Nova Scotia, nestled on Canada's Atlantic coast, offers a beautifully diverse tapestry of communities, each with its unique charm and appeal.
Something every community shares is a culture shaped by the sea. Nova Scotia is a peninsula, almost completely surrounded by the sea, and no community in the province is more than sixty kilometres from saltwater.
The province’s capital city, Halifax, is the largest city in Atlantic Canada—the centre of education, health, and entertainment for the province. A bustling, seaside urban centre, Halifax offers everything you’d want from a cosmopolitan city—a vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, a rich dining and entrainment scene, and more. The city's dynamic energy and thriving waterfront attract young professionals, students, and artists, creating a diverse and lively atmosphere.
As you venture beyond the urban centres, Nova Scotia reveals different facets of its charm. The Northern shore boasts beautiful red sand beaches with the warmest ocean waters in Canada. The Annapolis Valley, known as the breadbasket of the province, is where history runs deep and agriculture flourishes. The stunning Cliffs of Fundy, a UNESCO geopark, house some of the oldest fossils in the world and offer views of the worlds highest tides. Along the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Island, the culture takes on a more Gaelic influence, with lively ceilidhs and a strong connection to the sea. In contrast, the Eastern and South Shores embraces a traditional maritime lifestyle, with fishing villages dotting the coastline. Quaint towns like Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase a deep connection to the seafaring history of the region.
Throughout Nova Scotia, a common thread of warm hospitality and a love for the natural beauty that surrounds them unites the different communities that call this province home. Whether in the bustling city or a tranquil seaside village, the people of Nova Scotia share a sense of pride in their heritage and a welcoming spirit that makes each community an inviting place to call home.
Nova Scotia Health is made up of four geographical meanagement zones, which each have their own leadership structure. Every Nova Scotia community is part of one of these health zones. Click on a zone below to learn more about its communities.