Pictou Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pictou which includes a house and general coastal views
Pictou which includes landscape views and general coastal views
Pictou
Pictou which includes a house
Pictou showing street scenes

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 harbour 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-kilometre) 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 Centre. The concert venue hosts a busy concert programme 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 kilometres) away, while trains stop in the nearby town of Truro. Otherwise, enter the seaside town by sailing or taking a ferry into the harbour.

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 £63 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£63
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Pictou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (589 reviews)
Reveiw a
"It is feeling its age, but all was clean and comfortable. Bonus for having a small kitchen."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

The Lionstone Inn Motel and Cottages
Braeside Country Inn
Braeside Country Inn
4 out of 5
126 Front Street, Pictou, NS
The price is £115 per night from 28 Jun to 29 Jun
£115
28 Jun - 29 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf B&B in Pictou. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (442 reviews)
"The owner and her son were very available and friendly. At our 7 pm check in we were asked if we planned to go to a restaurant for dinner because the nearby restaurants closed at 8 pm. With that information we decided to defer carrying suitcases to our room until after dinner. Note that there isn't ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Braeside Country Inn
The Scotsman Inn
The Scotsman Inn
3 out of 5
74 Coleraine Street, Pictou, NS
The price is £115 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£115
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Pictou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (293 reviews)
"Nice location, convient parking"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

The Scotsman 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.
The Stonehouse Makers' Maisonette
The Stonehouse Makers' Maisonette
Pictou, NS
Stay at this apartment in Pictou. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and housekeeping. Popular attractions Caspers Gifts and Crafts and Hector Heritage Quay are ...
The Stonehouse Makers' Maisonette
Fairytale Cottage
Fairytale Cottage
Pictou, NS
Stay at this holiday home in Pictou. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Caspers Gifts and Crafts and Northumberland Fisheries Museum are located ...
Fairytale Cottage
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions MacKay Brook Nature Reserve and Loch Broom ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
"I liked the peace and nature but it was too far from dinning options."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Smith Rock Chalets & Retreat
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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