Attractions

Outdoor Adventure (click here for options)
Hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, sailing, flying, walking tours, day tours, and so much more. Experience the "greatest" outdoors in Pictou County!

Shopping-Gifts-Antiques (click her for options)
From galleries, gifts and antiques to a 55 store shopping center, Pictou County can fulfill all your shopping needs.....and wants!

Hector Heritage Quay
A Voyage to Remember
"Winner Nova Scotia Attractions Award 2000"

The Hector Heritage Quay (meaning waterfront landing), Pictou, is one of Nova Scotia's major cultural tourist attractions. Here you can relive the way of life and experiences of the Scottish settlers who landed on the shores of Pictou in 1773. Step back in time as the history of the Scots comes alive before you. Hear the sizzling sounds of the blacksmith's forge and the rhythm of the chisels and mallets of the ship's carpenters. See the site's resident artist Dave MacIntosh at work. Explore the intricacies of the authentic re-creation of the Ship Hector. View colorful exhibits and full size scenes of the lives of the settlers. You will feel the struggles of the voyage across the cruel Atlantic and the pioneering spirit of these proud people as the ocean air takes you back in time to another age.

The Museum of Industry
The Museum of Industry, located in Stellarton, retells the story of industrialization in Nova Scotia through the eyes of the workers. It is only fitting such a structure finds its home in Pictou County, known by many as the "Cradle of Canada's Industrialization." Throughout its history, Pictou County has had a strong work ethic, a perpetual spirit of enterprise and a determined people. A major facility of 80,000 square feet, the Museum is home to over 18,000 artifacts. Even the magnificent Samson, the oldest steam locomotive in Canada, now rests near the track she once worked, the Foord Coal seam, 1,100 feet below the museum site. Visitors punch in their time card to take them back to the mines, factories, railroads, antique cars and locomotives and much more. Interpreters in period costumes add to the mystique and the mystery of the galleries. Interactive displays and model train sets keep the whole family fascinated.

The Nova Scotia Museum of Industry has recently added and expanded displays in forestry, tourism, hairstyling, manufacturing, services and products, road construction, electricity, and munitions. Check out some exciting new electronic adventures at the Shaping the Future gallery.

Walk back into the working lives of our ancestors and see how families of the day met the challenges of a much different time.

Grohmann Knives
See Grohmann Knives being made using time-honoured old world traditions of hand crafted precision and care. It takes 53 steps to produce one of Grohmann's precision kitchen or rugged outdoor knives. When you visit you will come to appreciate the time and effort that go into producing these world famous knives. All of Grohmann's selection is available in their retail store. Located in historic downtown Pictou, tours are conducted year-round.

Northumberland Fisheries Museum

Experience a way of life along the Northumberland Strait. There is so much to sea!

The Northumberland Fisheries Museum, located in downtown Pictou, tells the story of fishermen in the area from the 1800's to the present. There are over 1000 Artifacts with new ones arriving daily, Boat Building Models, Rare Live Lobsters, an authentic Fisherman's Bunkhouse, the "Silver Bullet" (a 1930's fishing/racing boat), and many tributes to the local fisher folk.

The museum is housed in the old Pictou Train Station which stopped running in the 1950's. The building was devastated by fire in 1996 and rebuilt in 1999.

Coastal Spirit Expeditions  "Winner of the PCTA award of excellence Rising Star Award for 2000"

Join Coastal Spirit Expeditions as we explore the warm, gentle coastline of the Northumberland Strait and the welcoming waters that greeted the first settlers of New Scotland. CSE offers day tours, multi-day tours, special adventure packages and professional instruction. A love for the outdoors and a desire to learn new and exciting things is all you need to enjoy a spirited adventure holiday that will introduce you to the natural and cultural history of this unique region. Coastal Spirit Expeditions hopes to educate and inspire future adventure travel and a commitment to the preservation of marine wildlife.
E-mail: cspirit@coastalspiritexp.com.

