Is Nova Scotia an Island? 60+ Fun and Interesting Facts about Nova Scotia
Interested in learning some fun facts about Nova Scotia? We’ve rounded up over 60 interesting things to know about this beautiful province.
Situated on Canada’s East Coast, Nova Scotia is a beautiful province with a rich history, stunning scenery, vibrant culture and delicious food. From its breathtaking landscapes to its friendly locals, Nova Scotia offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Whether you’re interested in learning about this unique province before you visit or you’re looking for some fun and unique facts to help you decide where to visit, here are some of the most fun and fascinating facts about Nova Scotia.
Interesting Facts About Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is known for its picturesque lighthouses, quaint fishing villages and delicious lobster, but there is so much more to the province.
I began writing this post with the ten most popular facts about the province, but then my kids started adding interesting facts they had learned at school or while driving around the province (the Christmas tree capital and the blueberry capital were two of these), and the list quickly grew.
Since we ended up with so many interesting facts about Nova Scotia, we’ve separated them into different categories, to make it easier to read.
Ten Fun Facts About Nova Scotia
1. Highest Tides in the World
Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy is famous for being home to the highest tides in the world.
Twice each day, 100 billion tons of water flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy and can rise as much as 16 feet.
While Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick is one of the most well-known spots for seeing the tides, the world’s highest tides were actually recorded in Nova Scotia, at Burntcoat Head Park.
2. Canada’s Ocean Playground
Nova Scotia is almost completely surrounded by the ocean. Which means there is a lot of coastline – over 13, 000km of coastline, in fact!
And wherever you are in the province, you’re no more than 60km from the ocean.
This is one of the reasons why Nova Scotians’ license plate motto is “Canada’s Ocean Playground”.
3. New Scotland
Nova Scotia is Latin for “New Scotland”.
There are many places in Nova Scotia that make you feel like you’re in Scotland – which is perhaps why it got its name.
Nova Scotia is also home to the largest Gaelic-speaking community outside of Scotland. On Cape Breton Island, you’ll see road signs with both English and Gaelic names.
4. So Many Lighthouses
Nova Scotia has more lighthouses than any other province, and it’s not surprising, considering how many thousands of kilometres of coastline the province has.
There are 185 lighthouses in Nova Scotia and no two lighthouses are painted the same, in order to help those at sea navigate during the day.
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is the most well-known, and the Cape Forchu lighthouse has a distinct ‘apple-core’ shape.
5. Home to the Famous Cabot Trail
Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers stunning scenery, fantastic hiking trails, and the famous Cabot Trail.
This 298km highway passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. It’s a drive that’s not to be missed when you’re in Nova Scotia. (This 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of your drive.)
6. Peggy’s Cove
Nova Scotia is home to the iconic Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village known for its iconic lighthouse that’s perched on granite rocks by the sea.
It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Nova Scotia, and one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada, if not in the world.
7. Birthplace of Hockey
Nova Scotia is known as the birthplace of ice hockey.
The first recorded hockey game took place in Windsor, Nova Scotia in 1800.
The town is pretty proud of this fact, and one of the things to do in Windsor is to visit the hockey museum there.
8. Lobster Capital
While Shediac, New Brunswick claims to be the lobster capital of the world, Barrington, Nova Scotia boasts that it’s the Lobster Capital of Canada.
The fishing grounds of Barrington’s shores are among the richest in the world and lobster fishing is an important source of the economy in many parts of Nova Scotia.
9. Home to the Bluenose
The iconic Bluenose was a famous and undefeated Canadian racing schooner that was built in Lunenburg in the early 20th century.
Now it’s a ship that’s synonymous with Nova Scotia and its image is found on the Canadian dime, as well as the Nova Scotia license plate.
A replica of the original Bluenose Schooner, the Bluenose II, now calls Lunenburg, Nova Scotia home.
50+ More Interesting Facts about Nova Scotia
Known for Lobster
Nova Scotia is known for its lobster. In fact, there are over 50, 000 tonnes caught in Nova Scotia every year.
Most of it is shipped to international markets but some is still enjoyed right here in Nova Scotia.
And Big Lobster
The largest lobster ever caught in Nova Scotia weighed over 20kg!
“Sociable!”
If you’re having a drink in a pub in Nova Scotia, chances are you’ll hear “Sociable!”, which is how Nova Scotians say “cheers”.
World’s Largest Fiddle
Sydney, Nova Scotia is home to the world’s largest fiddle. Standing at a height of 60 feet (18 meters), the Big Fiddle symbolizes the region’s rich musical heritage.
Titanic Connections
When the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean, Halifax played an important role in the aftermath of the disaster. As it was the closest port to the sinking ship, many of the victims, as well as survivors, were brought back to Halifax.
