Nova Scotia

C

Rivers and Lakes

Nova Scotia has hundreds of rivers and small streams and several thousand lakes. Most rivers are narrow and short, generally less than 80 km (50 mi) long. All have their origins in the Atlantic Upland. The Annapolis, Sissiboo, and Shubenacadie rivers flow into the Bay of Fundy. Among other rivers, the Mersey drains Lake Rossignol, and the Saint Mary’s flows into the Atlantic Ocean east of Halifax.

Located on the western side of Cape Breton Island, Lake Ainslie is the largest natural freshwater lake in Nova Scotia. Even larger is Bras d’Or, a saltwater tidal lake linked to the Atlantic Ocean that covers nearly one-fourth of Cape Breton Island. Extensive bogs are found throughout the province.

D

Climate

Although Nova Scotia is almost entirely surrounded by water, its location on the eastern side of the continental landmass results in a climate that is distinctly continental, rather than maritime. The weather systems that influence the climate of Nova Scotia generally originate over the mainland. Halifax, for example, has average January temperatures that range from a high of 0°C (32°F) to a low of -9°C (16°F). Moist Atlantic air often brings mild weather in winter and cooling squalls in summer.

Nova Scotia receives an average of more than 1,140 mm (45 in) of rain annually, with the Atlantic shore receiving 1,400 mm (55 in) or more. Most of the province receives about 1,900 mm (about 70 in) of snow, and considerable winter precipitation comes in the form of rain or ice storms. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is generally about -4°C (about 25°F) near the coast and somewhat colder toward the interior. The average temperature in July, the hottest month, is about 18°C (about 65°F) in the interior and about 16°C (about 60°F) near the shore. Thick fog from the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Fundy is common during the early summer months.

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E

Soils

The soils of Nova Scotia are generally thin and stony as a result of glacial erosion. The mature soils are all podzols, which are soils that form in moist climates and have a high content of aluminum and iron compounds. They are also highly acidic and relatively infertile. There are exceptions, as in the Annapolis Valley, in the marshlands of the Bay of Fundy, and along Northumberland Strait. The most fertile soils are found in the river valleys.

F

Plant Life

The forests of Nova Scotia are extensive and commercially valuable. About three-fourths of the province’s land area is forested. In northern areas, sugar maple, yellow birch, beech, red maple, black ash, and white ash are common. In the south, black spruce, red spruce, tamarack (American larch), hemlock, white pine, and fir are widespread. The northern half of Cape Breton Island is an extension of the great coniferous forest of northern Canada, where white spruce and balsam fir are the dominant species.

Nova Scotia is noted for its profusion of wildflowers, including the mayflower, wild rose, and several species of violet. In bogs and shallow water are found the pitcher plant and white water lily. Bracken, wintergreens, and shrubs abound, as do many kinds of berries, including blueberries and cranberries. A variety of marsh grasses thrive in low-lying areas along the Bay of Fundy.

G

Animal Life

The wildlife of the province consists principally of small animals such as fox, muskrat, mink, otter, groundhog, weasel, skunk, and porcupine. White-tailed deer are among the most common large animals. Other large animals include black bear, moose, and wildcat. Seals, whales, and porpoises live in offshore waters, as do many kinds of fish and shellfish, including cod, halibut, flounder, herring, mackerel, lobsters, clams, and scallops. The province’s plentiful birdlife includes the partridge, duck, grouse, pheasant, heron, plover, loon, and woodcock. Eagles, hawks, owls, kingfishers, and several species of woodpecker are also common. Salmon and trout are found in streams and lakes.

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