Beginning in May of 2025 the Hector Heritage Quay will be displaying all new interactive exhibits. These exhibits tell the story of the Mi’kmaq people of Piktuk, their culture and way of life before the Hector’s Voyage from Scotland to Nova Scotia in 1773. It also tells of the 189 Scottish Highlanders who gave up everything in search of a new life in Nova Scotia, establishing the first permanent Scottish settlement in Nova Scotia in an effort to preserve their culture and heritage and how these two distinct cultures came to have a shared history.
On July 12, 2025, after 4 years of refurbishing her hull, the ship Hector will be making a spectacular return to Pictou Harbour via a traditional side launch. This maritime spectacle is something rarely seen in today. Opening ceremonies begin at 10am with the launch scheduled for 11am. July 13, 2025 is marked as a weather delay date.
The Hector Heritage Quay also includes a working forge, rigging room, and carpentry shop with lots of examples of early tools used in shipbuilding, as well as original drawings and plans for the Ship Hector.
The rebuilding of the ship Hector can be viewed in episodes of the documentary series, “Rebuilding the Hector” on YouTube.
May 24 to August 31, 2025; 7 days per week, 9am to 5pm
September 1 to October 12, 2025; Wednesday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Re-launch of the ship Hector July 12, 2025. Opening ceremonies beginning at 10am, launch at 11am
Adults $10
Seniors $8
Children under 15 years of age free
Families $24
Students $3
Tour Operator rates available
