| VISITOR INFORMATION
"Welcome to Antigonish County. Our countryside and rugged shoreline is rich in natural beauty and our hospitality is as extensive as our area history. Come and enjoy our unique corner of Nova Scotia." - Warden & Council |
Antigonish County is a rural community steeped in a unique heritage. 
Many of our ancestors came from the highlands of Scotland, and their culture and strong values still resonate through our every day life here in Antigonish County.
These, however, were not the first settlers to our county - the Acadian French had earlier begun to settle in the eastern part of the county when they were allowed to return to Nova Scotia after the Expulsion of the Acadians. Many of our residents celebrate their Acadian heritage in honor of their Acadian ancestors who settled here.
Later, the Irish Loyalists and the Black Loyalists were granted parcels of land to begin new settlements. However, prior to the arrival of all these settlers, the Mi'kmaq occupied this territory and had been living in this area for many centuries.
For more information on the history and genealogy of Antigonish County, please visit the 'Local History Room' at the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library site.
We are sure that you will be delighted with the scenic beauty of our county and its coastline; with its beaches, parks, trails and nature sites; its historic homes, lighthouses and churches; its art and craft studios, campgrounds and golf courses; its communities, its people and their heritage; and the many adventures and outdoor activities, attractions, festivals and events, and recreational opportunities that our county has to offer.
If you are looking for tourism destinations that relate to the agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries sectors, please consult the 'On the Land and In the Sea: A Resource Directory of Nova Scotia Agricultural, Aquacultural and Sportfishing Destinations and Activities' site. (Please note: when selecting a scenic travelway, we are located along the Northumberland Shore on the Sunrise Trail.) For more information on Sportfishing in Nova Scotia and Recreational Fishing Area #2 (Antigonish, Guysborough and Pictou Counties), please click here. Recreational boaters who are looking for suitable locations for launching their boats can view the Boat Ramp Locations in Antigonish County here.
| Open Farm Day | Each September, farms across Nova Scotia open their doors to the public for a day. Come out and discover how food is produced in Antigonish County! |
| Sportfishing Weekend provides a great opportunity to introduce youngsters to angling and promote family togetherness and outdoor living. This weekend is the perfect time for anyone who has ever wanted to fish to give it a try! | Sport Fishing Weekend |
Year-round, you can enjoy numerous arts and cultural events in the area. Please view the Guysborough Antigonish Pictou Arts & Cultural Council (GAPACC) Events Calendar for details. Explore the pastoral countryside while searching for some of the many art/craft studios that Antigonish County has to offer. View a sampling of these in the Studio Rally Studio Map - Northumberland Shore, or in The Guide to Craft & Art in Nova Scotia - Northumberland Shore, or, by searching the VANS E-Studio Artist Pages - Region:Sunrise Trail.
If you visit us in winter, be sure to bring along your cross-country skis or your snowshoes. If you visit us in the summer, don't forget to pack a bathing suit and beach gear. Bring along your kayak, canoe, golf clubs or hiking equipment anytime you visit during the spring, summer or fall. And whatever the season, don't forget your camera and binoculars!
Explore Antigonish County
Please select a region from the colored blocks below, or continue to scroll down through the page if you would like to view the information for all regions of the county.
If you require assistance in locating specific communities within our county, please click here and select Search for a Geographical Name. Click here to view a map of Antigonish County.
Head for the Hills!
a 133-hectare park which lies in the Pictou-Antigonish Highlands,
contains a wealth of tree species, which are as diverse as the park itself. From the interpretive centre, you can take in the panoramic view.
Two distinct landscapes make up the vista from the Beaver Mountain Park.
One area consists of the lowlands of the Northumberland Plain, that includes the town of Antigonish and the County beyond, which reaches as far as St. George's Bay. On a clear day, Cape Breton Island can be seen in the distance.
The other area consists of the large broad hills of the Pictou-Antigonish Highlands that surround and include the park.