The Fairview Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place for many of the survivors and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has a large permanent exhibition dedicated to the Titanic.
UNESCO Sites
Nova Scotia is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Joggins Fossil Cliffs, where you can stroll on the beach and search for fossils from 300 million years ago
- the Landscape of Grand-Pré, where Acadian settlers built an impressive dyke system on land reclaimed from the sea
- Old Town Lunenburg, considered the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America
Nova Scotia is also home to three other UNESCO Sites:
- Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, which stretches along the Bay of Fundy coastline near the Joggins Fossil Cliffs
- Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which has a unique blend of fresh and saltwater
- Southwest Nova UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is one of the largest in Canada and is recognized for its unique natural biodiversity and cultural treasures.
Film Industry
Nova Scotia has become a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
Its diverse landscapes, historic sites and charming towns have attracted numerous productions, including the TV Series “Trailer Park Boys .
Actor Keifer Sutherland’s first leading role was in a movie that was set and filmed in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.
Hockey Greats
Sidney Crosby and Nathan McKinnon of NHL fame were born and raised in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. The town is pretty proud of this, and the welcome sign proudly proclaims it’s the home of Sidney Crosby.
Famous Musicians
There are also plenty of famous musicians from Nova Scotia: Rita MacNeil, Hank Snow, Anne Murray, Stan Rogers, Sarah McLachlan, Ashley MacIsaac, Natalie MacMaster as well as April Wine, Feist, The Rankin Family, Joel Plaskett, Sloan and the Trews.
Alexander Graham Bell
The renowned inventor Alexander Graham Bell spent his summers in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. He developed many of his inventions here, including the telephone.
While it’s not possible to visit his home, you can visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck, Nova Scotia or pose for a photo with his statue.
Celtic Culture
Nova Scotia has a strong Celtic heritage, with a significant population of Scottish descendants.
You’ll see this heritage throughout Nova Scotia, but it’s especially predominant in areas of Cape Breton Island where you’ll see road signs written in both English and Gaelic.
Oldest and Largest Black Community
North Preston, a community in the Halifax Regional Municipality, is the oldest and largest Black community, both within the province and in Canada.
Some of the first settlers in North Preston were the Black Jamaicans, but it has been resettled numerous times, including during the War of 1812 and many people currently living there can trace their ancestry to slave colonies from the Southern United States.
The community also has the highest concentration of African Canadians in the country. You can learn more about the Black communities in Nova Scotia at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Westphal.
Boston Christmas Tree
In 1917, Halifax experienced a devastating explosion that caused widespread destruction and loss of life. In gratitude for Boston’s immediate aid and support, Nova Scotia donated a Christmas tree to the city, and continues to do so every year. This tradition serves as a heartfelt thank you and a symbol of enduring friendship.
This Christmas tree is donated from an individual’s property, and then makes its way through the streets of Halifax on one of the floats in the Santa Parade before being delivered to Boston.
Whale Watching
With so much coastline, it’s no surprise that Nova Scotia is one of the best places in Canada to go whale watching.
There are 12 species of whales swimming in Nova Scotia waters and the best chances to see these awesome creatures are between May and September.
Puffins
Nova Scotia is also one of the few places in the world where you can see puffins. These charming seabirds, known for their colourful beaks and striking appearance, typically nest in burrows on rocky shores.
While you can’t see them on land, a few places in the province offer boat tours so you can see these adorable birds. For the best viewing spots, check out our article on the top places to see puffins in Nova Scotia.
Unique Wine
Nova Scotia has some excellent wines and is the only place in the world that produces Tidal Bay wines.
The tradition of wines dates back to the 1600s and Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley was one of the first areas in North America to cultivate grapes.
Tidal Bay wine is a unique appellation found only in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. This crisp, aromatic white wine showcases the region’s cool climate and distinct terroir. Several wineries in the area produce this signature blend, offering a true taste of Nova Scotia.
Provincial Flag
Nova Scotia may be named after Scotland, and it also shares a similar flag. In fact, the Nova Scotia flag is opposite to Scotland’s flag.
Scotland has a white diagonal cross on a blue background, whereas Nova Scotia has a blue diagonal cross on a white background.
You’ll see this flag flying throughout the province, at historic sites, cultural events, and local celebrations, showcasing the province’s pride in its heritage.
Largest Exports are…
While you might think that Nova Scotia exports a lot of lobster (and you’d be correct), it’s also the world’s largest exporter of Christmas Trees, gypsum and blueberries.
Home to Sobeys
One of Canada’s largest grocery store chains – Sobeys – started as a small meat delivery business in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. They now have more than 1500 stores across the country.
Underwater Cars
Just over two dozen Volvos are permanently parked on the bottom of the Bedford Basin, which is part of the Halifax Harbour.
