Travel to Pictou, Nova Scotia (Canada)

Yesterday I wrote about how pretty the town of Antigonish is, but Pictou, Nova Scotia is more of a traveller’s destination. A very attractive waterfront is where visitors gravitate towards, and the main street is dotted with quaint shops, cafés and restaurants.

The Hector Heritage Quay is probably the most popular tourist attraction, with a replicated version of Hector, the boat that arrived in 1773 with the Scottish Highlanders that would soon make this town “the birthplace of New Scotland.” You can now tour the boat and learn about the pioneers who made the town what it is today.

Hotels Pictou
The most interesting thing about Pictou, Nova Scotia is the accommodations. For whatever reason, the small cluster of B&Bs on or directly adjacent to the main street stand out for their historic value, interesting innkeepers and unique buildings.

Customs House Inn Pictou
38 Depot Street, 902-485-4546
This former customs house overlooking the harbour is a charming building. There’s nothing fancy about the rooms, but they have features like exposed brick walls, shiny hardwood floors and the history from its inception in 1870. The rooms are even air-conditioned and guests can reserve a spot in the Old Stone Pub downstairs (not open to the public, unfortunately).

Auberge Walker Inn
78 Coleraine Street, 902-485-1433 or 1-800-370-5553
It’s impossible to enter this B&B without falling for the innkeeper and her dog Hannah. A lady of extensive travels and stories, she has adorned the inn with objects from all over the world. The rooms are clean, with ornate fireplaces in some and 10-foot high ceilings. There are cute patios on all three floors (some in the sun, some in the shade) that she finished using the spacious fire escapes.

Consulate Inn
157 Water Street, 902-485-4554 or 1-800-424-8283
Yes, as the name implies, this was once a US Consulate. It’s now a colourful bed and breakfast that is filled with work from one of the owners, Debbie, who is also an artist (quilted wall hangings, quilted furniture and paintings). Although the rooms need a bit of a furniture update, the 1810 house, myriad of art and neat themed rooms- there’s a Bermudian Suite and a judge’s chambers- make this a vibrant B&B to stay in. I did meet the other owner, Debbie’s husband, who was either in quite a bad mood or a bit scary…

What I Liked:

Quaint, small town to spend the day (and night) in.

Great pubs along the waterfront.

Stroll through the shops along the main street.

The accommodations are interesting and all the one’s I visited above are a good choice.

Tags: Auberge Walker Inn, birthplace of New Scotland, canada, Consulate Inn, Customs House Inn Pictou, Hotels Pictou, Nova Scotia, ns, Pictou, pictou nova scotia, Travel to