General Information

• What is the drinking age in Nova Scotia?
• How much does a payphone call cost in Canada?
• What are the emergency numbers in Nova Scotia?
• Non-emergency numbers (Halifax)
• What time zone is Nova Scotia in?
• Do you recycle in Nova Scotia?
• Do tourists in Canada get free health care?
• Does Nova Scotia have internet access?
• Where is the U.S. Consulate in Canada?
• What is the weather like in Nova Scotia?
• What are store business hours in Nova Scotia?
• When are the public holidays?
• Can I use my AAA membership in Canada?

What is the drinking age in Nova Scotia?

The legal drinking age is 19 years old. Children and young persons under 19 years of age are allowed in licensed restaurants and pubs up to 9 o’clock in the evening so that they can have a meal with their parents or other adult. There is zero tolerance or sympathy for drunk drivers in Nova Scotia.

How much does a payphone call cost in Canada?

Local calls throughout Canada vary form 25 cents to 35 cents for three minutes at a pay phone. For operator assistance, dial 0, emergency 911, directory assistance is 411. For long distance directory assistance, call 1+ the area code, if you know it, + 555-1212. Directory assistance is free from a pay phone.

What are the emergency numbers in Nova Scotia?

Fire, Police, Medical, and RCMP are all 911.

Non-emergency numbers (Halifax)

Police 490-5020
General Inquiries 490-5016
Fire 490-5530

What time zone is Nova Scotia in?

Most of Atlantic Canada is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (as observed in New England and the U.S. East Coast). The exceptions are Newfoundland and southeast Labrador, which are one half-hour ahead of Atlantic time.

Do you recycle in Nova Scotia?

Reduce-Re-use-Recycle

In Nova Scotia we work to protect our province's clean and beautiful environment. In doing so we have become world leaders in recycling and composting. We have a progressive waste-management program, and in 2000 we became the first province in Canada to recycle 50% of our waste.

Blue bins for recyclables (paper, glass, plastic, metal) and green carts for organics (food waste, soiled napkins, etc.) are used in most locations around the province. Please help us preserve our natural beauty by tossing your waste into these receptacles.

Beverage containers are subject to a 10¢ charge; when the empty containers are taken to an EnviroDepot, half of that charge is refunded. Many coffee shops give a discount to customers who bring their own mugs. For more information on recycling in Nova Scotia, call 1-877-313-7732.

Do tourists in Canada get free health care?

Only Canadian citizens and landed immigrants (i.e. permanent residents) can be covered by the governmental health insurance. U.S. medical and auto insurance may not be valid in Canada. US Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. It is recommended that you get supplemental medical and auto insurance when you travel to Canada. For additional information visit this site or contact your insurance company.

Does Nova Scotia have internet access?

Internet access poses no special problems. U.S. residents traveling with their own computers will be able to call their Internet provider in the United States. Some of the larger Internet providers have limited local dial-up numbers in Canada and many hotels and motels offer internet connections.

Those traveling without a laptop can check e-mail periodically by visiting a cyber café or copy shop that offers Internet access. These are mostly located in the larger cities; check with the local tourist board. For public internet access in libraries or other public buildings, log onto this site.

Where is the U.S. Consulate in Canada?

Because Canada is so large, most of the provinces have their own U.S. Consulate. To find the consulate nearest you call 1-800-529-4410 or visit the Embassy of the United States of America. The US Consulate in Nova Scotia is located in Halifax.

U.S. Consulate, Halifax
Suite 904, Purdy's Wharf Tower II
1969 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3R7

(902) 429-2480
Fax (902) 423-6861

What is the weather like in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is positioned between 44° and 47° latitude and has a temperate climate. Summer temperatures range from daytime highs of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to evening lows of 10-14°C (50-57°F). Invigorating sea breezes near the coast are often best enjoyed with a sweater on or near at hand. Inland the air may be warmer by 5°C (10°F), and lakes, rivers, woods and farms are pleasantly warm. Temperatures in spring and autumn average a pleasant 10° cooler.

Weather forecasts and reports in Nova Scotia are given in Celsius measurements. For approximate temperature conversion, use this easy calculation:

• Fahrenheit to Celsius: subtract 30 and divide by 2.
• Celsius to Fahrenheit: multiply by 2 and add 30.

Current weather forecasts are available from Environment Canada Weather Centre: www.ns.ec.gc.ca; 426-9090 (English) or 426-9095 (French).

For up to the minute weather conditions visit www.weatheroffice.com.

What are store business hours in Nova Scotia?

Store business hours in Nova Scotia are typically 9am to 9:30pm, Monday-Saturday. Sunday shopping hours are typically 12noon to 6pm. Boutiques and souvenir shops typically open up around 10am and stay open until 6pm or so, often later during the peak tourist season.

When are the public holidays?

Some accommodations, campgrounds, parks and attractions are open seasonally, with the dates of operation beginning or ending on a holiday weekend. Also, some attractions and businesses may be closed on public holidays. The following public holidays are observed in Canada.

New Year's Day (Jan. 1)
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day (first Monday after May 20)
Canada Day (July 1)
Natal Day/Civic Holiday (first Monday in Aug.)
Labour Day (first Monday in Sept.)
Thanksgiving Day (second Monday in Oct.)
Remembrance Day (Nov. 11)
Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
Boxing Day (Dec. 26)

Can I use my AAA membership in Canada?

Automobile Clubs--CAA (the Canadian Automobile Association) extends member benefits (including maps and road service) to AAA cardholders. If you are a member, bring your membership card. For information about membership in CAA, call tel. 1-800-268-3750. For emergency road service, call tel. 1-800-222-4357.