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
The price is NT$2,471 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
NT$2,471
NT$2,817 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
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! (631 reviews)
"Clean and roomy. Quiet. Enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on 2025/7/30

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$4,705 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
NT$4,705
NT$5,364 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
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! (456 reviews)
"Great stay - hosts were very welcoming."

Reviewed on 2025/7/28

Braeside Country Inn
The Customs House Inn

The Customs House Inn

3.5 out of 5
38 Depot Street, Pictou, NS
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly guesthouse in Pictou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Popular attractions Northumberland Fisheries ...
9/10 Wonderful! (338 reviews)
"I love my room! Beautiful high ceiling, spacious, terrific bathroom."

Reviewed on 2025/7/24

The Customs House 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (144 reviews)
This is a good place for large groups
"This is a lovely place well off the beaten path. It's a bit of a drive to the nearest food or amenities. Our room was decent. The pool and play area were modest but clean and well maintained. The jets in our bathtub didn't work, which was disappointing. We were just staying for one night and didn't ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/29

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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