This area provides both naturalists and artists with unique and beautiful scenery.
Beaver Mountain Park is a very convenient spot for motorists travelling along the TCH 104 to stop for a chance to rest, stretch or enjoy the scenic countryside. Guests are welcome to pack a lunch and spend the day enjoying and exploring the park.
Beaver Mountain Park offers a wheelchair accessible paved loop that is 1-1.6 kilometers in length.
This loop is also ideal for those who wish to simply stroll and enjoy the scenery, inline skate, or push a baby stroller.
There are two (2) easy-to-moderate trails, 3 and 6 kilometers in length, that cut through the interior and the back ridge of the park.
These trails are ideal for hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
James River is home to the Riverside International Speedway, and nearby, at Marshy Hope, one will find publicly accessible road access to the Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area, a popular back-country hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting and mountain biking destination, also located in the heart of the Pictou/Antigonish Highlands. A short drive west will bring you to the Barney's River Station School Museum, a retired one-room schoolhouse and registered heritage property, which houses school and community collectibles and artifacts.
| View a Registered Heritage Property |
In Glen Bard, stop at the Bard John MacLean Cemetery, a provincially-registered heritage property. Here, a cairn was erected in honour of Bard John MacLean, an early settler of the area. |
Linger along the Lakes!
(via route 7, Highway 276 and Highway 316),
through rolling hills and rich farmland, along the sparkling waters of Gaspereaux Lake, Lochaber Lake and South River Lake.
Bring along your kayak or canoe and spend a peaceful day on a tranquil lake or bring along your fishing pole for a little excitement. Lake Surveys for selected local lakes are available on-line (see Recreational Fishing Area #2 for Antigonish County Lakes).
Look for strawberries, blueberries and maple products during the harvest seasons at u-picks or at a roadside market.
A short drive off Highway 7 at Gaspereaux Lake will bring you to the community of St. Josephs.
If you are a canoeing or kayaking enthusiast, in the springtime you can travel from St. Josephs Lake to Antigonish Harbour via the Ohio/West River.
Continuing along Highway 7, linger near Lochaber Lake, or take a scenic drive or bike-ride around the lake on a tree-lined country lane. From here, you will appreciate the lake from a totally different perspective.
At South Lochaber, travel via Highway 276 to Highway 316 and follow along the South River from South River Lake to the mouth of Antigonish Harbour at Lower South River. At Frasers Mills, visit the Fraser's Mills Fish Hatchery, where trout and salmon are raised to stock the province's rivers, lakes and ponds.
At the visitor centre, learn about the hatchery and local angling. On-line information is available on the Hatchery Stocking Program, including information on the stocking of local lakes (see Recreational Fishing Area #2).
Search for the 'Echoes of our Past' Wooden Sculptures - unique statues carved from dying elm trees, located in Lochaber, St. Andrews and Meadow Green.
St. Andrews is home to the MacPherson Ballfield and the Highlander Curling Club. If you are visiting our region during the curling season, please view the Highlander Curling Club website to view their schedule of events. Public C@P sites are located in St. Josephs and St. Andrews.
Click here to view accommodations available in the St. Andrews area.
| View a Registered Heritage Property |
In St. Josephs, you can view the St. Joseph's Glebe House, a heritage home (private) which is a provincially-registered heritage property and is also listed in the Canadian Register of Historic Places. |
| View a Registered Heritage Property |
In North Lochaber, you can view the Manson House, a heritage home (private) which is a provincially-registered heritage property and is also listed in the Canadian Register of Historic Places. |
| Canada Day |
If you are visiting our region on July 1st, please join us for our annual 'Canada Day Celebration' at Teasdale's Field, located just off the Antigonish Guysborough Road in Marydale (Turn off Highway 316 in St. Andrews). |
Région Acadienne de Pomquet Acadian Region
Take a drive through le Village Acadien de Pomquet,
an Acadian village just 10 km east of Antigonish (exit north off TCH 104, at Taylors Road (Chemin Taylor) or at Pomquet Monks Head Road, between exit 35 and 36).
