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 £70 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
£70
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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! (652 reviews)
"It had a nice little kitchen area. Didn't like the bedthat much some what uncomfortable"

Reviewed on 12 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 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£134
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (472 reviews)
"The check in was delightful. We were given helpful information on dining options and places to see around town. While we were not able to stay for breakfast, one was offered for those who didn’t have to leave a the break of dawn. The hotel had a cozy common living space, plenty of parking, and was ..."

Reviewed on 14 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 19 Aug to 20 Aug
£116
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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! (320 reviews)
"Highlight of our Maritime stops. Owners are fabulous folk and the inn is stunning."

Reviewed on 10 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! (2 reviews)
"Wonderful accommodation. Fantastic host"

Reviewed on 3 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
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (155 reviews)
"A nice retreat"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 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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