Discover the wonders of Antigonish and its surrounding areas with the Out and About Antigonish book! This guidebook showcases over 50 must-visit destinations, from quaint towns to breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you want to hike through the stunning Cape George Trail, take a stroll through historic downtown Antigonish, or explore the charming communities of Guysborough and Pictou, this book has got you covered. With detailed maps, insider tips, and stunning photography, Out and About Antigonish is the perfect companion for exploring the best of this picturesque region. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable adventure – grab your copy today!
Walking Trails for Seniors in Northeastern Nova Scotia
Walking is good for the body heart and soul. It is not only for the exercise, but we are blessed in having a variety of nature experiences close at hand. I find that learning about the plants adds to the interest and these change as the seasons pass. Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air as we are heading into autumn colours. These selected trails are for seniors and people looking for an easy trail to enjoy the outdoors. Locations are based in Antigonish or noted distance from Antigonish.
By Denise Davies
Some of these walks are excerpted from theOut and About Antigonish book where you can find maps and additional details. The book is available at The Curious Cat Tea and Books and Antigonish 5 to $.
Antigonish Landing
1.5KM trail. The entrance is on Adam St. near Granny’s Antiques or from the Landing Road near Tony’s Meats on Hwy 337. This level gravel path along the Antigonish wetlands provides changing views of the water and farmlands of Williams Point on the far side. Every season brings new wildflowers and blossoms, ducks and water birds, eagles and ospreys. A mid-way raised viewing platform is wheelchair / stroller accessible.
Bethany Trails
Just past St. Martha’s Regional Hospital turn left on the Bethany entrance on the left. The Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Martha stood on these grounds for almost 100 years. The grounds have several areas to walk and enjoy nature. Throughout the area the Arboretum includes 25 selected trees which are marked with the name of the species and a dedication to a person or event. More trees will be added over the years to come.
Saint Theresa’s Garden with its pond, flower beds and beautiful water lilies and peaceful path are a delight in every season. The short Sacred Heart Forest Trail leads from St. Theresa’s Garden to the Sacred Heart Grove through old growth forest. This is a lovely shady walk for hot summer days.
The new Bethany Centennial Garden includes a heritage walk with interpretive panels marking significant events in the St. Martha’s history.A reflecting pond with the steeple of the Bethany Chapel is a peaceful spot for meditation by the flowing fountain.
Columbus Field
Columbus Field on Main Street has a track for walking (or running!), quiet trails through the woods as well as tennis courts, a dog park and a playground. It is next to Club 60.
The Keppoch
Take exit 30 off of Hwy 104 West and follow the signs to The Keppoch. This is a community run and managed, all season, recreation area with trails for walking, hiking, biking, mountain biking, snow sledding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Member and day use fees.
Beaver Mountain
Take exit 30 off of Hwy 104 West. Turn left, cross the overpass and turn right on Beaver Mountain Rd past the Riverside Speedway. Note that there may be some road construction for the next year or so. A 6Km series of trails with varying levels of difficulty wind through wooded areas. The main trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. Gorgeous view overlooking Antigonish County.
Jitney Trail, Pictou
The Jitney Trail in Pictou is a beautiful recreational trail (3 KM) with interpretive panels from Pictou’s waterfront starting near the Ship Hector, to Brown’s Point.
The trail meets up with the Pictou to Oxford section of the Short Line Railway Trail (127 KM). The trail is a former rail bed along the Northumberland Strait and passes
Samson Trail, New Glasgow
The Samson Trail is a 4km trail along the river in New Glasgow. A perfect easy trail to enjoy a walk with beautiful views. Enjoy the lovely walking and biking paths along both sides of the river with over 6KM of riverside trails.