Visit historic Chez Deslauriers, a former Acadian home which currently houses a tearoom and interpretive centre.
The trailhead for the Pomquet Acadian Trails (Sentiers Acadiens de Pomquet) is also located on the property. Here, one can enjoy 6 kilometers of coastal and inland walking trails which guide you through the Monks Head Provincial Park Reserve. Spend the afternoon enjoying the sun, surf and sand at Pomquet Beach and the Pomquet Beach Provincial Park.
Pomquet Beach Provincial Park is a natural environment park containing the best example of prograding dune succession in Nova Scotia and Pomquet Beach is the longest of the beaches in the IBA Pomquet Beach Region.
Close by, you will discover Monks Head Beach and Dunns Beach, both part of the IBA Pomquet Beach Region.
If you travel south from Dunns Beach through Southside Antigonish Harbour, you will encounter spectacular scenic views of Antigonish Harbour and the surrounding landscape.
This route will return you to the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 104) at Lower South River.
Click here to view accommodations available in the Pomquet area.
Public C@P sites are located at Ecole acadienne de Pomquet and at the office of La Societe Acadienne Sainte-Croix.
| Alice Reed, CSPWC, is an accomplished artist whose paintings celebrate nature and wilderness. While in Pomquet, plan a visit to the 'Alice Reed Studio Gallery' where you will find original watercolours and limited edition reproductions. | Visit a Studio Studio Map 2009 Northumberland Shore |
| Economusée Artisans at work Economuseum |
While in the Southside Antigonish Harbour area, stop at the 'Harbour Quilt Company', a member of the ECONOMUSEUM network, to get a behind the scenes look at the steps and processes involved in creating a variety of quilted products and to view the artefacts related to quilting that Kim has on display in the parlour. |
If you are visiting our region during the summer months, please join us during one of the following 'Parks are for People' events:
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| Each February, the people of Pomquet join together in celebration of their Acadian heritage. Their pride of their history is well displayed with acadian flags flying and people dressed in acadian costumes. The celebrations include a mass, dances, musical events, meals, sporting activities and various other events. If you are visiting our region during mid-February, please join us for 'Carnaval d'Hiver de Pomquet'. |
Eastern Antigonish County
Take a drive along St. George's Bay on the Sunrise Trail
between Heatherton (TCH 104, exit 36) and Aulds Cove (TCH 104, exit 39).
Here, you will find lovely hamlets and villages, nestled along the coast, in this beautiful part of Antigonish County.
This area, with its pebble and sandy beaches, peaceful harbours and tidal estuaries, supports many species of waterfowl and other wildlife.
The diverse coastline provides excellent opportunities for swimming, beachcombing and bird watching; hiking along the many miles of natural coastal trails; boating, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and diving. It offers a wonderful array of subjects and scenery for painting and photography enthusiasts and a number of wonderful historic landmarks for 'steeplechasing' enthusiasts.
Pack a picnic lunch and spend a lazy afternoon at Bayfield Beach and the Bayfield Beach Provincial Park.
From the Bayfield Wharf/Marina you can view Pomquet Island, home of the Pomquet Island Lighthouse.
Peace and tranquility abound at the beautiful and historic Our Lady of Grace Monastery and Outdoor Shrine in Monastery.
Camping facilities are available at Hyclass Ocean Campground and Linwood Harbour Campground, which are both located in Linwood.
Nearby, you can take a walk and/or enjoy a picnic at the Linwood Heritage Nature Trail and Picnic Area, which also provides small-craft access to Linwood Harbour.
In the Village of Havre Boucher, you will find the Havre Boucher Range Lights and, nearby, the North Canso Light overlooks the Strait of Canso.
Boat ramps are accessible at the following locations: [Bayfield], [Barrios Beach/Tracadie Harbour], [Havre Boucher] and [Aulds Cove].
