Antigonish

In 2016, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke at a UN summit and told the assembled nations about a little town in northeastern Nova Scotia. Antigonish was put forward as an example of a community coming together to support a family of Syrian refugees. The Hadhad family, along with the support of their adopted community, created a business (Peace by Chocolate) enjoyed by and employing Canadians.

This type of of grassroots support for small business is not new for Antigonish, also home to the world renowned St. Francis Xavier University. It was at this university that Rev. Moses Coady laid the groundwork for the Antigonish Movement – a social movement that blended co-operatives, adult education and community development to improve the lives of rural Canadians and people in developing countries around the world.

Prior to European settlement, this area was the location of a annual Mi'kmaq summer community. Founded in 1784 and incorporated in 1889, each year the town's population of 4364 nearly doubles as St. F.X. students return to class. I visited Antigonish on July 3rd, and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – Got a photo in front of the town's welcome sign on West Street.

2. Visitor’s Centre – Antigonish built a new Visitor's Centre at Nova Landing just off the highway. Unfortunately there are still signs up pointing to the old location. So yes, I got a little lost.

3. Museum – Visited the Antigonish Heritage Museum located in the old train station. Free admission and loads of artifacts and info on Antigonish and its history.

Brownstone Restaurant

4. Food – Lots of restaurants to choose from, so I checked out Brownstone Restaurant and enjoyed a delicious chicken and italian sausage penne.

5. Drink – While at Brownstone I had a Steinhart Lemonade, made with vodka from Steinhart Distillery in nearby Arisaig. 

6. Public Space – It was too hot for a hike, so I grabbed a cold water and relaxed in the shade at Colin H. Chisholm Park just off Main Street.

A cool spot at Colin H.Chisholm Park

7. Art – Lots of art can be found around town, including the ‘Echoes of our Past’ sculptures carved from dying elm trees.

8. Swag – At Antigonish's iconic 5¢ to $1 Store I found an “I (heart) Antigonish” magnet. 

When should you go? Check out the Antigonish Highland Games (July 6-8) the oldest continuous Highland Games outside of Scotland, Festival Antigonish (throughout the summer) and Antigonish International Film Festival (October 26-27).

A little bit of trivia: First published in 1852, Antigonish's weekly newspaper, The Casket, is the oldest continuing weekly newspaper in Canada.

Up next: The town known for it's location - being halfway between the North Pole and the Equator. Find out on Sunday!