Black Duck Cove
The Black Duck Cove Provincial Park in Little Dover has a series of boardwalks and walking trails that lead around the nature area with a variety of vegetation and views of the Atlantic Ocean. The swimming beach has lovely soft sand and a protected beach. Benches and picnic tables make it easy to stop and relax whether you are a swimmer or not. The Canteen at the parking entrance has ice cream and meals with picnic tables and benches in the sun or shade. Locals as well as visitors frequent the place as it is one of the few places available for food in the area. (check if open)
Guysborough Trails
The Shoreline Walking Trail starts at the end of Guysborough Main Street and winds along Chedabucto Bay along a grassy track. Interpretive trail signs describe the history dating back to the 1600s when the area was buzzing with ship building and a large vibrant port. For a longer hike, the Trans Canada trail runs through Guysborough (45KM) on the bed of a railway abandoned in the 1930s. The Guysborough Trail was the first section of the Trans-Canada Trail to open in Nova Scotia. It offers a spectacular view from the McAlister Bridge and portions of the trail go along the scenic Chedabucto Bay and other portions along the Salmon River, across a suspension bridge and views of beautiful waterfalls.
Boylston
Boylston Provincial Park has picnic tables and grassy area with lovely views of Chedabucto Bay. Walk down to the left of the entrance gate along a shady boardwalk to take you to a footbridge over to a small island. A swimming, beach walking looking for pebbles and a shady island path are fun for the whole family. The park is just a few KM before you reach Guysborough town.
Celtic Shores Cape Breton
For hikers and bikers, the Celtic Shore Coastal Trail winds along the coast of Cape Breton from Port Hastings to Inverness. This 92KM all-purpose trail is relatively level and built on the bed of old railway tracks. It is well surfaced with many entry points along Hwy 19. Interpretive signs describe the history of the area and nearby communities, industries, and people, and how the trail was built. Spectacular views of the ocean, beaches, headlands, farmlands, meadows, and multi-colored wildflowers are around every corner. Well marked signs show amenities and distances. Along the Ceilidh Trail there are lots of opportunities to enjoy and learn more about the distinctive and popular Cape Breton music. The trail is great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
See the Out and About Antigonish Book for details of directions, maps, descriptions, photos and plan your itinerary. Out and About Antigonish Book
Walking Trails for Seniors in Northeastern Nova Scotia
Walking Trails for Seniors in Northeastern Nova Scotia
The 2nd Edition of Out and About Antigonish has arrived and is available at the Curious Cat Tea and Books and Antigonish 5-$ on Main Street, Antigonish.
I suspect that recent blog posts have not been sending out automatically to subscribers. So here is an update. Hope you are looking forward to exploring Nova Scotia this summer
Explore Antigonish and the surrounding areas. This is a wonderful gift for newcomers, staff, family and friends. Antigonish Town, excursions within 2 hrs, day trips, outdoor recreation, hiking, history, culture, beaches, trails, nature and more.
The Antigonish Highland Games 2021 is being celebrated with Highland Heritage Week this year presented by the Antigonish Highland Society. It is wonderful to hear the pipes again and to have virtual dances and music throughout the week.
Program
Clan Thompson Pipe Band entertained us on a wet and windy day at the Antigonish Legion. Such a pleasure to see and hear the pipes again in Antigonish.
Click to watch the Highland Dancing at Chisholm Park with MacLeod School of Highland Dance
A lovely drive from Antigonish is along HWY 337. Pass rolling farmland with so many shades of green and tantalizing views of the ocean as you pass Mahoney’ Beach. As you approach Ballantyne’s Cove there is a lookout on your right.
The Fish ‘N Ships kiosk opened for the summer and the feast of fish and chips was delicious. A great selection of ice cream also available. We took our plates over to the pebble beach behind the Tuna Interpretive Centre. Such a beautiful peaceful spot. Just one other person on the beach.
Great place for a beach walk looking for colorful pebbles, or a paddle or a swim. I recommend beach shoes for the pebbles.
Explore Antigonish and the surrounding areas. This is a wonderful gift for newcomers, staff, family and friends. Antigonish Town, excursions within 2 hrs, day trips, outdoor recreation, hiking, history, culture, beaches, trails, nature and more.
