When the first Europeans showed up in the early 1500's they found the land
inhabited by the Mi'kmaq people.
That did not stop French colonists from settling Port Royal and founding Acadia, a colony of
New France in 1605.
For much of the 17th and 18th century the French and British battled for control, with the Brits to prevail in
the end. In the process thousands of Acadians were deported with some of them ending up as far as in Louisiana.
After
the American Revolution some 30.000 Americans loyal to the British Crown were relocated and settled in what is now Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick, driving the Mi'kmaqs from their lands.
For centuries the province's economy thrived on the Cod fishery but that came to an abrupt end with the
1992 Cod Moratorium.
Today Nova Scotia has an important military and aerospace industry and a thriving tourism industry,
with many cruiseships calling port at Halifax.
The Bay of Fundy with its huge tides is ideal for whale-watching and other
water related activities.
Most tourists visit Cape Breton to enjoy its history and the beautyful
views along the Cabot Trail.