Accommodations are available in the Bayfield, Tracadie and Aulds Cove areas.
Public C@P sites are located in Heatherton, Afton, Monastery and Havre Boucher.
| A festival of music Musique Royale in historic settings |
If you are visiting our region on Monday, August 10th, 2009, please join us and the ENSEMBLE POLARIS at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Bayfield (TCH 104 exit 36 north to Bayfield). |
| Stop at Saint Peter's Church in Tracadie, a provincially-registered heritage property, and visit the Veterans Park located on the church grounds. | View a Registered Heritage Property |
Antigonish County's North Shore
Boat ramps are accessible at the following locations: [Cribbons Point], [Ballantynes Cove] and [Arisaig].
Accommodations are available at Lakevale, Cribbons Point and Malignant Cove.
Public C@P sites are located in Lakevale and Maryvale.
Departing from Antigonish and travelling along Highway 337, visit the Antigonish Harbour Wildlife Management Area and take a walk through this wildlife sanctuary via the Antigonish Landing Trail. View the interpretive panels which describe the local flora and fauna. The Fairmont Ridge Hiking Trail offers six different loops over hillside terrain, with each offering a different experience.
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A number of lookoffs offer views of Antigonish Harbour and the coast of St. Georges Bay.
Mahoney's Beach, a part of the IBA Pomquet Beach Region offers another opportunity to view the natural habitat of this area. The Mahoneys Beach Trail meanders along the shoreline, creating a unique opportunity to view the wildlife native to this coastal area.
One can view artifacts and obtain information on the heritage and culture of the area at the Cape George Heritage School Museum. Stop at the Ballantyne's Cove Marina and visit the Ballantyne's Cove Bluefin Tuna Interpretive Centre to learn more about tuna and the history of tuna fishing. View the antique 'Fresnel Lamp' which is an exact replica of the one that once belonged in the lighthouse.
Visit the Cape George Day Park and the Cape George Lighthouse and interpretive panels, at Cape George Point, from where Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island can be seen in the distance.
From any of these sites you can access the Cape George Hiking Trails.
If you travel west on Highway 245, from Malignant Cove, along the Northumberland Strait, to the village of Arisaig, you can enjoy a picnic at the Arisaig Provincial Park, hike along the Arisaig Provincial Park Trails, or hunt for fossils along the Arisaig Sea Cliffs. Stop at the Cairn commemorating the first settlement of Catholic Highlanders in Antigonish County and their first church.
| A festival of music Musique Royale in historic settings |
If you are visiting our region on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009, please join us and the ERNST FAMILY SINGERS at St. Mary's Church, Lismore (Highway 245). |
| If you are visiting our region on Friday, July 31st, 2009, please join us and the TEMPEST BAROQUE ENSEMBLE at St. George's Roman Catholic Church, Georgeville (Highway 337). | A festival of music Musique Royale in historic settings |
| If you are visiting our region on Mother's Day, we invite you to savour one of our favorite regional delicacies at the 'Arisaig Lobster Dinner', which is held annually at the Arisaig Parish Community Centre in Arisaig. |
| If you are visiting our region on Canada Day, we invite you to join us for our 'Canada Day Celebration' at the Mini-Trail Community Centre in Lakevale. |
| If you are visiting our region on the last Saturday of August, we invite you to join us in the 'Cape George Hike-a-thon', an organized hike along the Cape George Hiking Trails. |
| If you are visiting our region on the first Sunday of November, we invite you to join us at the 'Arisaig Christmas Bazaar' at the Arisaig Parish Community Centre, featuring local arts and crafts, a luncheon, draws, a silent auction and a host of other activities sure to please one and all. |
Visit the town of Antigonish
and surrounding area
Take a stroll through the downtown core and enjoy a refreshing break at one of the many cafes, bistros or tearooms that you will encounter along your way. Antigonish offers a host of options for great dining experiences.
