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Why Antigonish, Nova Scotia is your next holiday spot

Cape Breton Island

Why Antigonish, Nova Scotia is your next holiday spot

Spectacular coastline -- that's why people flock to Antigonish CountyExternal Link Title in northeastern Nova Scotia. A place of green, rolling hills, cliffside drives, and rocky shores overlooking the Atlantic, you'll find sandy beaches with long boardwalks and shell-dotted shores, quaint coves, and historic lighthouses. Then there's AntigonishExternal Link Title itself: a small town with a big university, the prestigious Saint Francis Xavier, that comes to life each fall when students begin flocking back to campus. The town even has a cutting-edge wind farm and two active theatre groupsExternal Link Title. If a seaside holiday is what you've got in mind, AntigonishExternal Link Title is your place. Here's why.

It's made for R&R

Antigonish is just a two-hour drive from Halifax. Take your time with a leisurely paced road trip in and around town or in the area, where you'll find the world-renowned Cabot Trail or a day jauntExternal Link Title. Relax on one of the pristine beachesExternal Link Title and swim, build a campfire, go for stroll, dig for clams, or bird watch. Favourites are Mahoney's BeachExternal Link Title, Livingstone's CoveExternal Link Title, ArisaigExternal Link Title, Balantyne's CoveExternal Link Title in Cape GeorgeExternal Link Title, and Pomquet Provincial Park BeachExternal Link Title.

It's home to Scottish culture

The July Antigonish Highland GamesExternal Link Title have been going since 1863 -- the oldest continuous Highland games outside of Scotland. It's a huge event with dancingExternal Link Title, lots of music -- pipers, fiddlers, singers, an outdoor Tattoo (drum and marching performance), a concert under the stars -- plus heritage workshops, cycling and running races, and traditional competitions, such as tug of war, the "Farmer's WalkExternal Link Title," and centuries-old Scottish Heavy EventsExternal Link Title.

It's a town with a view

Surrounded by farms and scenic shoreline, views around Antigonish are gorgeous. Head to Cape George LighthouseExternal Link Title, perched on a high cliff, for panoramas of St. George's Bay, nearby Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton Island. Picnic, savour the vistas, or hike one of many trails through hills and forest from three main trailheadsExternal Link Title.

Its downtown is a mixture of fun and historic

Pride is big in friendly downtown AntigonishExternal Link Title, winner of the Great Places in Canada "People's Choice Award"External Link Title for the strong community spirit that has created such a lively gathering place. There are colourful 1800s-era buildings, bright flowers in hanging baskets, imaginative murals, busy outdoor patios, festivals for film, music, art, and even zucchini, and a celebrated annual Christmas parade. The town also hosts a year-round farmers' marketExternal Link Title.

It's packed with outdoor adventures

Play 18 holesExternal Link Title at the picturesque golf clubExternal Link Title, known for its annual kilted tourney. Cycling, hiking, and cross-country are a joy, as is wildlife watching in the Landing, a salt-marsh wildlife sanctuary. Platforms along the 4-kilometre Antigonish Landing TrailExternal Link Title give you a bird's eye view of eagles, osprey, heron, sand pipers, beaver, and muskrats. Another top trekking spot is Beaver Mountain Provincial ParkExternal Link Title. Mountain bike as well at Brown's MountainExternal Link Title with pretty James River FallsExternal Link Title and Lochaber LakeExternal Link Title, ideal for a picnic and swim.

It's flush with dining options

You'll like dining in AntigonishExternal Link Title, which boasts a scene much bigger than its size thanks to the university crowd. Sample the lobster chowder and small-batch beer at community-supported Townhouse Brewpub & EateryExternal Link Title, lunch at cozy Brownstone Caf?External Link Title, and pick up picnic goodies at Dream Catcher's Deli and TreatsExternal Link Title. For date night, reserve a table at Gabrieau's BistroExternal Link Title and order Chef Mark's miso-seared scallops, crab cakes, and bruschetta.

 

After you get to know Antigonish, don't be surprised if you're ready to explore the rest of Nova Scotia and the growing craft beer, wine, and spirits scene.