Tangier is a small fishing community located in Halifax County on the south eastern shores of Nova Scotia's mainland, along Marine Drive (Highway 7). The Mi'kmaq named the land at Tangier, Wosspegeak, which translates to "sunshine reflecting from water." The SS Tangier sunk on the nearby shores, thus providing the town with its name. Tangier was first settled in 1765, after a large grant of 20,000 acres was given to the Newton family. In the latter half of the 19th century, gold mining was a major industry in Tangier, although fishing is the primary industry now. Tangier is situated 90.2 km (56 mi.) east of Halifax.

Tangier is home to the prestigious Coastal Adventures Kayaking Company, which provides day and a half tours, schooling on kayaking, specialty programs, rentals and professional tour guides. The Spry Bay Provincial Park offers a scenic picnic area, and the Spry Bay Trail is a romantic, scenic and calm coastline hike. The Moose River Gold Mines Provincial Park also offers a pretty picnic area and is the site of a 1936 mining disaster that occurred, oddly enough, on Easter Sunday.

Tangier accommodations include beautiful bed and breakfasts.