Bridgewater: Main Street of the South Shore
Bridgewater is the largest town on the South Shore and is affectionately known as the Main Street of the region. As a centre for services and shopp...
Explore the waterfront to discover heritage museums, cultural events, guided tours by land and water, artisan galleries and waterfront patios with a view! Located along the Northumberland Shore, near warm water beaches this region is noted for, Pictou is a bustling coastal town. Catch live musical concerts all summer long featuring local, regional and national artists from a wide range of genres.
Hector Heritage Quay
Pictou marks the landing site of the Ship Hector, where over 250 years ago Scottish settlers first arrived. Today, visitors can explore this heritage attraction, retrace the steps of these Scottish immigrants and the hardships they endured on their voyage and arrival in a new land at the Interpretive Centre. Learn how Pictou became known as “The Birthplace of New Scotland”. A replica of Ship Hector is undergoing refurbishment and is scheduled to be launched in 2024. On your visit drop into a working blacksmith shop, the rigging room and carpenter shop.
Northumberland Fisheries Museum
This area of Nova Scotia has a rich fishing heritage. Discover the stories of this industry’s past and what the future holds. View artifacts from shipwrecks to local fishing memorabilia to boatbuilding. Don’t miss the lobster tank where you can see and hold unique lobsters caught in Nova Scotian waters. View an actual “bunkhouse” where fishermen lived. Visit the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre just outside the museum to learn about what it took to be a lightkeeper and the history of lighthouses in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Family Fun Boat Tours
Enjoy a cruise on a luxury pontoon boat cruising the waters around Pictou Harbour offering “Meet the Seals” tours and sunset cruises. Keep your eyes open for seals, other marine life, and seabirds on two hour excursions. For an adults-only experience, head out on an evening boat cruise. Sit back and relax, enjoy a Nova Scotia snack box, take in the coastal scenery, and hear local history from your local guide and captain.
Waterfront Dining
Pull up a seat at a restaurant with a waterfront view. Enjoy casual eats at Harbour House Ales & Spirits and don’t miss favourite menu items like seafood pasta, seafood casserole and chowder. Dine at Nook + Cranny for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays or for a delicious lunch or dinner any day of the week. Choose from selections like mussels, seafood chowder, and pan-fried haddock. Ask about their monthly menu specials and live entertainment schedule. Situated at the water’s edge, the Marina Bar & Grill provides waterfront views with a casual atmosphere. Choose from seafood offerings like Maritime fish cakes, grilled fish tacos or the Hector haddock burger. Live music is available throughout the year. Enjoy fresh takeout dining along the marina boardwalk or grab a window seat at Stone Soup Café or Waterview Restaurant where you can catch authentic local and Middle Eastern dishes.
Pictou Lobster Carnival
Each summer Pictou celebrates the lobster season with a three day long-weekend event. Event goers will enjoy festivities such as lobster dinners, live music featuring headliner bands, carnival fair rides, children’s parade, crate run (a new favorite), lobster boat races, lobster banding competition, lobster trap hauling contest, street parade, beer garden, fireworks, 5K running race and of course, lobster suppers. The Carnival has a rich history dating back to 1934, making this year’s event an extra special one celebrating 90 years! Check out the upcoming festival from July 4-6, 2025.
Love Local Vendor Village
A lively waterfront space offering a collection of artisan and producer businesses that are based out of colorful kiosks. Located at the Caladh Marquee, the Love Local Vendor Village is part of a unique area on the Pictou Waterfront that beckons both locals and visitors to enjoy musical performances, special events, markets, and more. This multifaceted area of the waterfront also provides amenities such as play areas, water access, recreational equipment rentals, and a variety of seating options along the water’s edge. Make time to unwind and laze in a hammock by the water. With a visit to the Love Local Vendor Village, you will be sure to walk away with a truly authentic Pictou experience and memory.
Stay and Play
Explore the historic charm of Pictou, Nova Scotia! From cozy bed and breakfasts to waterfront inns, our town offers an array of accommodations to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. Experience warm Maritime hospitality amidst breathtaking waterscapes and rich cultural heritage, find the perfect spot to rest your head after a day out. Book your stay in Pictou today and embark on an unforgettable adventure! Discover our hidden gems and create lasting memories. Start planning your getaway now.
Learn more at DiscoverPictou.com
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