Pictou Vacation Rentals

Visit the serene seaside town of Pictou on the Northumberland Shore in Nova Scotia to spend relaxing days on the beach and at fascinating historical sites. And with a comfortably furnished vacation rental as lodgings, you'll have the ideal base for enjoying this wonderful location.

Pictou History: Go Back in Time at Hector Heritage Quay

While visiting Pictou, be sure to visit Hector Heritage Quay. This is where the first wave of Scottish settlers landed, at Brown’s Point in Pictou Harbor on September 15, 1773. You'll be able to see the stunning replica of Hector, the Dutch ship that brought some of the first migrants.

There’s also an interpretive center at Hector Heritage Quay, housing 3 floors of exhibits related to the history of Scottish migration to North America. You can register here for tours, workshops, other fun events at the site to learn more about Hector and the Scottish migrants who made this corner of the world their new home. Check out the gift store to buy official memorabilia and books to take back home. It's also worth noting that Hector Heritage Quay is only open to the public during the summer months, so plan your visit accordingly.

Spend a Day Out in Waterside Beach Provincial Park

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Waterside Beach Provincial Park at Grant Road on Northumberland Shore. Situated on the eastern bank of the Caribou River, the park is a scenic place to stroll through, with red sand beaches, open farmland, a salt marsh and great facilities including picnic tables, changing rooms and washrooms.

You can enjoy multiple activities in this hidden gem of Pictou. Don’t miss the opportunity to canoe along the Caribou River, or go bird watching and wildlife spotting in the surrounding area. The best thing about the natural park is that it is seldom crowded, so you can spend quality family time in peaceful surroundings.

Sample Exquisite Cuisine at Pictou Lobster Carnival

Seafood lovers will find a paradise at the Pictou Lobster Carnival, an annual food festival started in 1934. This three-day gastronomic adventure is full of lobster dinners, boat races, car shows, live music, a children’s parade, and fireworks at the closing event. There is also great accommodation located close to the festival site.

There are lots of fantastic family events as part of the festival, including dressing up for the children's parade, antique car shows and exciting derby races. What's more, there are plenty of opportunities to rock out, with concerts and jam sessions taking place across the three days. But the highlight of the Carnival is, of course, the delicious lobster dishes on offer, which use fresh, locally-caught lobsters.

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