Pictou Travel Guide

  Pictou waterfront.
by Tricky_Dicky69
 
  • Pictou waterfront.
      Pictou waterfront.
    by Tricky_Dicky69
  • The Braeside Inn, Pictou.
      The Braeside Inn, Pictou.
    by Tricky_Dicky69
  • The view from Pictou waterfront.
      The view from Pictou waterfront.
    by Tricky_Dicky69
  • The Waterfront, Pictou.
      The Waterfront, Pictou.
    by Tricky_Dicky69
  • The Waterfront, Pictou.
      The Waterfront, Pictou.
    by Tricky_Dicky69
 

Explore Pictou

Things to Do  

Take a step back in time.

Take a step back in time., Pictou

 Tricky_Dicky69 Says:  The Hector Heritage Quay Experience is one of the main attractions in Pictou and is acclaimed as one of the most important and exciting heritage developments in Nova Scotia, the Hector Heritage Quay, located on the scenic Pictou waterfront, offers visitors a unique glimpse... 

Visit the waterfront

Visit the waterfront, Pictou

 Tricky_Dicky69 Says:  Take a walk along the waterfront, visit The Hector Heritage Quay Experience, stop for a meal or a drink. 

The Ship Hector and Hector...

The Ship Hector and Hector..., Pictou

 Lisser Says:  The Quay gives the story of the Ship Hector and the establishment of Pictou in 1773. After seeing the interpretive center, you can then go aboard the replica of the Hector that was built and launched in 2000. More information is available in my Hector Travelogue! 

Northumberland Fisheries...

Northumberland Fisheries..., Pictou

 Lisser Says:  Northumberland Fisheries MuseumThe Fisheries Museum contains an original fisherman's bunkhouse, furnished with authentic items used by fishermen from the turn of the century until the company cookhouses closed. Displays include: items relating to the fishing industry,... 

DeCoste Entertainment Centre

DeCoste Entertainment Centre, Pictou

 Lisser Says:  The deCoste Centre is a 450 seat concert hall presenting year-round live entertainment. Music, drama, variety shows and ceilidhs offer visitors an entertainment package that includes a little of everything. The deCoste Centre also presents the Hector Festival (every Aug.)... 

Magic Valley Family Fun Park

Magic Valley Family Fun Park, Pictou

 Lisser Says:  Waterslides, Storybook Village,LIve Animals, Pool, Bumper/Pedal Boats, Train, Raceway, Mini golf, Arcade.Fun for the whole family! 

Hotels  

Pictou Lodge Beachfront Resort

 1 Review and 97 Opinions  Pictou Lodge is a beautifully restored log Resort located on the ocean, on 165 wooded acres of a... 

The Lionstone Inn

 1 Review and 28 Opinions  A good family motel. Clean, well kept, many rooms including cabins available, reasonably priced.... 

Restaurants  

Stone House Cafe.: Follow the locals.

Stone House Cafe.: Follow the locals., Pictou

 Tricky_Dicky69 Says:  The Stone House Cafe restaurant is one of Pictou's most historic buildings and dates back to the early 1800's. The original house was for many years Pictou's largest and was originally built for John Dawson, a local businessman. The Stone House Cafe is appropriately named as... 

Crown Pizza: The Best Pizza in Town!

Crown Pizza: The Best Pizza in Town!, Pictou

 Lisser Says:  This is not a restaurant, strictly take-out. However, it is definitely the best pizza in town and I've yet to find anything, anywhere that I like better!! Looks can be deceiving... although this place is not the prettiest building, the great food will quickly make you forget... 

Salt Water Cafe: Salt Water Cafe

Salt Water Cafe: Salt Water Cafe, Pictou

 Lisser Says:  There's a great atmosphere here. Really good food and a great selection of local seafood. The restaurant extends out onto the water like a wharf. You can sit and eat while watching sailboats go by. Very relaxing! Pasta, Chicken fingers, Caesar Salad 

Nightlife  

deCoste Entertainment Centre: Summer Sounds of Nova Scotia
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Lisser 165 reviews

A series of summer concerts held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights throughout the summer months. They are put on predominantly for tourists in an attempt to share the music and culture of our area with people who visit from around North America and all over the world!
Drinks are available at the bar, and it's a fairly informal yet entertaining evening of storytelling and song that would be sure to delight anyone visiting our area!

