Pictou

My last stop on this provincial town tour is the oldest incorporated town in Nova Scotia. More than 250 years ago many Scottish immigrants (including some of my own ancestors) began arriving in this port town on ships such as the Hector, following the Highland Clearances. Pictou later became known as “the birthplace of New Scotland.”

Caladh Avenue

Pictou takes its name from the Mi'kmaq Piktuk, meaning “explosive place”. It was the site of a popular summer settlement for the Mi'kmaq people, prior to the arrival of Europeans. Founded in 1767 and incorporated in 1874, shipbuilding was a major industry in the area in the 19th century, and the port became vital for the coal industry in the neighbouring towns. Today the population of this Pictou County town is 3,168. 

I visited Pictou on August 31st and here's what I found:

1. Selfie – Took a picture in front of the town's welcome sign on the corner of Water and Church Streets.

2. Visitor’s Centre – Stopped into Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores Visitor Information Centre on West River Road in Pictou. Loads of information on the Pictou area and the rest of Nova Scotia.

Hector Heritage Quay and replica of the Hector ship

3. Museum – Unfortunately I ran out of time during my visit, but my intention was to check out The Hector Heritage Quay, which features a replica of the migrant ship Hector. I have visited this museum before and fully intend to return. Pictou is also home to Northumberland Fisheries Museum and McCulloch House Museum and Geneology Centre. 

4. Food – Went to Harbour House Ales and Spirits on the corner of Coleraine Street and Caladh Avenue for a feed of haddock.

5. Drink – Pictou doesn't produce any of its own spirits, but while at Harbour House I enjoyed Spindrift Brewing Company's Coastal Lager made in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

6. Public Space – Took a stroll along the scenic Jitney Walking Trail on Pictou's waterfront, which connects to the Trans Canada Trail System.

7. Art – Several examples of public art in town, but the sculpture of the Hector Pioneer by John Wilson near the corner of Church and Market Streets was my favourite.

8. Swag – Bought a Pictou postcard at the Pay a Dollar Store on Water Street.

When should you go? Check out Pictou Lobster Carnival (July), Summer Musical Showcase (July and August) or Pictou North Colchester Exhibition (September 5th - September 9th).

Water Street

A little bit of trivia: In 1773 the Dutch-built ship Hector transported 189 Scottish immigrants to Pictou. The voyage took 11 weeks and disease claimed the lives of 18 passengers. In 1992, a group formed to commission a replica of the ship, which would help Nova Scotians understand the hardships our immigrant ancestors endured to build a life here in Nova Scotia.

Up next: The visits are done but while the memories are still fresh I'll compose a little summary of my journey. Keep an eye out for that on Sunday.