Be sure to visit the local art studios and galleries and the Antigonish Heritage Museum which is located in the Old Train Station.
St. Ninian's Cathedral features romanesque architecture, hand-painted frescoes and fine woodwork, and is a provincially-registered heritage property and is also in the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
As you travel through the town, take note of the 'Echoes of our Past' Wooden Sculptures - unique statues carved from dying elm trees, and stop to view the cairns, built in honour of our ancestors, at the Field of Cairns, located near Whidden's Bridge.
During July and August treat yourself to live, professional theatre at Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre, performed at the Bauer Theatre, which is located on the StFX University campus.
Treat yourself to a free outdoor evening concert, each week during the month of July, when Music on Main hosts a variety of talented musical artists from the Atlantic region at Columbus Field.
Take part in the famous 'Antigonish Highland Games'
or attend the 'Gathering of the Arts'
which take place each year during the second full week of July, or the 'Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition', which takes place each year at the end of August.
During the fall and winter take in a performance of Theatre Antigonish, our local university/community theatre company, at the Bauer Theatre,
or attend a performance as part of the Antigonish Performing Arts Series at Immaculata Auditorium (except as noted).
The Bauer Theatre and Immaculata Auditorium are both located on the StFX University campus.
On Saturday mornings, from May to December, visit the 'Antigonish Farmers' Market', which is located at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition Grounds, behind the Antigonish Arena.
From late spring to late fall, enjoy both the scenic countryside and a round of golf from the rolling hills of the Antigonish Golf & County Club in Cloverville, or at Fiddler's Green Golf Course in Williams Point.
Both courses are located just on the out-skirts of town, with the Antigonish Golf Club overlooking the town of Antigonish, while Fiddler's Green Golf Course offers spectacular views of Antigonish Harbour.
Please check their respective websites for tournament schedules.
Antigonish is home to St. Francis Xavier University and the Coady International Institute.
In addition to the Bauer Theatre and Immaculata Auditorium, you will find the following entertainment and recreational facilities on the campus of StFXU: Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre, Alumni Aquatic Centre and Oland Centre.
Please check the StFXU Events Calendar for a schedule of events, including X-Sports and Alumni events.
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If you are visiting our region during March 11th - 14nd, 2010, please join us for the '2010 CIS Women's Ice Hockey Championship'! |
Where to Stay and Where to Eat
Please consult the Nova Scotia: Where to Stay site or the Nova Scotia: Where to Eat site. (Remember: when selecting a scenic travelway that we are located along the Northumberland Shore on the Sunrise Trail.)
For More Information
Our local Visitor Information Centre is open seasonally, from June to October. The telephone number is (902) 863-4921. It is located at the Antigonish Mall Complex in Antigonish (TCH Exit 33 north to Church Street).
If you require additional information on where we are and how to get here, please click here. |
"There’s a special beauty along the Sunrise Trail. Gently rolling
farmlands create a quilt of emerald green fields that meets
the sparkling blue waters of the Northumberland Strait.
Country roads wind past over thirty fine-sand beaches with
their bright red bluffs and tidal saltmarshes that are vibrant
with life. Timeless towns and villages, where generations
have harvested the bounty of land and sea, now wait to
be explored. Lobster boats can be seen leaving early in the
morning and returning in mid-afternoon loaded with their
delicious cargo. From the sea to you—it doesn’t get any
fresher than that!"
We recommend that you print the following excerpts from the Nova Scotia Doers & Dreamers Travel Guide, as a guide to the area: The Sunrise Trail Heritage Tour introduces you to the industry and imagination of Canada’s earliest peoples—the Mi’kmaq, the Scots, the Acadians. Tour the shoreline where the age of sail meets the age of rail. Visitor information is also available at the following sites: |
| To download or order Nova Scotia Travel Publications, or to access the Nova Scotia Visitor Information Services site, please click here. |  |
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