Nova Scotia's Relative Location: Northeast North America

Nova Scotia lies on the northeast coast of North America. It borders the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, southwest, and southeast. Its only land border is with New Brunswick to the northwest (via the Chignecto Isthmus). Prince Edward Island lies across the Northumberland Strait to the north.

The province comprises the mainland peninsula and Cape Breton Island (separated by the Strait of Canso). Its maritime position defines its climate, economy (fisheries, shipping, offshore energy), and culture. Halifax, the capital, sits on a world-class natural harbor midway along the Atlantic coast.