Top Things to Do in Pictou, NS
Pictou might be best known as the home of the Ship Hector, a replica of the vessel that brought the first Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia. And while it’s worth stopping to see the ship, there’s more to this little town than just its historic harbour.
We’ve been to Pictou a few times—usually on the hottest days of the year—and always end up sticking around longer than planned. There’s just something about the mix of history, waterfront views, and small-town charm that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
If you’re planning a stop (or wondering if it’s worth one), here are a few of our favourite things to do in Pictou.
A Small Town with a Big History
Pictou is a small harbour town on Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore, best known as the birthplace of New Scotland and the landing site of the Ship Hector. In 1773, nearly 200 Scottish settlers arrived aboard the Hector, marking the beginning of a large wave of immigration that would shape the province’s identity.
That history still runs deep here—you can walk the same waterfront where the ship landed, explore museums that tell the story, and spot nods to Scottish heritage all over town. It’s one of the things that gives Pictou so much character for such a small place.
But that’s not all—here are some of the other things to do in Pictou, from hands-on museums to breezy waterfront adventures.
Top Things to Do in Pictou
Pictou might be small, but it packs in a surprising mix of history, family-friendly fun, and scenic coastal charm. Whether you’re visiting for the day or spending a weekend, here are some of the best ways to explore this Northumberland Shore town.
Visit the Hector Heritage Quay
If there’s one place that captures Pictou’s history, it’s the Hector Heritage Quay. This waterfront museum is home to a full-sized replica of the Ship Hector—the vessel that carried nearly 200 Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia in 1773. After years of restoration, the ship was finally relaunched in July 2025 with a long-awaited unveiling—complete with a crowd, cheers, and a dramatic splash as the ship slid back into the harbour.
Visitors can now walk aboard the newly restored vessel, climb below deck, and get a feel for what the original crossing might have been like (spoiler: not luxurious).
Inside the interpretive centre, exhibits bring to life the story of Scottish immigration and the hardships those early settlers faced. It’s hands-on, family-friendly, and a surprisingly moving look at how this small town became known as the “Birthplace of New Scotland.”
Explore the Northumberland Fisheries Museum
This little museum might be easy to miss, but it’s worth a stop—especially if you’re looking for a quick break from the sun, wind, or surprise shower. Located right on the waterfront, it’s an easy detour and a good way to switch things up for a bit.
The Northumberland Fisheries Museum is mostly self-guided, with hands-on exhibits about Nova Scotia’s fishing history, a working lobster hatchery, and a small aquarium where you can see (and even hold!) live lobsters. My kids have done the lobster holding a few times before, so that wasn’t the biggest hit for us this time—but spotting the rare blue lobster definitely was. It’s a short visit overall, but packed with interesting finds and well worth the stop.
Shop at Grohmann Knives
This might not be the kind of shop you expect to find in a small waterfront town, but Grohmann Knives is a bit of a local legend. Known for their handcrafted Canadian knives, the factory store is right downtown and worth stopping in.
They offer a range of knife styles and builds, from forged blades to full tang designs, and I learned a lot just browsing. The staff were great about answering questions and explaining the differences, which made it feel more like a behind-the-scenes peek than a typical store visit.
I ended up buying a few knives as a birthday gift, and the quality really stands out. Whether you’re into cooking, fishing, or just love a good quality knife, it’s a great place to pick up something, either for your own kitchen or as a very unique Nova Scotian souvenir.
Browse the DeCoste Centre for Arts
Right along the waterfront, the DeCoste Centre is a hub for local arts, performances, and community events in Pictou. Depending on the season, you might catch a live concert, theatre show, art exhibit, or a pop-up market.
The Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library is also located in the same building, making it a great rainy-day stop for families or anyone looking for a quiet break.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, it’s worth checking the schedule in advance—there’s often something happening inside, and it’s a great way to experience a bit of the town’s creative side.
Try to Escape at McCulloch House Museum
The McCulloch House Museum blends local history with something a little more unexpected: an on-site escape room. Tucked somewhere within the museum (we’re not giving away where!), the escape room adds a fun twist to a historical visit. It’s a creative way to explore Pictou’s past while solving puzzles with your crew.
There are three themed challenges to choose from, including a haunted cottage and a clue-style study—each one tied to Nova Scotia history in clever ways. It’s family-friendly and designed with different age groups in mind, and a great option if you’re looking for something a bit different during your visit.
Check Out the Caladh Marquee and Vendor Village
In the summer months, the waterfront comes alive with the seasonal Caladh Marquee and Vendor Village. It’s a relaxed, market-style setup with local vendors selling everything from art and crafts to snacks and souvenirs. There are shaded spots to sit, waterfront views, and usually some live music on weekends.
