Nova Scotia's 13,300km Coastline: World's 2nd Longest
COASTLINE FACTS:
• Total Length: 13,300 kilometers (8,264 miles)
• World Ranking: #2 globally (after Greenland)
• Comparison: Longer than entire US coastline
• Features: 3,800+ islands, 750+ beaches, 160+ lighthouses
• Tidal Range: Up to 16.3m (53 feet) in Bay of Fundy
Coastline by Region
ATLANTIC COAST: 5,400km
• Halifax to Canso coastline
• Features: Rocky shores, sandy beaches, fishing villages
• Highlights: Peggy's Cove, Eastern Shore, Marine Drive
BAY OF FUNDY: 2,800km
• World's highest tides
• Features: Dramatic cliffs, tidal flats, fossil beaches
• Highlights: Hopewell Rocks, Five Islands, Parrsboro
NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT: 1,900km
• Warmest waters north of Carolinas
• Features: Red sand beaches, gentle waves
• Highlights: Pictou, Antigonish, warm swimming
CAPE BRETON ISLAND: 3,200km
• Rugged highland coastline
• Features: Dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, Celtic culture
• Highlights: Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, Sydney Harbour
Coastal Features
BEACHES: 750+ beaches ranging from white sand to red sand to rocky shores
LIGHTHOUSES: 160+ active and decommissioned lighthouses along the coast
ISLANDS: 3,800+ coastal islands including inhabited and uninhabited
HARBOURS: 400+ natural harbours and protected anchorages
CLIFFS: Dramatic coastal cliffs up to 200m high
TIDAL ZONES: Extensive tidal flats and salt marshes
Coastal Activities
BEACH ACTIVITIES:
• Swimming (warmest: Northumberland Strait)
• Surfing (best: Atlantic coast)
• Beachcombing and shell collecting
• Beach volleyball and picnicking
WATER SPORTS:
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Sailing and yacht racing
• Deep sea and coastal fishing
• Whale and seal watching tours
COASTAL HIKING:
• 125+ coastal hiking trails
• Cliff-top walking paths
• Beach and dune exploration
• Lighthouse and heritage site tours
World Comparison
1. Greenland: 44,087 km
2. Nova Scotia: 13,300 km
3. Finland: 4,600 km
4. United States: 19,924 km total (but split across multiple states)
5. Prince Edward Island: 1,260 km
Note: Nova Scotia has the longest coastline relative to its land area of any place on Earth!