Here you will find yourself, nearly surrounded by the waters of the
Atlantic Ocean, in a province with some of the most beautiful
scenery and friendliest people in the world.
Language
The primary language used in Nova Scotia is English; with many
services also available in French throughout the province.
Weather
Nova Scotia has a temperate climate and late spring, summer and fall
weather. Evenings along our coastline (with sea breezes) tend to be
cooler, while inland amid forests and farmlands, are usually 5°C warmer. Our weather forecasts are
in Celsius.
For current provincial, local and marine forecasts call
1-902-426-9090.
Tides
For tide schedules call 1-877-775-0790.
Currency
You can easily exchange your currency for Canadian dollars at banks,
credit unions and trust companies throughout the province; or at
authorized currency exchange counters found at the Visitor
Information Centre in Yarmouth and at the Halifax Stanfield
International Airport.
Credit & Debit Cards
The majority of services offered in Nova Scotia accept all major
credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and debit
cards (Plus, Interac, and Cirrus networks).
Sales Tax
A 13% federal/provincial sales tax (HST) is applied to most goods
and services provided in Nova Scotia.
Firearms & Weapons
Non-residents must declare their firearms in writing upon arrival at
their point of entry with a Canadian Firearms Licence or a
Non-Resident Firearm Declaration, which can be processed at the
border for a $50 fee. For detailed info call 1-800-461-9999, or
1-800-731-4000, or visit www.cfc.gc.ca.
Highway Regulations
We drive on the right-hand side of the road. Lanes
heading in opposite directions are separated by a yellow line.
Any person with a valid out-of-province licence or an
international driver’s licence may drive in Nova Scotia for up to 90
days.
Registration (vehicle permit) is required for owners.
Non-owners should carry a copy of a rental contract or letter from
the owner.
Adequate insurance coverage is required
in Nova Scotia. United States motorists can obtain a
Non-Residential Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance
Card through their own insurance companies, that will be accepted as
evidence of financial responsibility anywhere in Canada.
Speed zones are posted in kilometres per hour, not
miles per hour. Our highways are patrolled by the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP) and by air patrol. Fines are imposed for
violations to the posted speed limits. Radar detectors are illegal
in Nova Scotia and will be confiscated by the RCMP.
School buses are equipped with amber flashing lights which must be
displayed 150m before stopping to discharge
or accept passengers. When amber lights are flashing, be prepared to
stop. While stopped, the school bus will display red flashing lights
and all traffic from both directions must stop and remain stopped
until the school bus proceeds.
In Nova Scotia pedestrians have the right-of-way at
intersections and crosswalks, with responsibility not to interfere
with the flow of traffic.
Gasoline in Nova Scotia is dispensed in litres,
according to the metric system. A litre is approximately equal to
1/4 US gallon. Please note that many service stations in rural areas
have limited hours of operation on weekends.
Alcohol Consumption
Liquor, wine or beer may be purchased through government liquor
stores located throughout the province. You must be 19 years of age
or over and proof of age may be requested. Hours of operation will
vary according to location.
Usual hours of operation are 10 am – 6 pm, Monday to Saturday, with
extended hours in major communities.
Liquor Commission outlets are open for business with limited hours
on Sundays and closed on holidays.
Establishments that serve wine, beer and spirits are usually
advertised as “licensed”. Liquor may be served with a food order on
a Sunday or holiday.
Emergency Assistance
Public hospitals and medical centres are located throughout the
province. This symbol H
is used on highway signage to indicate a public hospital is in the
area. Help in locating the nearest hospital or other medical
services may be obtained from any visitor information centre,
through Nova Scotia’s Check In at 1-800-565-0000 or the local
telephone operator.
Emergency Number 911
You can call 911 free of charge, province-wide from any cellular or
pay phone.
This is an emergency service ONLY to be used in urgent emergency
situations.
While travelling our 100-series highways note the distance marker
signs, located at 1km intervals; to enable you to provide the most
accurate information possible as to your location.
Area Code 902
When making non-local calls within Nova Scotia, you must dial 1-902-
before the phone number.