Northumberland Shore

Learn More About the Northumberland Shore

Nova Scotia’s warm-water beach destination

With more warm-water ocean beaches than anywhere else in Atlantic Canada, this shore is Beach Country. This climate also lends itself well to the local wine industry, which is anchored by Jost Vineyards, the province’s oldest and largest winery. Not surprisingly, fresh local lobster is a favourite food here and found at restaurants throughout. If a golf getaway is on your must-do list, experience Fox Harb’r Resort, one of only five 5-star, 4-diamond resorts in Canada.

The region is also abundant in history and culture. Explore the Town of Pictou, known as the “Birthplace of New Scotland.” Step aboard the legendary Ship Hector replica and imagine what it was like for the many Scottish immigrants who voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean. The oldest Highland Games held annually outside of Scotland are hosted on this shore in the university town of Antigonish.

Explore Towns on the Northumberland Shore

Explore towns by clicking the points on the map.

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Towns on the Northumberland Shore

Pictou

Discover the birthplace of New Scotland at the Hector Heritage Quay and explore the replica ship Hector. Visit during the Pictou Lobster Carnival and try the pizza.
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New Glasgow

Discover an energetic downtown filled with shops and restaurants that is home to The Jubilee, a popular summertime music festival that takes place on the riverfront.
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Pugwash

Visit Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site, golf at Northumberland Links and Fox Harb’r Resort, and swim at warm, sandy beaches.
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Amherst

Located between the Bay of Fundy and the Northumberland Shore, discover why Amherst is an ideal base for visitors looking for both Bay of Fundy adventures and beach days.
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Antigonish

Home to the Antigonish Highland Games and St. FX University, find warm sandy beaches, a mountain biking park, and a bustling downtown with breweries and restaurants.
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Tatamagouche

Visit Jost Vineyards and Malagash Cidery and make it a beach day at one of three warm, sandy provincial park beaches nearby.
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Top Experiences on the Northumberland Shore

Ginstitute by the Sea at Steinhart Distillery

Highlights

Go behind-the-scenes of the distillery, inspired by 300-year old German family traditions
Distill your own spirits using local ingredients with the help of your expert distiller
2 night stay in an on-site ocean view chalet

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Jost Vineyards

Highlights

Nova Scotia’s oldest and largest winery
Enjoy browsing the wine shop and sampling in the rustic and elegant tasting room
Pair Jost wines with their locally-inspired menu in the onsite Seagrape Cafe

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Melmerby Beach Provincial Park

Highlights

Warm waters, averaging more than 19°C (66°F) in the summer
Popular 2-km (1.25-mi) beach with boardwalks
Supervised in July and August with change houses, picnic tables, and abundant parking

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Sugar Moon Farm

Highlights

200-acre farm with maple syrup operation and year-round log restaurant
Enjoy a tasty local maple brunch, served all day, year-round, featuring organic local ingredients
Take a guided indoor sugar camp tour to learn about maple syrup

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Fox Harb'r Resort

Highlights

One of only five 5-star, 4-diamond resorts in Canada
Enjoy an 18-hole championship ocean-side golf course, award-winning dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and more
Located along the Northumberland Shore, close to warm water beaches

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Boat Tours

Explore the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait aboard an authentic Nova Scotia lobster fishing boat, guided by a seasoned fisherman on one of seven tours offered by Discover the Strait Boat Tours.
Meet the seals who reside just off the coast of Pictou or enjoy a sunset cruise and three course meal when you hop aboard Nova Scotia Family Fun Boat Tours luxury pontoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, thanks to the sheltered Northumberland Strait that is tucked in between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, you’ll find some of the warmest ocean beaches in this region each summer. Discover family friendly beaches offering shallow sandy warm water with calm surf. Many provincial park beaches offer lifeguard services during July and August.

Yes, Northumberland Ferries run a route from Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island to Caribou, Nova Scotia. For more information, visit our Ferries page: https://www.novascotia.com/travel-info/getting-here/sea

Yes, Oxford, Nova Scotia is considered the Wild Blueberry Capital of Canada. Here, you will find luscious, flavourful blueberries in late July through August at markets and roadside stands. In Oxford you will also find the world’s largest blueberry statue, which makes for a great photo opportunity!

