Carleton is a quaint community located in Yarmouth County, located in the eastern portion of Nova Scotia's mainland by Skinner Lake on Highway 340. The town name commemorates Sir Guy Carleton. Carleton was first known by the Mi'kmaq as Nesogwakade, which translates to "place of eels." After the English arrived, Carleton was temporarily titled Temperance and Eel Lake. Carleton was a lumber town in its early days, as settlers sought the land and arrived in 1833 to build a mill. As well, in 1912, a gold mine existed in Carleton. Today, Carleton still depends on the lumber industry. Halifax is positioned 335 km (208.2 mi.) northeast of Carleton.

Carleton is a calm and friendly place, home to glorious scenery, swimming in the lake or relaxing on the dock. Carleton offers other activities such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, pedal-boating, fishing, bird watching, sighting the vast amounts of wildlife or simply relaxing at the beach. Carleton is also close to Yarmouth, which boasts ferry rides all the way to Maine, as well as a plethora of exciting activities.

Carleton accommodations include bed and breakfasts and inns.