Carver's Coffee House

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the outdoor patio of Carver's Studio, while taking in the breathtaking views of Pictou Harbour.  Carver's Studio is a venue for carvers from beginner to advanced to gather and learn from each other. Carving Classes are schedualed from October to May.  Carver's Studio is the only outlet in the Maritimes selling swiss made Pfeil Tools. Carver's also serves delectable desserts, espresso based coffees, and beverages using a variety of fruit and natural flavors using Torani Syrups. Carver's Pub opened in January 2005 and features international wines and beers. For more information visit http://www.carvers.ca

Pictou Waterfront Pictou is a postcard setting for any visitor with its ocean harbour and charming waterfront development. Known as The Birthplace of New Scotland, Pictou is home to the replica of the famous Ship Hector and the landing site of its passengers in 1773. Even today you can feel the spirit of the Scots as you visit the Hector Heritage Quay and other historic sites and museums. Heritage homes, walking trails and a national genealogical centre as well as factory tours of the internationally renowned Grohmann Knives are a must for visitors. The deCoste, a superior arts and entertainment centre, two marinas, many festivals and unique shopping and dining opportunities round out the tourism experience.

New Glasgow Riverfront
The revitalization of the New Glasgow Riverfront has added a new dimension to the tourism industry in Pictou County. From boaters docking at the marina to naturalists who stroll the Samson Trail, the Riverfront has become a centre of activity for both visitors and residents alike. The life and energy witnessed during activities which range from the Canada Day fireworks to Riverfront Music Jubilee and Riverfront Days shows the versatility of the riverfront during every season and is reminiscent of the hustle and bustle of the shipbuilding era of days gone by. The serene beauty of the river sets the backdrop for a visit to the downtown core and the many shops and restaurants close at hand. The full service marina is open year round and docks are in the water late May to early October. Staff is available 24 hours, seven days a week during boating season. High-test gasoline and diesel fuel are available, docking space with power and water, plus shower facilities are also available. The complex is less than a minutes walk from over 185 services, shops and restaurants of the downtown and five minutes from another major shopping centre, Highland Square Mall.

Melmerby Beach
Pictou County is home to seven beautiful beaches and Melmerby is the best known of these hidden treasures. One of the finest beaches along the entire Sunrise Trail, the "Merb" has a 2 km sandy shore and the warmest waters you'll find north of the Carolinas. There are two sides to this glorious beach: a broader outer side and a narrow inner beach with water so warm you'll feel like you are in the world's largest bathtub. Sandcastles, rolling waves, gentle breezes, walks along a winding boardwalk and starry skies set the stage for fun-filled days or romantic evenings.

Trenton Steeltown Park            

One of northern Nova Scotia's outdoor treasures is Trenton's Steeltown Centennial Park. This six km of trails and over 60 acres of hemlock and birch trees whispers the secrets of a century past and is a nature lover's dreamscape. A refreshing setting of park lands just minutes away from sandy beaches and town shopping centres, Trenton Park offers camping, fishing, a 3000 square ft. pool, (two-thirds shallow), miniature golf, children's wading pool, trout fishing, playground, historical exhibits, horseshoe pits, tennis, basketball nets, lawn bowling, picnic areas, outdoor music at a large amphitheatre and much more. Trenton Park - a great way to get in touch with nature, your family and yourself.

Lansdowne Outdoor Recreational Development Association (LORDA) 

(Park for disabled and seniors)

The Lansdowne Outdoor Recreational Development Association Park is a labour of love by the Leese family of Westville. Set in a peaceful valley, the LORDA Park is a little piece of paradise on earth. Stocked fishing ponds, picnic areas, nature trails, croquet and bocce courts and camping sites are available free of charge to senior citizens and the disabled. A board of directors consisting of local citizen volunteers oversees the operation of the park. The park has received many prestigious accreditations, among them the "Rick Hanson Facility Excellence Award", Recreation Nova Scotia "Bluenose Achievement Award", "Mel Hebb 2000 Hourglass Action Award" and most recently, the "Canada 2000 Parks Recreation Association Award of Excellence". You will believe you've stepped into a simpler time and your cares will begin to disappear as the serenity and wonder of this gem in the woodlands brings you closer to nature.

