50 Facts About Nova Scotia

General Facts About Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, meaning "New Scotland," is one of Canada's original provinces. Known for its picturesque fishing villages, fresh seafood, and rich cultural heritage, this province has much to offer.

1. One of the Original Provinces: Nova Scotia is one of the four original provinces of Canada, alongside Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
2. Size and Location: With an area of 55,284 km² (21,345 mi²), Nova Scotia is the second-smallest province in Canada, making up only 0.6% of Canada’s total area.
3. Geographical Position: Located halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, Nova Scotia sits at 45 degrees N latitude.
4. Coastline: The province boasts an extensive coastline of over 13,300 km (8,264 mi), more than double the width of Canada.
5. Islands: Cape Breton Island is a significant part of Nova Scotia, accounting for 18.65% of the province’s land. It connects to the mainland via the Canso Causeway.
6. Smaller Islands: There are over 3,800 smaller islands scattered around Nova Scotia.

Population and Demographics

Nova Scotia is not just about beautiful landscapes; it's also home to a diverse and vibrant population.

7. Population Density: With 18 people per km², Nova Scotia has the second-highest population density in Canada, only behind Prince Edward Island.
8. Population: Approximately 1 million people live in Nova Scotia as of 2024, making it the most populous province in Atlantic Canada.
9. Capital City: Halifax, the capital and largest city, has a population of 417,000, ranking it the 13th largest city in Canada.
10. Ethnic Groups: Scots are the largest ethnic group, followed closely by British. English is the primary language spoken by 92% of the population.
11. Indigenous Population: First Nations and Métis make up 6% of the population, with the Mi'kmaq people being the traditional inhabitants.
12. Demonyms: People from Nova Scotia are called Nova Scotians, while those from Halifax are known as Haligonians. A slang term for Nova Scotians is "Bluenosers".

History and Culture

Nova Scotia's rich history and culture are reflected in its landmarks, traditions, and people.

13. Name Origin: The name "Nova Scotia" comes from Latin, meaning "New Scotland," dating back to 1621 when Scotsman Sir William Alexander was given the right to colonize the region.
14. Historical Significance: Known as "The Mineral Province" for its iron, gypsum, and other mineral deposits, Nova Scotia is also called "The Sea Bound Coast".
15. Flag: The flag features a blue Saint Andrew’s Cross on a white background with the Royal Arms of Scotland at its center.
16. Official Flower: The May Flower, also shared with Massachusetts, has been a symbol of Nova Scotia since 1820.
17. Literary Heritage: Nova Scotia has produced many famous authors, including Thomas Chandler Haliburton (The Clockmaker) and Alistair MacLeod (No Great Mischief).
18. Media History: The Halifax Gazette, printed on March 23, 1752, was Nova Scotia's first newspaper and the first in Canada. Today, The Chronicle Herald is the primary daily broadsheet newspaper.
19. Radio History: CHNS-FM, the first radio station in Nova Scotia, began broadcasting on May 12, 1926, from the Carleton Hotel in Halifax.

Tourism and Attractions

Tourism is a major industry in Nova Scotia, thanks to its stunning landscapes and rich history.

20. Lighthouses: Home to over 150 lighthouses, Nova Scotia has more than any other province in Canada.
21. Peggy’s Cove: This picturesque village is famous for its lighthouse, one of the most photographed in the world.
22. Tourism Industry: Tourism, alongside fishing and shipbuilding, is one of Nova Scotia’s most important industries.
23. Cabot Trail: The Cabot Trail, a 298-kilometer highway through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offers stunning coastal views and scenic drives.
24. Wine Production: Nova Scotia is the only place on earth that produces Tidal Bay wines, with grape cultivation dating back to the 1600s.
25. Music Scene: Known for its east coast music, Nova Scotia features kitchen parties, ceilidhs, and live music venues with traditional fiddles and reels as well as rock concerts and jazz.
26. National Parks: Home to two national parks, Kejimkujik and Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia offers diverse natural beauty. Kejimkujik has two locations: an interior one and one on the coast.
27. Historic Sites: The Halifax Citadel, a hilltop fortress built in 1856, is a top tourist attraction. Though it never saw battle, it features tunnels, a powder magazine, and barracks.
28. Public Gardens: Established in 1867, the Halifax Public Gardens are Victorian-era public gardens and a National Historic Site of Canada.
29. Maritime Museum: The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the oldest and largest maritime museum in Canada, features over 30,000 artifacts including the CSS Acadia, a steam-powered hydrographic survey ship launched in 1913.
30. Pier 21: This museum along the Halifax waterfront is significant for its role in immigration history, with almost one million immigrants passing through between 1928 and 1971.

