Canada’s most southerly province has always been defined by its relationship to the sea. “New Scotland” is a peninsula surrounded by the Bay and Fundy and Gulf of St. Lawrence to the west and north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south. No point in Nova Scotia is farther than 40 miles (67 kilometers) from the sea. Even the provincial license plate features the Bluenose schooner and the slogan “Canada’s Ocean Playground” and the Canadian dime has long since portrayed Lunenburg’s legendary Bluenose. The region’s traditional economy has been based upon maritime activities, forestry, mining and agriculture. The latter half of the 20th century has seen the emergence of other vibrant industries such as tourism, film, music, off shore oil and gas, technology and finance. Nova Scotia offers residents and visitors alike a living history experience, a long maritime tradition, extraordinary natural beauty and a rich tradition in art and music. From one end of the province to the other an astonishing variety of art galleries, music events and folk festivals can be found. The province also lends itself to many outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, golf, sailing, camping and biking. Nova Scotians are also widely known for their generous spirit, warm hospitality and charm. This characteristic is the result of a blend of peoples and cultures beginning with the Mi’kmaq First Nation inhabitants. French colonists were the first European settlers followed later by English, Germans, Irish, Scottish and African immigrants. Of course people from all over the world have settled here in recent years as well. Since the late 20th century Nova Scotia and the South Shore in particular has attracted many from Europe, the United States and Canada’s western provinces as a destination for summer or second homes and retirement. The region’s unsurpassed beauty, slow pace and quality of life continue to bring new residents and visitors to this enchanting maritime land. |