The District of Guysborough is the north east corner of mainland Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Ocean. Two of its four borders are ocean – the Strait of Canso to the East; Chedabucto Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the South and Southeast. Due north is Antigonish County, and to the west is the District of St. Mary’s, which, like the District, is located in Guysborough County.

The land in the District is overwhelmingly unspoiled native forest; with a rugged rocky coast broken occasionally by tranquil harbours and long stretches of beach. Inland water in river, lakes and streams is pristine and teaming with fish.