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Canada • Nova Scotia

Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a community in the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia, Canada, located on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dartmouth is a community in the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia, Canada, located on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour. It was founded in 1750 and is commonly nicknamed the “City of Lakes” because of its many lakes. It became part of Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996 and had a population of 72,139 in the 2021 census.

Geography

Dartmouth is located on the eastern side of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia. Tourism sources describe it as a waterfront community with lakes, trails, parks, and ferry access to Halifax.

History

Dartmouth was founded in 1750 and later developed as a community on the harbour opposite Halifax. In 1996, it became part of the Halifax Regional Municipality through municipal amalgamation.

Demographics

The 2021 census recorded 72,139 residents within Dartmouth’s boundaries, with a larger metropolitan area figure reported in some sources depending on the area included.

Culture and recreation

Dartmouth is associated with lakes, waterfront recreation, and a downtown area with shops, cafes, public art, and parks. Tourism materials highlight kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and walking trails.

Key facts

  • Dartmouth is a built-up community within Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia.
  • It lies on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour, opposite Halifax.
  • The community was founded in 1750 and was incorporated into Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996.
  • The 2021 census recorded a population of 72,139.
  • Dartmouth is known as the “City of Lakes” and is noted for having 23 lakes.
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Canadian context

Dartmouth is a significant community in Atlantic Canada and forms part of the Halifax urban area, an important population and economic centre in Nova Scotia.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dartmouth located?
Dartmouth is on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia, across from Halifax.
Is Dartmouth a city?
Dartmouth was formerly a city, but it is now part of Halifax Regional Municipality.
When was Dartmouth founded?
Dartmouth was founded in 1750.
Why is Dartmouth called the City of Lakes?
It is nicknamed the City of Lakes because it has many lakes; tourism sources say there are 23 lakes in the community.
What was Dartmouth’s population in 2021?
The 2021 census recorded a population of 72,139.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmouth,_Nova_Scotia
    Supports: Location on eastern shore of Halifax Harbour, 2021 population, area
  2. Tourism Nova Scotia — https://novascotia.com/explore-by-region/halifax-metro/dartmouth/
    Supports: Nickname City of Lakes, 23 lakes, ferry access, recreation and waterfront description
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/dartmouth
    Supports: Founded in 1750, location in Halifax Regional Municipality, historical development
  4. Expedia — https://www.expedia.com/Dartmouth.dx7560
    Supports: Ferry, location opposite Halifax, 23 lakes, Shubenacadie Canal mention
  5. Downtown Dartmouth — https://www.downtowndartmouth.ca/
    Supports: Downtown amenities, waterfront, public art, parks, local description
  6. MapQuest — https://www.mapquest.com/ca/nova-scotia/dartmouth-282176575
    Supports: General geographic and visitor description