They were dumped in the Basin, some say because they incurred water damage while transiting across the Atlantic, while others say because the ship didn’t have proper papers for the shipment.
Whichever the correct story is, there are actually quite a few Volvos on the seabed!
Home to the Bluenose II
The Bluenose II is a replica of the original famous racing schooner that was financed by the Oland Brewery to promote its beer, most notably the Schooner beer.
The Oland family used the Bluenose II as a private yacht before selling it to the Province of Nova Scotia in 1971, for all of ten Bluenose dimes.
Nickname is Bluenosers
Residents of Nova Scotia are called Nova Scotians, but are often nicknamed “Bluenosers”.
There are a few theories on where the nickname came from. One was that early sailors would be out in pretty cold weather, and their noses would turn blue. Another suggestion is that sailors would wipe their noses in the cold weather, and the blue dye in their mittens would run, turning their noses blue.
Either way, it’s an interesting nickname.
And each spring, Halifax hosts the Bluenose Marathon, a fun running weekend with a blue-nosed mascot named Myles. There are 5k, 10k and half marathon races in addition to its signature marathon, as well as a very popular kids’ race.
Fun Facts about Nova Scotia’s Towns & Cities
Did you know? Nova Scotia has some interesting towns and cities, including the Christmas Tree capital, the blueberry capital, the birthplace of hockey and a town that is the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator.
Christmas Tree Capital
Lunenburg County is known as the Christmas Tree Capital of Canada.
Nova Scotia’s climate is ideal for growing balsam fir, which makes a great Christmas tree for both the aroma and retention of needles, and Lunenburg County was officially recognized as the Balsam Fir Christmas Tree Capital of the World in 1995.
Read more | 9 Best Things to Do in Lunenburg
Blueberry Capital
In addition to lobster and lighthouses, Nova Scotia is also known for its wild blueberries and Oxford, Nova Scotia has been recognized as the blueberry capital of Canada. You can take a photo with the Blueberry Man just off the highway in Oxford.
Halfway to the North Pole
The town of Stewiacke (and Mastodon Ridge), which is just north of Halifax, is noted as being the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator.
Birthplace of Hockey
As we mentioned earlier, Windsor Nova Scotia is recognized as the birthplace of hockey. It was in Windsor that the first ice hockey game was recorded in 1800.
Oldest Town
Annapolis Royal, originally known as Port-Royal, is the oldest town in Canada. It was here that French settlers first established Port Royal in 1605.
Capital City
Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and is the largest city in the province. With a population of 439, 000 in 2021, it’s the 13th largest city in Canada.
Facts about Nova Scotia: Geographical Facts
It’s a Province
Nova Scotia is a province in Canada and is located on the East Coast of the country. It’s one of four Atlantic provinces and one of 3 Maritime provinces.
And One of the Smallest
Nova Scotia is the second smallest province in Canada, after neighbouring Prince Edward Island. It’s approximately the same size as Croatia and twice the size of Albania.
Latitude
Nova Scotia is located at 45° latitude, which is the same as Romania, Croatia, Minnesota and Montana.
Borders
Nova Scotia shares a small land border with New Brunswick and the rest of the province is bordered by the Bay of Fundy, the Atlantic Ocean and the Northumberland and Cabot Strait.
Language
English is the primary language in Nova Scotia, although French is also spoken by Nova Scotia Acadiens.
Mi’kmaq is also spoken by indigenous Nova Scotians and can be seen on many signs throughout the province and Gaelic can be heard (and seen on signs) in Cape Breton.
Time Zone
Nova Scotia’s time zone is Atlantic Standard Time, which is 4 hours behind GMT.
It’s Not an Island
It’s easy to see why people ask “is Nova Scotia an island?”, as the province is almost completely surrounded by water, but in fact, it’s not an island.
Nova Scotia shares a small land border with New Brunswick, called the Chignecto Isthmus, that is only 24km wide.
Sandy Beaches
While much of the coastline is rocky, Nova Scotia is also blessed with some gorgeous sandy beaches.
Along the Eastern Shore, there are quite a few beautiful white sand beaches, including Martinique Beach, which is the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia.
The South Shore also boasts some amazing sand beaches, including Rissers Beach and Carters Beach, the latter of which looks like it could be in the Caribbean.
There are also quite a few great beaches near Halifax, including Lawrencetown Beach, which is known as a great spot to surf year-round.
Nova Scotia Facts: By the Numbers
Population
The population of Nova Scotia is 969, 383 (2021).
Coastline
As you might expect when you see that Nova Scotia is surrounded by water, the province has an astounding 13, 000 km (8, 000 miles) of coastline.
Some of the coastline is rocky, some is sheer cliffs, while other parts of the coastline are gorgeous sandy beaches.
