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 artefacts 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 £64 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
£64
16 Sept - 17 Sept
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. ...
7/10 Good! (658 reviews)
"Affordable, older hotel, Renovated. Needs ventilation fans in the redone bathrooms though, also take out the old radiators, not used as new heat pumps installed. But good otherwise!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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 £134 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
£134
4 Sept - 5 Sept
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! (474 reviews)
"A beautiful old inn! We felt privileged to stay there! If you like old buildings, this the place for you! Very friendly hoand a great breakfast!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Braeside Country Inn
The Scotsman Inn

The Scotsman Inn

3 out of 5
74 Coleraine Street, Pictou, NS
The price is £116 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
£116
4 Sept - 5 Sept
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! (329 reviews)
"Upon arrival the exterior was less than promising. However, once inside the front door we were greeted by shining hardwood floors and super clean facilities. The proprietor, Dandy, greeted us warmly on the 2nd level and asked us to join other guests for a. Glad of wine. Very positive. Rooms were ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 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 free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Caspers Gifts and Crafts and Hector Heritage Quay are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Great location in town and the host’s attention to detail was evident."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

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
Joey's Haven, 1 bedroom basement suite w/private entrance.

Joey's Haven, 1 bedroom basement suite w/private entrance.

Pictou, NS
Stay at this holiday home in Pictou. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Pictou Marina and Caspers Gifts and Crafts ...
Joey's Haven, 1 bedroom basement suite w/private entrance.
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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