Northumberland Shore

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

 * — a service hub for the surrounding region, and home of the picturesque campus of St. Francis Xavier University
 * — see its historic downtown core
 * — the birthplace of new Scotland

Other destinations

 * — a 1.6-km-long sand beach offers some of the warmest saltwater swimming north of the Carolinas, serviced and unserviced campsites, hiking trails
 * — a long sandy beach with warm water, and salt marsh; boardwalk access, no camping

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.



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


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.

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