Lakes
Nova Scotia has 5400 lakes! That’s a lot of lakes!
The largest freshwater lake is Lake Ainslie, located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Also in Cape Breton is Canada’s largest inland saltwater sea, the Bras d’Or Lake, which is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Islands
Nova Scotia also boasts an impressive 3, 800 coastal islands.
Some of the more well-known islands include Oak Island with a legend of buried treasure, Sable Island, which is known for its wild horses, and the 100 Wild Islands, a remote group of islands on the Eastern Shore.
And Lots of Roads
There are 23, 000 km of roads in Nova Scotia!
This includes main and secondary highways – called trunk roads in Nova Scotia, as well as local roads, both paved and unpaved.
I’m curious to know how many of these roads we’ve covered in the past few years!
Nova Scotia History Facts
Mi’kmaq
The Mi’kmaq people have lived in Nova Scotia since around 8000 BC. They call the region Mi’kma’ki, which encompasses Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec.
Early Explorers
John Cabot was the first European to discover Nova Scotia in 1497.
There are theories that Vikings may have visited earlier, but there is no documentation of this and no traces of settlements found.
First New France Colony
The French were the first European colonists in Nova Scotia and they established Acadia, the first New France colony, in 1605.
The same year, Port-Royal was established as the first permanent European settlement, making it Canada’s oldest town.
Founding Province
Nova Scotia was one of the founding four provinces to join the Confederation in 1867 and create the country of Canada. The others were New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec.
First Wireless Message
Guglielmo Marconi sent the first wireless message across the Atlantic from North America to Europe in 1902.
This transatlantic message would be the beginning of radio technology and remnants of the original transmission towers can be seen at the Marconi National Historic Site in Glace Bay, NS.
Halifax Explosion
In 1917, a French cargo ship, which was laden with explosives, collided with another ship in Halifax Harbour and exploded.
The blast was the largest human-made explosion at the time and over 10, 000 people were injured or killed.
Swiss Air Flight 111
In 1998, Swiss Air Flight 111 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.
All 229 passengers and crew onboard were killed.
In memory of the people onboard that fateful flight, the Swissair Memorial can be visited near Peggy’s Cove.
Fun Facts about Nova Scotia Attractions
National Historic Sites
There are 86 National Historic Sites in the province, from the Fortress of Louisbourg and the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Cape Breton to the Halifax Citadel or Halifax Public Gardens. The Halifax Citadel is the most visited National Historic Site in Canada.
National Parks
Nova Scotia is home to two National Parks: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which you will pass through when driving the Cabot Trail, and Kejimkujik National Park, which is also a National Historic Site, as well as a Dark Sky Preserve.
Keji, as it’s known to locals, is the only Parks Canada site that’s both a National Historic Site and a National Park.
Sable Island
Known as the graveyard of the Atlantic, Sable Island has recorded over 350 shipwrecks in the last 500 years.
This mysterious sandbar is located 300 km southeast of Halifax and is actually considered part of the Halifax region!
But Sable Island is most well-known for its wild horses. No one is sure how they arrived on the island, but there are over 500 wild horses on Sable Island.
Oldest Maritime Museum
Halifax’s Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the oldest maritime museum in Canada. It’s also the largest in Canada and features a permanent Titanic exhibit.
Halifax Boardwalk
With over four kilometres of boardwalk, the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks.
It’s also the most visited destination in Nova Scotia.
Immigration Point
As a major port city, Halifax was an important immigration entry point for anyone arriving in Canada by sea.
Pier 21 on the Halifax Harbour saw over one million immigrants pass through its doors between 1928 and 1971.
In fact, one in five Canadians can trace their ancestry through this important building.
Today, Pier 21 is the Canadian Museum of Immigration and a must-see when you’re visiting Halifax.
Really Old Turtle
While he’s not the oldest turtle in Canada, Gus just celebrated his 100th birthday in 2022, and is one of the oldest turtles in Canada.
He lives at the Natural History Museum in downtown Halifax and a visit there is a must if you’re visiting Halifax with kids.
Final Thoughts: Facts About Nova Scotia
While Nova Scotia is well-known for its lighthouses and lobster, the province has so much more to offer. As you can see, it’s a remarkable province with many interesting and unique tidbits of information.
I had so much fun researching these facts about Nova Scotia and I hope you enjoyed learning more about this amazing province.
More Inspiration for Your Nova Scotia Bucket List
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25 Awesome Things to Do in Nova Scotia in the Summer
11 Fun Things to Do in Nova Scotia in July
Where to See Puffins in Nova Scotia: 3 Best Places to See Them
9 Best Things to Do in Lunenburg
11 Prettiest Small Towns in Nova Scotia
Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point Hike
