The Physical Landscape of Halifax

Halifax's situation on the peninsular coast of Nova Scotia is the main reason Halifax has been a successful city. Originally known as Chebutcto, meaning "the biggest harbor", Halifax's sheltered harbor has been important as both a trade port, as well as a naval convoy.

McNabs Island at the mouth of Halifax Harbour protects the harbor from strong ocean winds. The land surrounding the harbor is hilly, which gives ships protection from ocean storms. The harbor's water is deep and never freezes over. The peninsula which Halifax is located on is 4.5 miles wide and 2 miles long.

Halifax's port is one of the busiest in Canada. Fish, lumber and agriculture are some of the most widely exported goods from Halifax Harbour. Shipbuilding and fishing, especially, have attracted people to the area for hundreds of years. Halifax's economy is largely based on its waterfront and harbor. (click here to see the big map of Halifax))

Halifax's Climate

Halifax's location on the Atlantic Ocean creates a cool, maritime climate. Summers are cool in temperature and winters are moderate. The average high temperature in January is around 29°F. In July, the average high is 74°F. Halifax receives the most precipitation during the winter, averaging 6.6 inches of precipitation in December. However, only about 15% of Nova Scotia's annual precipitation is in the form of snow. Winds and fog are common occurrences. Fog is present in Halifax about 120 days out of the year, however the fog normally lasts for less than 12 hours.

"Into the mist my guardian prows put forth,

Behind the mist my virgin ramparts lie,

The Warden of the Honour of the North,

Sleepless and veiled am I!"

-Rudyard Kipling

"Songs of the Cities-Halifax"