Unique Experiences

Nova Scotia offers unique experiences that you won't find anywhere else.

31. Highest Tides: The Bay of Fundy between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is known for having the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 16 meters.
32. Shipwrecks: Sable Island, a long thin island off the south coast, is infamous for causing numerous shipwrecks due to its sandbars. The island is a national park reserve and home to wild horses.
33. Candlelit Graveyard Tour: In Annapolis Royal, a 9:30 PM candlelit graveyard tour led by Alan Melanson runs three days a week from June 1st until October 15th.
34. Homemade Butter Tarts: Found in almost every café or gas station, homemade butter tarts are a delightful treat for visitors.
35. High Taxes: Nova Scotia has high taxes, with a combination of federal 5% GST and provincial 10% sales tax, totaling 15%.
36. Donair: The official snack of Halifax is the donair, a popular food item that originated in the city.
37. Emergency Landing Site: Halifax Stanfield International Airport was an emergency landing site for the space shuttle, although it never actually landed there.
38. Biking and Driving: Biking is excellent around Annapolis Royal and along the south shore, with drivers being extremely courteous despite the lack of shoulders on most roads.
39. Colourful Houses: The houses in Lunenburg are colourful, beautiful, and loaded with architectural details, making it a UNESCO site as the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America.
40. Friendly People: The people in Nova Scotia are unbelievably friendly and proud of their province, making it easy to travel solo and be social, especially if you stay in B&Bs.
41. Café Culture: People in Nova Scotia aren’t afraid of a little colour, and cafes often feature vibrant decor and unique offerings like oatcakes and homemade butter tarts.
42. Fish Chowder: Amazing bowls of fish chowder can be found in the most unlikely-looking places, such as The Deck on a rural road near Hubbards.
43. Architectural Details: The historic town of Lunenburg is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 18th century.
44. Bingo Nights: Walk into a general store and you might find local ladies playing bingo, giving visitors a glimpse into traditional community life.
45. Floral Fields: The Wolfville-Halls Harbour region is famous for its glorious fields of flowers, creating a picturesque landscape during the summer months.
46. Oatcakes: Oatcakes are a staple in many cafes, reflecting the Scottish influence on Nova Scotian cuisine.
47. Traditional Food: Homemade butter tarts and fish chowder are just a few examples of the delicious traditional foods you can find in Nova Scotia.
48. UNESCO Site: Lunenburg is a UNESCO site due to its well-preserved colonial architecture and historical significance.
49. Friendly Community: The people of Nova Scotia are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature, making visitors feel at home.
50. Unique Wine Varietals: Nova Scotia produces unique and distinctive grape varietals such as L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Lucie Kuhlmann, New York Muscat, and Baco Noir, making its wines a must-try for wine enthusiasts.

Nova Scotia's Unique Charm

Nova Scotia, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers something for everyone. From the highest tides in the Bay of Fundy to the picturesque Peggy’s Cove, this province is a treasure trove of experiences. The friendly locals, known as Nova Scotians, add to the welcoming atmosphere, making visitors feel right at home. Whether you’re exploring the historic town of Lunenburg, enjoying a bowl of fish chowder, or taking a scenic drive along the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia never disappoints. Its unique wine production, lighthouse-studded coastlines, and rich literary heritage make it a must-visit destination. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the enchanting beauty and warm hospitality of Nova Scotia. You won’t regret it!