Things to Do on the Northumberland Shore

The warm, sparkling blue waters and wide sandy beaches of the Northumberland Strait make this region a vacation paradise. The Northumberland Shore offers more warm-water ocean beaches than anywhere else in Atlantic Canada! Relax with a picnic and enjoy some local fare. Freshly caught lobster, wild blueberries from Oxford and maple syrup from Sugar Moon Farm are just a few of the delicacies found in this region. Sample some award-winning wines while you enjoy the lush vineyards at Jost Vineyards in Malagash, renowned for their warm hospitality and perfectly chilled ice wine.

Outdoor Adventure

Zip lining from atop MacGrath Mountain provides a bird’s-eye view of the forest, while kayaking the estuary of Antigonish Harbour brings paddlers face to face with eagles and osprey. The trails of Cobequid Mountain provide the perfect hike, and there are more than 168 species of birds to enjoy along the Wallace Bay Wildlife Trail. Book a tee time at one of the lush golf courses that dot the Northumberland shore.

Scottish Culture

As the landing place of the first Scottish immigrants in Nova Scotia, the Northumberland region is rich with history. From museums and heritage sites to kilt-swirling, caber-tossing and pipe-skirling during the Hector Homecoming in Pictou and the Antigonish Highland Games, the oldest continously held Scottish Highland Games held outside of Scotland. The Pictou Lobster Carnival and the New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee are sure to get toes tapping as they celebrate our unique Nova Scotian culture.

Explore Northumberland Shore's Scenic Sunrise Trail

The Sunrise Trail guides visitors through rolling farmland, country roads and timeless towns and villages, and along sandy beaches and tidal salt marshes. It runs along the Northumberland Shore from Amherst through Pictou and Antigonish Counties to Auld’s Cove and the Canso Causeway, the entry point to Cape Breton Island.