Map of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, rivers, islands, Trans-Canada highway, major highways, secondary roads, and national parks in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

The Maritime Provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island

The Maritime Provinces consist of three provinces in eastern Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. These provinces share historical, cultural, and economic ties that distinguish them as a cohesive region within Atlantic Canada. Together they cover approximately 132,797 square kilometers with a combined population of roughly 2.1 million people.

Geographic Configuration

Nova Scotia is a peninsula connected to New Brunswick by the Isthmus of Chignecto, a narrow strip of land approximately 24 kilometers wide. Prince Edward Island lies in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, separated from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia by the Northumberland Strait. The Confederation Bridge, completed in 1997, spans 12.9 kilometers to connect Prince Edward Island with New Brunswick, making it the longest bridge in Canada crossing ice-covered waters.

All three provinces have extensive coastlines. Nova Scotia has approximately 7,600 kilometers of shoreline, the most of any Canadian province relative to its size. The Bay of Fundy, which separates New Brunswick from Nova Scotia, experiences the world's highest tides, reaching up to 16 meters in some locations.

Historical Development

The three provinces were among the first areas of Canada settled by Europeans. French colonists established Acadia in the early 17th century, encompassing much of the Maritime region. British control was established through various treaties, culminating in the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The Acadian Expulsion of 1755-1764 forcibly removed French-speaking populations, fundamentally altering the region's demographics.

All three provinces were present at the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, which initiated discussions leading to Canadian Confederation. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick became original provinces in 1867. Prince Edward Island initially rejected Confederation but joined in 1873 after facing financial difficulties related to railway construction.

Economy and Demographics

Historically dependent on fishing, shipbuilding, and agriculture, the Maritime economies have diversified. Nova Scotia, with a population of approximately 1.1 million, has the largest economy, centered on Halifax, which serves as a major port and financial center. New Brunswick's economy includes forestry, mining, and food processing, with a population near 870,000. Prince Edward Island, the smallest province with roughly 180,000 residents, is known for potato farming and tourism, particularly related to the Anne of Green Gables literary heritage.

All three provinces face challenges including outmigration of young people, aging populations, and economic restructuring as traditional industries decline.

Cultural Identity

The Maritime Provinces share distinct cultural characteristics, including Celtic musical traditions, seafaring heritage, and particular dialects. New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, with approximately one-third of its population being francophone Acadians. The region maintains strong connections to Scottish, Irish, and English heritage while recognizing the presence and rights of Mi'kmaq peoples who have inhabited the region for millennia.