The Northumberland Shore is home to Sugar Moon Farm which is located near Tatamagouche. This business is open year-round providing education on how maple syrup is made by offering maple experiences in the sugar woods. There is also a restaurant onsite with maple inspired dishes and specialty dining experiences.

That is a highly contested question here in Nova Scotia! Lobster is in season year-round in Nova Scotia, however the region in which it is fished changes throughout the year based on the fishing zones. In the Northumberland Shore region, lobster season is from May 1 to June 30^th. For a list of all the most delicious places to eat lobster in this region and the province, visit the Lobster Trail website.

Featured Packages on the Northumberland Shore

Historic Northumberland Shore Stonehouse Leather Makers’ Experience

$175.00/Per Person

Go behind the scenes with Tab and her team for an exclusive after-hours workshop and experience your own, hands-on leather craft sampling.

Pictou
February 28, 2025 – December 20, 2025

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Shop & Savour

$50/Per Person

Relax with a freshly-baked treat and latte or pick up a picnic to enjoy at the riverside park, before shopping for locally made gifts and artwork.

River John
August 16, 2024 – December 31, 2025

Two people sit in a hot tub outside a dome. It is fall and the trees are beginning to change colour.

Couples’ Ranch Retreat

$319

Reconnect and unwind with a couple’s ranch-style escape. Enjoy the comfort and tranquility of our geo dome accommodations, featuring a pri…

Wallace
September 25, 2024 – May 31, 2025

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Girls’ Ranch Getaway

$374

Escape to a serene ranch-style retreat for the ultimate girls’ getaway. Immerse yourself in the comfort of our BEAR dome accommodations, f…

Wallace
September 23, 2024 – May 31, 2025

Sunset Spirits Cruise

$115/Per Person

Embark on a captivating journey with our "Sunset & Spirits Cruise" featuring an exclusive whiskey tasting experience from Caldera Distillery.

River John
July 1, 2025 – October 15, 2025

Love Lobster Tour

$175.00/Per Person

Hop aboard a real Northumberland Strait fishing boat for a truly authentic Nova Scotia experience.

Caribou
July 1, 2025 – October 15, 2025

Fish n Chips Sunset Cruise

$115/Per Person

Hop on board a real Northumberland Strait fishing boat for a sunset tour that promises to satisfy your taste buds.

Caribou
July 1, 2025 – October 8, 2025

Northumberland Sunset Cruise

$95/Per Person

Hop on board a real Northumberland Strait fishing boat for a stunning sunset on Nova Scotia’s beautiful north shore coastline.

Caribou
July 1, 2025 – October 15, 2025

Mackerel Fishing

$120/Per Person

Hop aboard a real Northumberland Strait fishing boat for a fun fishing tour where the silver gleam of mackerel meets the excitement of the catch.

Caribou
July 1, 2025 – October 15, 2025

Sight SEAing Tour

$95/Per Person

Hop on board a real Northumberland Strait fishing boat for a scenic tour of Nova Scotia’s beautiful north shore coastline!

Caribou
July 1, 2025 – October 15, 2025

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Fourth Night Free at Fox Harb’r Resort

Plan your escape to Nova Scotia's charming North Shore where you can stay for three nights and get the fourth night free at Fox Harb'r Resort.

Wallace
April 16, 2025 – November 16, 2025

Fox Harb’r Spa & Wellness Retreat

Feel relaxed and energized with Fox Harb’r Resort Spa & Wellness Retreat. This spa and wellness break is everything you expect from a luxury…

Wallace
May 8, 2025 – November 16, 2025

Nova Scotia Tees & Targets Escape at Fox Harb’r Resort

Try your aim with Tees & Targets at Fox Harb’r Resort. Enjoy the best of both worlds. Five stand sport shooting is an exciting complement to…

Wallace
May 8, 2025 – October 26, 2025

Lobster Fisherman for a Day

$350/Per Person

Become a lobster fisherman for a day on board a working Northumberland Strait lobster fishing boat.

Caribou
May 1, 2025 – June 28, 2025

Pictou Island Sea & Sand Tour

$135/Per Person

Hop aboard a real Northumberland Strait fishing boat for a Sea & Sand adventure to Pictou Island – a gem few locals have had the chance to experience.