Abstract Approximately 3000 samples from a regional centre-lake bottom sediment survey of southern Nova Scotia were re-analyzed for sixteen elements of metallogenic significance. Analytical results for Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Li, F, Nb, Sn, Ti, Zr, Rb, Th, Sb, As, W and Au confirm that most known mineral deposits and metallogenic domains in the Meguma Zone have detectable geochemical signatures in lake sediments. Lake sediment exploration is most effective for mapping when a catchment basin model is employed. In southern Nova Scotia, lake sediment surveys are especially useful when prospecting and selecting areas of potential lithophile mineralization. Mineralogical expressions of Sn, W, Th and Zr in lake sediment are reflected by the presence of discrete grains of cassiterite, scheelite or wolframite, monazite and zircon. Free gold has also been identified in lake sediment, and may be the cause of some identified Au anomalies. Lake catchment basins contain mixtures of hydromorphically and mechanically dispersed components. After relatively short transport distances from a bedrock or till source heavy minerals can be trapped in lake catchment basins. Meguma Zone lake sediment anomalies may be grouped into those dominated by these hydromorphic and mechanical-weathering processes. Geochemical mapping using lake sediments is undertaken through the application of simple data reduction procedures using single- and multi-element methods. Geochemical maps for individual elements are produced as computer-contoured colour plots at a fixed percentile scale. Maps for Sn, W, Au and Ag outline known mineral occurrences as distinct anomalies for the East Kemptville Sn-Zn-Cu ± W, Millet Brook U-Cu-Ag and numerous Au vein deposits within defined bedrock metallogenic domains. Geochemical mapping of Au and Ag anomalies also indicates large-scale structures such as northwesterly trending shear zones. Large shear zones are outlined by Au anomalies, and W highs define areas of new potential in exo-contact zones of the South Mountain Batholith. Gold potential for granitoid rocks is indicated by numerous Au anomalies. Associations of Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag, F-Li-Nb-Rb + Sn, Zr-Ti-Th and Sb-As-Au-W are plotted with multi-element score maps. Boundaries of the score maps closely follow the bedrock metallogenic domains and outline areas of potential economic mineralization. Regional geochemical mapping can be accomplished successfully, accurately and at reasonable cost using lake sediments. Modern analytical packages offer high-precision techniques for lake sediment analysis. Compared to regional till surveys in this area, lake sediment surveys cost less and have spatial attributes that produce data more suited to geochemical mapping projects.