Yarmouth is situated on the Southwestern shore of Nova Scotia, a location that makes it a popular entry point for people traveling via boat from the New England region of the USA. The town got its start as an Acadian settlement, and today almost half of the cities population is of Acadian descent.

Early pioneers began settling in the area in the 17th century, but Yarmouth wasn't officially incorporated as a town until 1890. Originally called "Forchu" because of the cloven cape it sits on, Modern Day Yarmouth pays tribute to its former name with the curiously shaped Forchu Lighthouse, which is by far the most well-known attraction in Yarmouth.

Many villages surround Yarmouth, though the population of the town itself is just under 10,000.