The Pictou County region is conveniently located just over an hour and a half outside of Halifax, on route to Cape Breton Island. It is home to the Northumberland Ferries, which connects the Province of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Explore the diverse communities that make up the Pictou County region, from the warm water beaches to charming shops, wooded parks, historical sites, and various unique downtown cores.
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Pictou Landing First Nations
Pictou Landing Mi’kmaw Nation is a Mi’kma’ki community located on nearly 530 hectares along the Northumberland Strait.
The community is home to 459 band members, the Victoria Corner Market, and a health centre with a full-time nurse, doctor, and home care services. There is also a school for grades primary through eight, a daycare, fire hall, fisheries complex where 26 community-owned vessels are stored in the off-season, and the locally owned Wolf Den gaming centre.
Municipality of Pictou County
However you enter, you will be greeted by the Municipality of Pictou County, the largest and most sprawling of our county’s municipal units.
On the far side of Pictou, you’ll find Braeshore and Caribou, home to Northumberland Ferries that connect our province to Prince Edward Island. Across the water is Pictou Island, a 23.75 sq-km island located four nautical miles off Pictou County’s shoreline, which is home to a small group of year-round residents and numerous summer dwellers. In short, there are dozens of communities throughout Pictou County offering the best in people and spaces for day trips, evening drives, or a place to call home.
New Glasgow
The Town of New Glasgow lines the banks of the East River.
The town serves as the commercial service centre for Pictou County and has the highest population density per square kilometre outside of the Halifax region. Along the west side of the river is the Samson walking trail and the downtown core is home to a variety of shops, services and restaurants.
Enjoy the town’s many parks and trails, such as Goodman Rotary Park along the riverbanks where you can enjoy a picnic, and even outdoor concerts and events, or the Africentre Heritage Park on Vale Road, which was created in 2000 to commemorate the past, focus on the present and provide a foundation for the cultural future of Nova Scotians of African descent.
Pictou
The Birthplace of New Scotland, and all things related – food, music, architecture, language, genealogy and ties to the sea.
The summer breeze carries the sound of local pipe and drum bands. Pictou boasts a beautiful waterfront with the Jitney Walking Trail, marinas, a yacht club, year-round restaurants with water views and seasonal patios. Enjoy learning about the rich fishing industry at the Pictou Fisheries Museum, or our Scottish heritage at the Hector Heritage Quay and visit the replica Ship Hector. Visit the nearby McCulloch House Museum and Genealogy Centre for historical and art displays and exhibits or trace a family tree using their archives and genealogical information.
Stellarton
Stellarton has a rich history with the exploration and operations of coal mining and the railroad. It is home to the founding and current headquarters of the Sobeys national grocery chain, and features many recreational facilities and parks.
Sledding at the Albion ball field is a favourite activity in winter.
There are many new and long-standing businesses and services in Stellarton, such as Sobeys Inc., WearWell Garments, Nova Scotia Spirit Co., Backstage Brewing Co., and the famous, Sam’s Pizza where you can enjoy the local delicacy of brown sauce pizza.
Trenton
Trenton is home to a post office, pharmacy, a library, the Trenton Heritage Room, convenience stores, three restaurants and other services, mostly located along Main Street. Trenton has two ball fields, the Scotia Park ballfield and the Eban MacIsaac Ball Field, a skateboard park, tennis courts, youth centre, the Albion Boxing Club, Steeltown Friendly Group Seniors Club and the Trenton Minor Sports Community Centre which hosts a variety of events such as the Pictou County Seniors Festival, roller derby races, hockey, skating and more. Featured on Main Street is Trenton Station, a covered outdoor space used for special events and markets.
Trenton Park, our largest municipal park, stretching through 565 acres of forest. This is a popular spot for walks and bike rides around the pond, or through the well-marked trails, and in the summer many enjoy a dip in the pool, along with a variety of special events and activities.
Westville
With deep roots in mining, Westville features a downtown core with everything you need – a grocery store, post office, a health clinic, a craft shop, restaurants, coffee shops, and other services. Westville is the place to be leading up to and enjoying Canada Day – known for its annual Canada Day events which include a community favourite: The Canada Day Parade, where thousands of people line the streets. Nearby is the Pictou County Military Museum, the library and a variety of sporting opportunities.
Westville is home to the Highland Drive-in – a classic twist on a fun outing for all ages.