This ecoregion is found inland in the south-central section of Nova Scotia. Strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the most humid parts of the Maritime provinces. The ecoregion is characterized by warm summers and mild, snowy winters. The mean annual temperature is approximately 6.5°C. The mean summer temperature is 14°C and the mean winter temperature is -2°C. The mean annual precipitation ranges 1300-1600 mm. This ecoregion is classified as having an Atlantic high cool temperature ecoclimate. This mixedwood forest region is composed of intermediate to tall, closed stands of red and white spruce, balsam fir, yellow birch, and eastern hemlock. Yellow birch, beech, and red and sugar maple can be found at higher elevations. Eastern white pine is found on sandy areas. The ecoregion has extensive wetland and rock barrens, which support stunted black spruce, larch, and heath. This region is part of the Atlantic Uplands of Nova Scotia, which represents the lower southern slope of the southeastwardly tilted Cretaceous peneplain. Rolling till plain, drumlin fields, extensive rockland, and wetlands are underlain by folded Palaeozoic slates and quartzites intruded by granites. The plain rises from 30 m asl near the Atlantic coast to 180 m asl at its northern limit and is mantled with stony, discontinuous veneers and blankets of glacial till. Loamy Humo-Ferric Podzols are the dominant soils in the ecoregion. Peaty Gleysols, Fibrisols on raised bogs, and Mesisols on horizontal fens are also present on the landscape. The region provides habitat for white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, porcupine, raccoon, fisher, red fox, coyote, and beaver. Forestry, recreation and residential developments are the dominant land uses. Agriculture is limited to 3% of the area. The major communities include Halifax and Dartmouth. The population of the ecoregion is approximately 271 100.
This ecoregion is part of the Atlantic Maritime ecozone.