Things to Do In Pictou
From the Hector Heritage Quay (pronounced key ) to the Weekend Market, Pictou has lots of seasonal and year-long activities to keep you busy...
Shopping
From Scottish tartans at Whigmaleeries to pottery at Water Street Studios, Pictou has all sorts of shops and boutiques within easy walking distance of the Evening Sail. Downtown parking is free and easy to find.
Water Street Studios features the work of Nova Scotia artists and artisans. Wood carving, pottery, jewellery and much more.
Casper's is a charming little shop stuffed full of gifts and home decor. Be sure to say hello to Debbie's poodle, Mowgli!
At Whigmaleeries you will have access to one of the largest (if not the largest!) selections of Scottish goods found in Nova Scotia - Clan-crested items from thimbles to cross-stitch kits If it is Tartans you are seeking, then Whigmaleeries is your one-stop shop for tartans, everything from ties to lap trays. Visit the Whigmaleeries website for product information and online shopping.
((h)wig-ma-le'-ri (Scot), n., a trinket, knick-knack, a fantastic
ornamentation, an odd or fanciful contrivance
" Rags to Rugs Craft Shoppe is a rug hooking supply store located in Pictou, Nova Scotia. Their product offerings include hooks, frames, rag cutters, new and recycled wool, dyes, scissors, rug hooking books and a variety of other rug hooking supplies. They supply fine quality products so that your creative projects can withstand the test of time." The local rug hooking group, the Hector Rug Hookers meets weekly and welcomes drop-ins. Visit the Rags to Rugs website for meeting information and class schedules.
Ship Hector Company Store features items built on-site as well as official Ship Hector memorabilia.
For more shopping ideas in the area, visit Daytrips for our Shopping Along The North Shore itinerary.
Pictou Weekend Market
The Pictou Weekend Market operates all summer and into the fall. Located right downtown, across from the water, the market features seasonal produce, baked goods, local crafts and one-of-a-kind works from Nova Scotia artisans. Admission is free. Visit the market's website for a complete list of exhibitors.
The Hector Heritage Quay
Located on the beautiful Pictou waterfront, the Hector Heritage Quay offers unique insight into the journey of early Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia, and their arrival in Pictou. The centerpiece is the continuing construction of a full-scale three-masted sailing ship, a replica of the Hector that carried the early pioneers from Loch Broom, Scotland in 1773. You can experience the rolling motion of the deck as the passengers disembark the Hector to begin their new lives. The Hector Heritage Quay provides a glimpse into 18th century life. The site features a working carpentry shop, blacksmith shop, resident artist's studio, and Ship Hector Company Store. Tours are offered daily.
The deCoste Centre
The deCoste Centre had its official opening in November 1982 with a performance by Rita MacNeil. Since then the deCoste has presented over 2000 concerts featuring singers, musicians, actors and dancers from around the world.Summer programming at the deCoste caters especially to the ever-growing visitor audience—with a weekly series called “The Summer Sounds of Nova Scotia” featuring the best of Maritime singers, musicians and traditional Highland dancers. The Hector Festival, a five day celebration of our Celtic music and heritage, takes place in the second week of August.
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The Northumberland Fisheries Museum
The Northumberland Fisheries Museum prides itself on preserving the rich sea heritage and culture along the Northumberland Strait. We pay tribute to the life and times of all involved, past and present, with the fishing industry. Daily tours to the main museum, a lighthouse museum and a working lobster hatchery research centre.
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The McCulloch House Museum...Ships, Kilts & Big Ideas
What do you think about when you hear the word "Scottish"?
A Scottish Terrier? Tartan and kilts? Haggis and oatmeal?
At McCulloch House Museum, a new, interactive exhibit tells the fascinating story of one of the many groups who settled Nova Scotia. Piece together the Scottish-immigrant puzzle and take a fresh look at this group's contribution to Nova Scotia.
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The Hector Exhibit Centre
The Hector Exhibit Centre was built in 1973 as a project by the National Government in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the landing of the ship Hector. It houses the Pictou County Genealogy & Heritage Society, a non-profit, permanent institution open to all members of the public. The Society’s Mandate is to acquire, preserve, provide access to, research, communicate and exhibit, for purposes of study, education and enjoyment, documents and artifacts pertinent to the history and culture of Pictou County.
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Grohmann Knives
Handcrafted Grohmann Knives are recognized around the world for their beauty, balance and quality. They have won more than 25 international honors including a display at the New York's prestigious Museum of Modern Art. Free tours operate daily.
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