Dartmouth is known as the “City of Lakes” due to its high number of lakes, including Lake Micmac, Russell Lake, Lake Banook, and the northern portion of Morris Lake. This riding borders Halifax and the Halifax Harbour.
Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, winters in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour are milder than inland communities, but the summers are also cooler. The areas of the riding around Halifax Harbour do not get as much sun.
The historic Shubenacadie Canal Waterway flows through the heart of Dartmouth-Cole Harbour. The 114km Shubenacadie Canal was constructed across the Province of Nova Scotia from Dartmouth Cove on Halifax Harbour to Minas Basin on the Bay of Fundy and is now popular among paddlers.