Nova Scotia

Being almost an island, Nova Scotia is “shaped by the ocean” Only a slender border is connecting the peninsula with New Brunswick.

Most of the Nova Scotians live close to the sea, in coastal towns and in hundreds of little seaports on the sheltered coves, harbors and bays notching the shore. Nova Scotia offers visitors abundant opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, golfing, deep sea diving and much more.

Quick Facts

• Capital - Halifax
• Flower - Mayflower
• Entered Confederation - 1 July 1867
• Population approx. 936,000
• Land area out of Canada's total area - 0.6%

Cities

Halifax, the capital and the major city in Nova Scotia has a population of approx. 348,000. It is a major sea port as well as academic center. Other cities include Sydney and Sherbrooke. Major towns include Yarmouth, Kentville, Bridgewater, Truro, Amherst and New Glasgow.

Time Zone

Nova Scotia is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone.

Climate

Nova Scotia lies in the northern temperate zone and, although the province is almost surrounded by water, the climate is continental rather than maritime. The temperature extremes of the continental climate are moderated by the ocean.