The Scots were, arguably, the first settlers on this Province, hence the proud Latin name, Nova Scotia, translating as 'New Scotland'. Nova Scotia is also awash with French and English settlers but it is perhaps the Scottish influence that really sticks into your mind as you wander over conifer-covered highland and stumble across a kilt-clad man playing the bagpipes.

Nova Scotia seems to precariously hang off the mainland by a narrow isthmus. It is therefore understandably celebrated for its watery wonders. The residents of Nova Scotia are justly proud of their miles upon miles of beautiful, sandy coast and many lakes and rivers. Sampling some of the delicious sea-produce is a must, from the ubiquitous lobster (Nova Scotia is the world's largest lobster exporter) or fresh scallops from Digby. If you prefer to watch marine life rather than eat it, what can be more relaxing than espying whales darting in and out of the sea? If you want to actually get in the water, Nova Scotia is hugely popular when it comes to canoeing and kayaking.

In what is a mostly rural Province, visitors are always spoiled, whether by the coastal fringe or simply inland. Valleys and highlands dominate the landscape, and bears and coyote happily traverse it.

Geography
Nova Scotia comprises the peninsula of Nova Scotia, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, and Cape Breton Island in the northern part of the province, linked by the world’s deepest causeway which is 1.6km (1 mile) long. The Atlantic batters the eastern shore. The Bay of Fundy separates the southern part of the peninsula from the mainland, with the Gulf of St Lawrence to the north. The northeast is rural and rocky, while the south and southwest are lush and fertile. The Fundy region’s red soil was originally part of the present North African continent. Much of the province is covered by rivers. The land rises to 540m (1770ft) on the northeast islands.