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 is very enjoyable for riding. Evenings along our coastline (with sea breezes) tend to be cooler, while inland amid forests and farmlands, are usually 5 degrees Celsius (10 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer. Our weather forecasts are in Celsius. For easy conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit multiply by 2 and add 30.
For current provincial, local and marine forecasts call 1-902-426-9090
Tides
For tide schedules call 1-877-775-0790.
Currency
Our Canadian currency is based on the decimal system, with 100 cents to the dollar. Most commonly used bills are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Used coinage include 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1 and $2.
You can exchange your currency 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 International Airport.
Credit & Debit Cards
The majority of services offered in Nova Scotia accept major credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and debit cards (Plus, Interact, and Cirrus networks).
Sales Tax & Rebates
A 15% federal/provincial sales tax (HST) is applied to most goods and services provided in Nova Scotia.
Non-Canadian visitors are eligible tor rebates on the HST paid on short-term accommodations, and goods purchased for use outside of Canada, if they are removed from Canada within 60 days from purchase.
Detailed information and tax rebate forms are available at any Visitor Information Center, Revenue Canada office, Canada Customs ports and many accommodations.
Highway Regulations
• We drive on the right-hand side of the road. Lanes heading in opposite directions are separated by a yellow line.
• Your driver's license is valid in Nova Scotia as a visitor. For extended stays you will need an International Driver's license issued by your home country.
• Registration (vehicle permit) is required for owners. Non-owners should carry a copy of a rental contract or letter from the owner.
• APPROVED HELMETS ARE REQUIRED IN NOVA SCOTIA
• Adequate insurance coverage is required in Nova Scotia. If renting or borrowing a private motorcycle, check to ensure that you are covered. American 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 by police.
• 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.
For a quick & approximate conversion,
simply multiply the posted speed by 6. (e.g. 100km X 6 = 60, (actual 62mph)
• Maximum speeds unless otherwise posted are as follows
TransCanada &
100-series hwys. 100km/h-62mph
Other hwys. 80km/h-50mph
Cities & towns 50km/h-30mph
School zones
(Children present) 50km/h-30mph
• School buses are equipped with amber flashing lights which must be displayed 150m (500 ft.) before stopping to discharge or accept passengers. When amber lights are flashing, be prepared to stop. While 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.
• Littering is an offense in Nova Scotia along or highways.
• Gasoline in Nova Scotia is dispensed in liters, 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.
• 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 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.
Radio Distress Channels/Frequencies
VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz)
CB Channel 9 (2182)
Alcohol consumption
Liquor, wine or beer may be purchased through government liquor stores located throughout Nova Scotia. 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 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday, with extended hours in major communities. All Nova Scotia Government Liquor Commission outlets are closed for business on Sundays and holidays.
Establishments that serve wine, beer and spirits are usually advertised as "licensed". Liquor may be served with a food order on a Sunday.
Area Code 902
When making non-local calls within Nova Scotia, you must first dial 1-902- before the phone number. (This is not required with toll free numbers)
