"Pictou- The Birthplace of New Scotland" Pictou by Lisser

Pictou Travel Guide: 25 reviews and 36 photos

Pictou (pronounced: Pick-toe, NOT Pick-two!!) is a small town in the heart of northern Nova Scotia. It is world renowned as the "Birthplace of New Scotland". Pictou has a population of approximately 4000 people. The predominant language is english, with most people coming from Scottish or French backgrounds.

The main industries in Pictou are: fishing and fish processing, farming,a pulp and paper mill, Michelin tire plant, and tourism.

Ship Hector: The Ship Hector Launch in 2000, attracted over 50,000 visitors to Pictou for the launch and festivities. It was the most people ever in the town at one time!! Since the launch in 2000, the second weekend of September has been designated "New Scotland Days,"commemerating the landing of the Hector and its passengers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Friendly people, good food, lots of history
Cons:Mostly everything closes from October to May
In a nutshell:A tiny town with a big heart

Intro Updated Feb 14, 2003
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Reviews (23)

Pictou Island Off The Beaten Path (2)

If you're up for a real "off the beaten path" experience than a day trip to Pictou Island would be perfect for you. It's... more travel advice

Souvenir Shopping Tourist Traps (1)

Souvenir shopping. Gift shops are all over town and stuff is ridiculously overpriced. Only tourists shop there because... more travel advice

...Only Here in Pictou! Local Customs (3)

~Chloroform was produced for the first time in North America right here in Pictou in 1848. ~The old post office in... more travel advice

Jiggs& Reels Boat Tours Ltd. Transportation (2)

A daily water taxi service that leaves downtown Pictou and connects to the heart of downtown New Glasgow. OR, Enjoy... more travel advice

Restaurants (2)
See All The Best Pizza in Town!
Nightlife (2)
See All Summer Sounds of Nova Scotia
Warnings and Dangers (1)
Pictou: The One Way Street!

Hotels (3)
See All Willow House Inn
Things to Do (6)
See All The Ship Hector and Hector...
Favorites (1)
The town of Pictou is renowned...

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (17)

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BuickMackane Feb 4, 2005 at 5:33 PM

I was delighted to find your page. My ancestors came from Inverness to Pictou, and my great-grandfather was born there! Thanks!
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HappyinSoCal Jan 17, 2005 at 5:44 PM

Fun and informative site. My family's from rural Pictou County (East River St. Mary's) and I'll be visiting again soon.
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dsantosh Sep 14, 2003 at 8:39 PM

Excellant page and nice tips..Beautiful phtographs and great albums.....Many many happy returns of the day..Wishing you a a happy birthday..
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yen_2 Jul 26, 2003 at 9:31 AM

Hector Heritage Quay looks pretty and the magic family resort sounds interesting! Nice page about your town..
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Bwana_Brown Apr 16, 2003 at 7:39 PM

A great page on Pictou! It really is a wonderful place to visit, I know, since I have spent a couple of summer vacations there!
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herzog63 Apr 16, 2003 at 6:35 PM

The Jitney Trail sounds like a nice stroll! Pictou looks like a fantastic place to live! I'd probably be one of those tourists going the wrong way down Water St. LOL Great page!
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Carmanah Feb 15, 2003 at 10:14 PM

Your home town looks beautiful... really charming. I love small towns with a lot of history and culture. If I get to Nova Scotia, I'll be sure to visit! I'm hoping to get to NS some time in the future!
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barryg23 Jan 31, 2003 at 10:32 AM

Nice page on your home - very useful, informative tips
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Leipzig Jan 31, 2003 at 8:45 AM

Very informative page especially the local customs. Seems to be a great place to live
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sambarnett Jan 29, 2003 at 7:43 PM

Looks like a great place. Everyone should make hometown VT pages as good as this!!