Greenhill Provincial Park
Greenhill Look-off provides a dazzling view of the western half of Pictou County. The steep slope down into the West River Valley gives an unobstructed, breathtaking view of some of the natural splendor of the county. It's a fantastic spot to take photos or just relax and enjoy a magnificent sunset.

Walking Adventure Trails

Whether you are looking for a short walk around a town or are seeking a wilderness/hiking trail, Pictou County trails are for you. They offer a large variety of walking routes and trails for visitors and residents alike. The trails are available year round for hiking or biking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

The Jitney Trail in Pictou, a segment of the Trans Canada Trail, takes walkers, cyclists and inline skaters along a three km trail to the site where the Ship Hector made its historic landing in 1773. Over one km of this trail is paved, making it completely accessible. Interpretive panels along the way act as personal tour guides, providing information on the history of the trail, the waterfront, and the natural history of the region. Park benches are available allowing you to sit and enjoy the sounds of the sea and nature. The heritage hike takes you past restaurants and shops, steeped in tradition, museums, fine buildings and classic examples of Scottish architecture. For further information contact Pictou Recreation Tourism & Culture at 485-6057, e-mail us at: info@townofpictou.com or stop by the Hector Heritage Quay Interpretation Centre.

The Samson Trail, New Glasgow, follows along the bed of Canada's first iron railroad. The Samson Trail hugs the west bank of New Glasgow's East River; four km of the trail is fully wheelchair accessible and beautifully lit by antique lamp standards. The two sections of trail are uniquely joined by a steel walkway under the main bridge into downtown New Glasgow, and the view upstream is especially breathtaking at dawn and dusk. Autumn finds the trail awash in a dazzling display of colours, and four picnic parks along the route provide an ideal spot for an afternoon or evening break. Fully landscaped, the trail uses bridges and walkways to provide a unique urban trail experience. See marshland, wildlife and explore a unique ecosystem. In 2000 the Samson/Albion Trails became part of the international "Sli", Hearts in Motion project becoming the third trail in the province to promote the benefits of walking as part of a healthy lifestyle. Colourful signage helps walkers monitor their heart rates at km. intervals. More information is available by calling 1-888-873-0777 or visit their website.

Fitzpatrick Mountain Trail is a well-groomed 8 km trail extending from Scotsburn to Millsville. This non-motorized trail is ideal for hikers and skiers, and passes through alternating stands of hardwood and softwood and traverses several streams. The mountain summit offers a magnificent panoramic view of Pictou County, and a picnic site is available. Developed by the Pictou County Trails Association, the trailhead is located at the recreation field in Scotsburn, off route 256 from the Pictou Rotary.

Visitors to the town of Stellarton can now enjoy a beautiful walk along the newly constructed Albion Trail. This 1.5 km trail travels along the East River and provides a beautiful view of the shoreline and marshland. The area is rich in mining history and interpretive signs providing walkers with an opportunity to learn as they proceed down the trail to the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry where the trail ends. The Albion Trail, which is connected to the Samson Trail, is fully accessible, partially lit, and equipped with numerous benches and picnic tables ideal for afternoon lunches and relaxing in the sun. For more information please call the Stellarton Recreation office at 752-8944.


Magic Valley Fun Park
Magic Valley is Nova Scotia's original and largest privately owned themed family amusement park. In a nature-enhanced setting of over 25 acres, it includes rides, waterslides, swimming pool, boats, train ride, 18-hole mini golf, go karts, live animals, animatronic shows, storybook village, food, craft and gift shops. The park is open from July 1st: 11am to 6pm (weather permitting). Craft Shop, 10:00am-6:00pm daily in season. Admission is charged and group rates are available. Magic Valley is located on Hwy 104 at Exit #20, 11km (6mi) west of New Glasgow.