Experiences
Arts, Culture and Recreation
Out and About
Day Trips
Local Events
Arts, Culture and Recreation
The Antigonish Highland Games celebrate the richness of Scottish culture and heritage since 1861, when the Antigonish Highland Society was founded. The language, the traditions, music, dances and songs of the Gaels, along with feats of strength and excellence, continue to flourish every year. Featuring pipe bands, highland dancing, ancient Scottish heavy events and ceilidhs, this event attracts visitors from all over the world. Book your room early!
Festival Antigonish has established an inspiring legacy as a premier summer theatre in Atlantic Canada. With a patron base that includes thousands of Nova Scotians as well as regional, national, and international tourists; an acclaimed reputation as a local economic and cultural anchor; and an artistic commitment to excellence; Festival Antigonish offers a summer line-up of performances you will not want to miss.
Looking for accommodations in Antigonish for the IWK 250? The StFX Hotel is located only 10 minutes away from the Riverside International Speedway, which will be host to the IWK 250 Super Race Weekend. The IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis is a must do event for Maritime race fans and a bucket list event for fans from throughout North America. It attracts entries from the biggest names in Canadian super late model stock car racing and stars from NASCAR.
Out and About
The hills and beaches of Antigonish are rich with natural history. Nature lovers enjoy exploring our shores, hiking trails and wildlife filled salt marshes. With over 20kms of multi-use trails, Keppoch Mountain really opens the door to awesome outdoor activities like mountain biking, cross-country skiing, geocaching, trail running, hiking and walking. Included in the trail system is a new accessibility loop so those with mobility challenges can still access the wilderness that the Keppoch has to offer. On the weekends the lodge is open with inside washrooms and change rooms; after your adventure enjoy a hot chocolate in front of the fireplace.
Lighthouses have inspired legends and tales everywhere in Nova Scotia, truly embodying the province’s maritime spirit. Nowadays, they continue to dot our coastline. Take time to admire the picturesque cliffs of the Cape George Lighthouse during your time in Antigonish. Immerse yourself in the history of our first sailors or discover one of our peaceful beaches with pristine water quality.
Day Trips
Antigonish County
Be sure to visit our own mini-trail as you drive down Hwy 245. You can stop at Arisaig Provincial Park for a hike and visit the beach right next door – featuring a lighthouse that doubles as an ice cream stand in the summer. Continue on to sample award-winning spirits at Steinhart Distillery and exquisite cheese at Knoydart Farm, then come back on the 347 to enjoy Fish ‘n Ships at Ballantyne's Cove, rated as the best fish & chips in Atlantic Canada.
Take time to live in the moment and finish your day in one of the Sea Food Trail restaurants in Antigonish: Gabrieau’s Bistro, the Townhouse Brewpub & Eatery, or the family-friendly Snow Queen.
Cape Breton
Adventurers will enjoy a day trip to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, featuring sweeping ocean views along the Cabot Trail. There are many delightful stops along the way – from the Alexander Graham Bell national historic site in Baddeck to the breathtaking Margaree Valley. For a real treat, take a detour to Mabou (home of the Rankin family) and visit the famous Red Shoe Pub. You might even catch some live Cape Breton music!
Guysborough County
Another day trip could take you down Route #7 to Sherbrooke Village to revisit the past, cross-country to Guysborough to see the beautiful Marina, and further along the pristine Eastern Shore to discover its legends and treasures. Wander off the beaten path and discover the historic community of Canso, home of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival.
Pictou County
Melmerby Beach is one of the warmest and busiest beaches in Nova Scotia. With 2 km of sandy beach, there's lots of room to spread out and enjoy. During the summer, water temperatures average more than 22 degrees Celsius (72F).
Combine your beach trip with a visit to Pictou, the birthplace of Nova Scotia. Discover the Harbour and the history of the first Scottish migrants, enjoy the Hector Heritage Quay and tour the Tall Ship Hector if she is in port! This area’s wetland is a great spot for bird watching.
Contact
Governors Hall
2100 Varsity Drive
Antigonish NS B2G 2W5
Canada
It was a great location to host our Games! The staff were friendly, the amenities modern. Those residences converted for the summer really make you feel like you are in a hotel!
2018 Special Olympics National Games Antigonish
Google Review