We didn’t manage to catch it while it was open, but it looked like the kind of place you could easily spend an hour browsing, grabbing a cold drink, and soaking in the atmosphere. Definitely something we’re planning to check out on our next visit.
Rent a Kayak, Pedal Boat, or Cruiser Bike
If you’re up for a little activity, Paddle & Pedal Rentals offers kayaks, pedal boats, and cruiser bikes right from the waterfront. It’s a fun way to explore the harbour or cruise along the shoreline paths. The water is usually calm, making it beginner-friendly and a great fit for families with younger kids.
Know Before You Go:
Rentals are weather dependent and run in set 90-minute time slots.
- Pedal Boats & Bikes: 10:30, 12:00, 2:30
- Kayaks: 11:00, 1:00, 3:00
- Prices: Pedal Boats $30, Kayaks $20, Cruiser Bikes $20
Explore the Jitney Trail
The Jitney Trail is a scenic, 3-kilometre seaside path that runs along the waterfront, starting near the marina and winding its way to the Ship Hector landing site. It’s flat, stroller-friendly, and a great way to stretch your legs while taking in the harbor views.
You’ll pass interpretive signs, benches, and bits of local history as you go, making it an easygoing walk that’s more than just a path—it tells a story along the way. Ideal for a morning stroll, bike ride, or just letting kids burn off some energy before ice cream.
Head to the Beach
If the weather’s on your side, there are a couple of great beach options just a short drive from town.
- Waterside Beach Provincial Park is known for its long stretch of soft sand and quiet, uncrowded vibe. It’s a good spot if you’re looking for something low-key and beautiful, with lots of space to spread out.
- Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park offers warm water swimming (yes, really), picnic tables, forest trails, and beach access all in one. It’s a bit more developed than Waterside, but still feels relaxed—and it’s one of our favourites in the area. A great choice for a full afternoon with kids or a quick stop before catching the ferry to PEI.
Both are classic Northumberland Shore beaches, with that famously warm water and red-sand charm
Visit Caribou Lighthouse
Just a few minutes from town—and right near the PEI ferry terminal—Caribou Lighthouse is a quick and easy stop. It’s one of those classic Nova Scotian things: lighthouses scattered all along the coast, and if you haven’t seen too many yet, you might as well add this one to your list.
There’s not much there beyond the lighthouse itself, ocean views, and a few benches, but that’s kind of the charm. It’s a nice place to pause, snap a few photos, and let the salty breeze do its thing before heading back into town or on to your next stop.
Have Ice Cream at the Dairy Bar
After a day of exploring, nothing beats a stop at the Dairy Bar. This popular roadside spot serves up a shockingly huge selection of soft-serve—over 60 flavours, from classics to ones you’ve probably never seen in swirl form.
We were honestly a bit overwhelmed by the options, but in the best way. I’m not usually a big soft-serve person, but the crème de menthe caught my eye—and it totally delivered. It was so hot the day we visited, they served our cones in cups because the ice cream was melting faster than it could hold its shape. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and if you’re visiting with kids, this is an easy win.
Experience the Pictou Lobster Carnival
If you’re visiting in early July, you might just catch one of Pictou’s biggest events of the year: the Lobster Carnival. It’s part small-town fair, part seafood celebration, with live music, parades, rides, and—of course—plenty of lobster.
The festival usually runs over the first full weekend of July and takes over the town in the best way. You’ll find everything from family-friendly activities to late-night concerts, and it’s a great time to experience Pictou when it’s at its busiest and most festive.
Visit Seafoam Lavender
If you’re pairing your visit to Pictou with something nearby, Seafoam Lavender Farm is a great add-on. It’s about a 20-minute drive from town and well worth it—especially in July when the fields are in bloom. There’s a small shop on-site with all things lavender (soap, tea, lotions and plants) and enough room for kids to stretch their legs.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Pictou
Pictou might be a small town, but don’t let the size fool you – there’s plenty to do from exploring its history to wandering waterfront trails, relaxing on nearby beaches, and soft-serve ice cream with more flavors than you thought possible. It’s relaxed, walkable, and full of those small surprises that make you glad you stopped.
Whether you’re heading to PEI, road-tripping through Nova Scotia, or just looking for a coastal day trip, Pictou is well worth a visit. We’ve ended up here more than once—and somehow, it always feels like summer’s officially started when we do!
More Inspiration for Your Nova Scotia Bucketlist
25 Awesome Things to Do in Nova Scotia in the Summer
10 Fun Things to Do in Nova Scotia in July
10 Best Gardens in Nova Scotia to Visit This Year
Seafoam Lavender: Why You Need to Visit
