Pictou

Travel Guide
Pictou featuring general coastal views and landscape views
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 harbor 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-kilometer) 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 Center. The concert venue hosts a busy concert program 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 kilometers) away, while trains stop in the nearby town of Truro. Otherwise, enter the seaside town by sailing or taking a ferry into the harbor. 

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 ¥9,425 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
¥9,425
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Pictou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (446 reviews)
"The motel is not a five star , but its a nice little room with a kitchenette, so that's a big perk for me when traveling, minutes away from , food and gercerie store , price is great , stayed several times and will return when i need to be in the area"

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2024

The Lionstone Inn Motel and Cottages
Seabank House Bed and Breakfast
Seabank House Bed and Breakfast
3 out of 5
68 Front St, Pictou, NS
The price is ¥17,056 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
¥17,056
per night
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Pictou. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Northumberland Fisheries Museum and Caspers Gifts and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Beautiful home, with well-decorated rooms overall, very nice hosts, and excellent breakfast.."

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2023

Seabank House Bed and Breakfast
The Scotsman Inn
The Scotsman Inn
3 out of 5
78 Coleraine Street, Pictou, NS
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Pictou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (246 reviews)
Definitely a must stay!
"Sandy was such a great host! We loved our room and the breakfast was delicious!"

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2023

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.
Breezy Acres Glampground
Breezy Acres Glampground
Trenton
Stay at this vacation home in Little Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Trenton Park and Powells Point Provincial ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Relaxing and convenient
"The trailer's location was a bit more secluded than I anticipated; only the one trailer behind a utility shed and surrounded by woods. However, it was very peaceful and a quick 10-15 minute drive to downtown New Glasgow or in the other direction, Melmerby Beach! In fact, it was much closer to my ..."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Breezy Acres Glampground
Cozy Cottage right on Chance Harbour
Cozy Cottage right on Chance Harbour
Trenton
Stay at this cottage in Chance Harbour. Enjoy WiFi, barbecue grills, and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Powells Point Provincial Park and Melmerby Beach Provincial ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Perfect location and setup
"We were driving our daughter back to Halifax for school and stay 3 nights at this lovely cottage. Great setup in the cottage and love the wide over hang to sit outside even in the pouring rain. Caught a dozen Striped Sea Bass from the dock. Ate a 3 pounder, delicious. Had a slight issue with the ..."

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2023

Cozy Cottage right on Chance Harbour
Breathtaking sunrise/sunset ocean views 2 minutes from the beach in Nova Scotia!
Breathtaking sunrise/sunset ocean views 2 minutes from the beach in Nova Scotia!
Merigomish, Pictou County
Stay at this beach vacation home in Ponds. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and onsite parking. Discover genuine guest reviews for Breathtaking sunrise/sunset ...
10/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Tranquillity by the sea
"Our second time visiting this beautiful home overlooking the ocean. We were so happy to experience the long walks on the beach and meals on the deck overlooking the stunning sunsets again! We especially enjoyed the BBQ which was a new addition this year. Thank you for sharing your home with us again ..."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2022

Breathtaking sunrise/sunset ocean views 2 minutes from the beach in Nova Scotia!
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Pictou

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 38.46153846153846%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 46.15384615384615%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 15.384615384615385%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 18, 2019

Ship museum excellent--rest of town a bit run-down

5/5 - Excellent

servicedude
Sep 17, 2018

the breakfast experience is worth the stay by itself. The innkeeper/owner serves a healthy breakfast, and you are waited on like royalty. If I ever get back to Nova Scotia, I would stay here again!