The main street of Pictou is lined with handsome old stone buildings and interesting boutique shops. A replica of the ship – Hector - that carried the first Scots to Nova Scotia is moored in the harbour and houses a collection of artefacts and displays which give an insight the experience of those settlers. Nearby Tatamagouche is home to the historic waterfront development of Creamery Square, which now houses a slightly twee, but award-winning heritage centre that combines several community museums to depict the history of the area, from the early Mi’kmaq settlements to the heyday of 20^th century ship-building. The town is also home to the famous Train Station Inn where you can enjoy a meal, or even stay overnight in an old railway carriage.

There are many walking trails to be explored along the shores, leading to scenic lookouts or long stretches of white sand, such as at Caribou Provincial Park or Waterside Beach Provincial Park. Any of these spots are a great place to while away an afternoon; information and maps can be found in one of the various local visitor information centres.