and Bell Bay Golf Club), you’ll be spoilt for choice with more than 50 greens to choose from. The Cabot Trail provides another golfing adventure – just be sure that the spectacular nature on offer doesn’t put you off whilst you’re teeing up!

Halifax

The capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax, is home to one of the largest harbours in the world and offers a whole host of exciting musical and cultural activities to take part in. Between galleries and museums, you will find an array of historical buildings, boutiques and chic restaurants, all influenced by the city’s maritime history. Whereas the summer months draw the inhabitants to the coast, during more inclement weather, the Natural History Museum is known to enthrall both tourists and natives alike.

Inhabitants 

During your stay in Nova Scotia, you will be welcomed with open arms. The inhabitants here are well-known for the helpfulness, their warmth and their generally friendly nature.

Kejimkujik National Park

Spread out across an epic 400 km², the Kejimkujik National Park - or Keji, as it’s lovingly referred to by the local inhabitants – is the perfect holiday destination for anybody who loves the great outdoors. Situated to the south of Nova Scotia, the countless rivers, enchanting forests and inviting islands positively compel its guests to leave the comfort of their four walls and enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits.

Language

Since the Official Languages Act was passed in 1969, both English and French have been recognised as official languages in Canada. The province with the largest number of French speakers is by far and away Quebec, with 88% of its inhabitants speaking the language of la belle France. The population of Nova Scotia, however, mainly speaks English. Only 4% of its inhabitants speak French.

Lunenburg Lighthouse Route

Take a walk along the winding Lighthouse Route to experience Nova Scotia’s coast as you’ve never seen it before. Passing by dozens of picturesque lighthouses and idyllic fishing villages, a walk along this famous trail is like stepping in to a postcard. Both Mahone Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg offer an extra special ambience which is perfect for a romantic evening stroll.

Natural Disasters

Fortunately, Nova Scotia does not suffer at the hands of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or cyclones. Hurricanes formed in the Caribbean typically lose their power much further south and only manage to bring a few showers and strong breezes as far as the northwestern Atlantic.

Safety and Security

Canada is one of the safest travel destinations the world over, with the Atlantic provinces surrounding Nova Scotia responsible for some of the lowest crime rates in the whole country. Out in the countryside, many tend to leave their doors open and their cars unlocked, such is the lack of crime around these parts.

Whales

The southeastern coast of Nova Scotia is famous for whale watching. From the deep, blue waters of the Atlantic, it is possible to spot entire schools of hump-backed whales, fin-backed whales, pilot whales and mink whales. Some of the most popular whale-watching regions include Digby Neck and Cape Breton Island.

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