Live, work and play the Nova Scotia way!
Discover fulfilling practice opportunities, an exceptional lifestyle, and a move that’s easy to make.
A lifestyle that’s good for the soul
Imagine enjoying your morning coffee with ocean views; spending weekends exploring hiking trails, kayaking, or sampling local seafood; and returning home to communities where neighbours know your name. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant urban energy of Halifax, the charm of coastal towns, or the calm of rural living, Nova Scotia makes it easy to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy a high quality of life that’s also surprisingly affordable.
Nova Scotia at a glance
Life in Nova Scotia is shaped by the sea, with over 8,000 miles (13,000 km) of coastline waiting to be explored.
|
Image
|
20-25°C average summer temperature |
|
Image
|
20 mins average commute time |
|
Image
|
67km max. distance from ocean at all times |
|
Image
|
$471,075 CAD average home price in 2025 |
|
Image
|
Direct flights to locations like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Florida and Europe |
Physician benefits and incentives
Physicians starting their practice in Nova Scotia can access competitive compensation, negotiated benefits and attractive incentives. This financial package, combined with Nova Scotia’s vibrant coastal lifestyle and supportive medical community, renders it an ideal destination for advancing your career.
Negotiated Benefits
Physicians in Nova Scotia are provided with health and dental benefits, EMR grants, funded locum coverage, CME funding, and parental leave.
Site Visit Program
Experience life in Nova Scotia and explore practice opportunities. This program reimburses you (and one guest) for a one-time visit to beautiful Nova Scotia. You must be eligible for a license in Nova Scotia, and work with a recruiter to obtain approval from Nova Scotia Health prior to your visit.
Relocation Reimbursement Allowance
Qualified candidates may be eligible for a relocation allowance of up to $20,000 upon accepting an offer in Nova Scotia.
Rural Specialist Retention Incentive
Eligible specialist physicians working in Nova Scotia’s rural communities will receive a $16,000 annual payment after three years.
Government Incentive Programs
Family physicians and specialists working in communities in the Central Zone may be eligible for up to $75,000 in incentives. Those establishing practices outside the Central Zone may be eligible for up to $125,000 over five years.
Your Practice in Nova Scotia
Practising in Nova Scotia offers the opportunity to work with dynamic, interdisciplinary teams that deliver world-class care to patients across the province.
A strong primary care foundation in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, you’ll be part of innovative primary care teams with nurse practitioners, dietitians, and social workers - ensuring patients get comprehensive support while easing pressure on acute care. With mobile clinics, virtual care and expanded allied health roles, Nova Scotia is leading new ways to improve access and transform patient care.
Learn more about Nursing and Allied Health Opportunities
Academic and Research Opportunities
Nova Scotia’s 10 universities and many colleges have created a well-educated population, a youthful entrepreneurial spirit, and a depth of opportunity for professionals of every stripe. Balanced with growing tech and creative sectors, Nova Scotia is a hub for medicine, boasting both the largest medical school and the largest hospital in Atlantic Canada. Here, rewarding opportunity is as close as the sea.
Locum Support
Come explore Canada’s ocean playground and learn about what it is like to practice here. Nova Scotia Health offers a number of locum opportunities throughout the province that include attractive per diem rates, accommodations, airfare and more. Physicians must be eligible to work in Canada to participate.
Image
"I feel like I am part of a team where my time and energy are truly appreciated. People here are very laid back, very respectful, loving, open to change."
Dr. Ife Fayanjuola, Family Physician, Elmsdale Medical Centre, Elmsdale Nova Scotia