Pictou

Travel Guide

Pictou showing a house and general coastal views
Pictou featuring general coastal views and landscape views
Pictou which includes a park and landscape views
Pictou featuring a house
Pictou featuring 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 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,496 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
NT$2,496
NT$2,846 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Pictou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (643 reviews)
"We were initially sent to a room that smelled quite bad with a fridge that didn’t work. We were able to change to a cabin which met our needs and matched the pictures that prompted us to book here. Worked very well for our needs."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

The Lionstone Inn Motel and Cottages
Braeside Country Inn

Braeside Country Inn

4 out of 5
126 Front Street, Pictou, NS
The price is NT$4,541 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$4,541
NT$5,177 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf B&B in Pictou. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (458 reviews)
"What a lovely hotel. This is the first hotel in Pictou and it is gorgeous. The entire hotel is gorgeous, our room was wonderful and the breakfast was nice. The only downsize is that there is no elevator so it was alot of steps to get to the first floor room."

Reviewed on 2025/8/1

Braeside Country Inn
The Scotsman Inn

The Scotsman Inn

3 out of 5
74 Coleraine Street, Pictou, NS
The price is NT$4,124 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
NT$4,124
NT$4,702 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Pictou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (312 reviews)
"Sandy and Cathy are wonderful hosts. They are very hospitable and share good advice about travelling throughout Nova Scotia and PEI."

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions MacKay Brook Nature Reserve and Loch Broom ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (147 reviews)
"I stayed in the motel not the chalets, and was basic but very clean; kitchenette well equipped. Would be noisy if busy."

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

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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