Written Apr 14, 2003

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Budget Travel
 Theater Travel

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Transportation  

Jiggs& Reels Boat Tours Ltd.

Jiggs& Reels Boat Tours Ltd., Pictou

 Lisser Says:  A daily water taxi service that leaves downtown Pictou and connects to the heart of downtown New Glasgow. OR,Enjoy Pictou County's finest boat tour thru inland waterways and out into the Northumberland Strait. The three hour tour, departing from downtown Pictou or downtown... 

By Land-Highways from all...

By Land-Highways from all..., Pictou

 Lisser Says:  By Land-Highways from all points in the U.S. and Canada join the Trans Canada Highway from New Brunswick into Nova Scotia. Via Rail Canada provides transcontinental train service; there are stations in Truro and Halifax. By Sea- Come to Nova Scotia by mini-cruise. Car... 

Local Customs  

...Only Here in Pictou!

...Only Here in Pictou!, Pictou

 Lisser Says:  ~Chloroform was produced for the first time in North America right here in Pictou in 1848. ~The old post office in Pictou is the only building in the world with a window in its chimney. ~Former Prime Minister of Canada Sir John Thompson's mother lived in Pictou. ~Pictou... 

In all of Nova Scotia, and...

In all of Nova Scotia, and..., Pictou

 Lisser Says:  In all of Nova Scotia, and Pictou being a good example, there is a very distinct Scottish culture. It is really unlike anything else in all of Canada. There's lots of bagpipes, kilts and beer :) People are so friendly and welcoming. We're as proud of our past as of our... 

I don't know if you can find...

I don't know if you can find..., Pictou

 Lisser Says:  I don't know if you can find more friendly or helpful people anywhere in Canada! Maybe I am a little biased but still...Don't be afraid to ask questions-people love to share their knowledge and show you around. You'll discover the real meaning of a town where 'everybody... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Pictou: The One Way Street!
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Lisser 165 reviews

The main street of Pictou, called Water St.
is very narrow with lots of traffic so it was made a ONE WAY street! Every year there are countless tourists who don't follow the street signs and end up endangering everyone in their path. However, locals expect this to happen and are always ready to guide you in the right direction!

Written Sep 29, 2002

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Tourist Traps  

Souvenir Shopping
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Lisser 165 reviews

Souvenir shopping. Gift shops are all over town and stuff is ridiculously overpriced. Only tourists shop there because locals can't afford it! Although things such as t-shirts and local products are worth the money, please don't waste your money on those silly Sou' Wester hats,collector spoons, magnets or pens. If you must, go to our local dollar store, which has a wide selection of things like that- for $1 each!

Written Nov 16, 2002

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Off The Beaten Path  

Pictou Island

Pictou Island, Pictou

 Lisser Says:  If you're up for a real "off the beaten path" experience than a day trip to Pictou Island would be perfect for you. It's a little island 3km long off the coast, almost halfway to Prince Edward Island. There's only one road, and LOTS of unexpected run-ins with wildlife! There... 

JITNEY TRAIL LOCATION: Pictou...

JITNEY TRAIL LOCATION: Pictou..., Pictou

 Lisser Says:  JITNEY TRAIL LOCATION: Pictou Waterfront to Brown’s PointDISTANCE: 3 KM (one way)DESCRIPTION: flat, partially paved, along waterfront. Suitable for walking, cycling, cross-county skiing, running and wheelchairs. 

Favorites  

The town of Pictou is renowned...
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1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Lisser 165 reviews
Still waters

Favorite thing: The town of Pictou is renowned as the 'Birthplace of New Scotland'. It was here that the first Scottish settlers landed in 1773. There were 189 passengers who boarded the Hector at Loch Broom in Scotland and dared to make the journey toward a new life in Nova Scotia. The arrival of the Hector marked the strengthening of Nova Scotia's ties to the heritage and culture of Scotland- a connection that would continue to grow and contribute greatly to the development of Nova Scotia over the next two centuries.

Written Aug 29, 2002

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Map of Pictou