Northumberland Shore

The Cape George Lighthouse

The Northumberland Shore is a region of Nova Scotia, Canada. The Northumberland Shore has more warm-water ocean beaches than anywhere else in Atlantic Canada. Fresh local lobster is a food of choice for the region and is available at restaurants throughout.

Cities

• 1 Antigonish — a service hub for the surrounding region, and home of the picturesque campus of St. Francis Xavier University
• 2 New Glasgow — see its historic downtown core
• 3 Pictou — the birthplace of new Scotland
• 1 Tatamagouche , small village with main street shopping, restaurants and pubs in the heart of cottage country.

Other destinations

• 1 Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park — a 1.6-km-long sand beach offers some of the warmest saltwater swimming north of the Carolinas, serviced and unserviced campsites, hiking trails
• 2 Waterside Beach Provincial Park — a long sandy beach with warm water, and salt marsh; boardwalk access, no camping
• Cottage country villages: Brule Beach, Malagash, River John

Understand

The Northumberland Shore was the landing place for the first European immigrants, and the Town of Pictou, known as the “Birthplace of New Scotland.” Its moderate climate lends itself to growing grapes for wines: one of the province's largest wineries is here.

Get in

The Trans-Canada Highway 104 is the main road in and out of the region.

• Maritime Bus. Runs buses to New Glasgow and Antigonish from Halifax, Truro and Sydney. (updated May 2019)

Halifax is the closest major airport.

Via Rail's closest terminal is in Truro, approximately 40 minutes west of New Glasgow. The Ocean service passes through three times a week en route between Montreal and Halifax.

Pictou is the closest town in Nova Scotia to the Prince Edward Island ferry.

Get around

Highway 104 is the main routes between New Glasgow and Antigonish, while Highway 106 takes you from New Glasgow to Pictou and the PEI ferry. Route 337 provides a nice drive around Cape George.

See

Xavier Hall at St. Francis Xavier University

The Sunrise Trail is a scenic motorway which passes through many of the coastal towns and villages in the area. The trail is known for its stunning ocean views and seaside farms. It is the access route for several attractions. These include the Cape George Lighthouse (the park at the lighthouse features several kilometres of hiking trails), Ballantyne's Cove Bluefin Tuna Interpretive Centre, and the Arisaig Lighthouse. It also passes through Antigonish, home of the Antigonish Highland Games every July, and of St. Francis Xavier University.

New Glasgow offers several museums and galleries, and you can learn about the history of Scottish immigration at the Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou.

Do

Gorge yourself on crustaceans at the Pictou Lobster Festival in July.

Enjoy the beaches of Caribou Provincial Park and Waterside Beach Provincial Park.

Eat

• Pictou County pizza. A regional variant of pizza found in Pictou County. The pizza is made with a "brown sauce" and Halifax-made pepperoni called "Brothers". The pizza can be shipped frozen across Canada via an arrangement between a local pizza shop and the local UPS agent. (updated Jul 2019)
• 1 Overstreet Cafe, River John. (updated Sep 2024)

Drink

• 1 Jost Vineyards, 48 Vintage Lane, Malagash, toll-free: +1-800-565-4567. The province’s oldest and largest winery. The mild climate is the basis for the local wine industry. Daily wine tastings, vineyard tours, locally inspired gourmet fare at the Seagrape Café, and a broad selection of wines and wine merchandise in the boutique. (updated Jul 2019)

Go next

East to the Minas Basin, west to Cape Breton Island, south to the Eastern Shore, or north to Prince Edward Island.