Pictou Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Pictou showing general coastal views and landscape views
Known as the Birthplace of New Scotland, this seaside town charms with its waterfront cafés, island excursions and replica of an historic ship.

The Canadian town of Pictou sits on Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore and is where Scottish settlers first landed toward the end of the 18th century. Learn about the town's origins, explore waterfront walking trails and go on an island adventure.

Visit the Hector Heritage Quay to see Hector, a reconstruction of the three masted ship that brought Scottish settlers to the area in 1773. Walk the decks and see displays that tell the story of the ship’s historic voyage. For more history, go to the nearby Northumberland Fisheries Museum. View historical photographs and more than artifacts that cover sea heritage along the Northumberland Strait. While you are close to the waterfront, walk or cycle along one of the trails.

Explore the gift shops and galleries along Water Street and stop for lunch in a harbor side café or bistro. Be mindful that some of the premises will be closed during the winter.

Take a ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Pictou Island for its beaches and seal populations. If you want to visit Prince Edward Island, catch a ferry from the port of Caribou, a 2.4-mile (4-kilometer) drive north of Pictou town.

When you return to Caribou, head for Munroe's Island Nature Reserve at Caribou Provincial Park. Here, you may be able to spot numerous bird species including ducks, eagles and ospreys.

Pictou also draws visitors to its deCoste Center. The concert venue hosts a busy concert program that in previous years has attracted such respected performers as the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Mamas and Papas and the Edinburgh String Quartet.

The nearest international airport is in Halifax, approximately 84 miles (135 kilometers) away, while trains stop in the nearby town of Truro. Otherwise, enter the seaside town by sailing or taking a ferry into the harbor.

The Lionstone Inn Motel and Cottages
The Lionstone Inn Motel and Cottages
2 out of 5
241 West River Road, Pictou, NS
The price is NZ$143 per night from 30 May to 31 May
NZ$143
per night
30 May - 31 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Pictou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (448 reviews)
"Needs an upgrade. Management staff very accommodating. Some attention needs to be paid to maintenance and a good deep cleaning g. Appliances need an upgrade. The decor is very 80s however that being said we slept well. We were minutes from the arena, the weekend only cost a little over 200.00. Last ..."

Reviewed on 2 Apr. 2024

The Lionstone Inn Motel and Cottages
Seabank House Bed and Breakfast
Seabank House Bed and Breakfast
3 out of 5
68 Front St, Pictou, NS
The price is NZ$235 per night from 30 May to 31 May
NZ$235
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Pictou. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Northumberland Fisheries Museum and Caspers Gifts and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Everything was great. Lovely beds, breakfast and the hots. Caissie (the dog) was an added bonus."

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

Seabank House Bed and Breakfast
Braeside Country Inn
Braeside Country Inn
4 out of 5
126 Front Street, Pictou, NS
The price is NZ$232 per night from 30 May to 31 May
NZ$232
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly B&B in Pictou. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (378 reviews)
"Great service, fantastic view, peaceful and serene environment. I would most definitely visit again."

Reviewed on 25 May 2024

Braeside Country Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Smith Rock Chalets & Retreat
Smith Rock Chalets & Retreat
3 out of 5
310 Fitzpatrick Mountain Road, Scotsburn, NS
Stay at this 3-star ski cabin in Scotsburn. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions MacKay Brook Nature Reserve and Loch Broom ...
9/10 Wonderful! (98 reviews)
"It's absolutely an amazing place to stay and enjoy quiet and relaxation and beautiful scenery 😊"

Reviewed on 5 Nov. 2023

Smith Rock Chalets & Retreat
New Cozy, one bedroom apartment, with loft bedroom and king size bed.
New Cozy, one bedroom apartment, with loft bedroom and king size bed.
New Glasgow
Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Sports Hall of Fame and Crombie Art Gallery are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Excellent Experience
"I booked this VRBO for my employees while working in the area. They reported to have the best experience and a fantastic host. The environment was fresh, clean and modern. The host was very welcoming and even made dinner for some of our staff. We very much appreciate the kindness and hospitality ..."

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

New Cozy, one bedroom apartment, with loft bedroom and king size bed.
Beach Front Cottage, warmest waters north of the Carolinas
Beach Front Cottage, warmest waters north of the Carolinas
Trenton
Book a stay at this beach cottage in Black Point. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Powells Point Provincial Park and Melmerby ...
10/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
What a location!
"Beautiful cottage on the water. Stunning sunrises overloking the straight."

Reviewed on 13 Oct. 2023

Beach Front Cottage, warmest waters north of the Carolinas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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