Out and About Antigonish — Antigonish Town, excursions within 2 hrs, day trips, outdoor recreation, hiking, history, culture, beaches, trails, nature and more. By Denise Davies
Reviews
Out and About Antigonish showcases the beauty of Northern Nova Scotia. It shares our story with visitors through many incredible pictures. I would encourage visitors and residents alike to pick up this book and challenge themselves to visit our communities and enjoy all of the authentic experiences we have to offer.
Cindy MacKinnon, Managing Director Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores
“Denise Davies has created a masterful reference tool for both locals and tourists alike with her Out and About Antigonish guidebook. With excellent directions and descriptions for myriad day trips within a two-hour jaunt from Antigonish, the traveler’s most difficult decision will be which adventure to pursue first. Chock-full of beautiful photographs and succinct descriptions of each waypoint, Out and About Antigonish will help the traveler decide which spots to visit, and ensure no hidden gems are overlooked. History buffs and photographers will find this tool especially helpful. I highly recommend this superior book!”
Dave Belt Owner, Seafoam Lavender Company & Gardens Seafoam, Nova Scotia
Out and About Antigonish is a superb and long-awaited guide to Antigonish and its surrounding counties. While it will particularly attract the growing number of tourists to northeastern Nova Scotia, there is much here for locals to learn about and enjoy. As a “come-from-away” (a mere fourteen years ago), I have made a point of exploring the many highlights of my new home. Yet I found in Denise Davies’s new book a feast of fresh information and excursions to look forward to.
None of this is surprising, because as readers we are in the hands of a highly experienced travel writer and a superb photographer. I counted over 150 photos, almost all in full colour and of the highest quality. Denise has also included an abundance of maps to supplement her descriptions. This makes it extremely easy for the newcomer to follow the wonderful array of trips and trails on offer. She has also kept her descriptions succinct, though never overly so, and there are links to a wealth of websites that allow for further exploration. This is especially appropriate given the depth of northern Nova Scotia’s cultural, political and economic history.
Denise achieves an admirable balance in tackling Antigonish and its environment’s rich tapestry of nature and culture, rural and maritime life. The arts and culture, museums and markets, prominent institutions including St Francis Xavier University and Coady Institute, the many beaches and other recreational spots are, each one of them, more than adequately covered, and I could find not one omission.
Denise Davies is to be congratulated on producing such a beautiful and informative work.
John Graham-Pole, Publisher. HARP the People’s Press
Out and About Antigonish – Book SOLD OUT
Explore Antigonish and the surrounding areas. This is a wonderful gift for newcomers, staff, family and friends. Antigonish Town, excursions within 2 hrs, day trips, outdoor recreation, hiking, history, culture, beaches, trails, nature and more.
I live in Antigonish and find that it is the best of 2 worlds. We have all the amenities for comfortable living and yet the advantages of a small town set in a delightful rural setting. I love to show visitors around or give them ideas of what to do and what not to miss. In these days of the Atlantic Bubble and Nova Scotia residents exploring the province for 2020 holidays what would be better than spending a few days in Antigonish where there is something for everyone.
Its best to check with establishments for hours and openings. Remember to wear your mask and keep physical distancing.
The Arts
Antigonish is known as a hub of the arts. Strolling along Main Street check out the Red Sky Gallery https://www.facebook.com/redskyantigonish/ for wonderful ambiance and a wonderful selection of Nova Scotia art – paintings, sculpture, jewelry. Stop in to the Antigonish People’s Place Library http://www.parl.ns.ca/locations/antigonish.php for their monthly changing art exhibits and find out what is going on in town while you are here. This is a hub of community events and activities for all ages. Local artists are often featured at the Tall and Small Café. Visit the Down to Earth Gallery for indigenous and a wide variety of artists.
The Antigonish Farmers Market is buzzing with arts and crafts, locally made produce, food and entertainment all in the new Farmers Market building on the Arena grounds on Saturdays. The new building opened on the August 1 weekend and it was a delight to see the airy and bright space filled with vendors and their wares. What a wonderful community space. www.antigonishfarmersmarket.ca
Antigonish Farmers Market
Rosemary Curry at the Red Sky Gallery
People’s Place Library
Unfortunately most of our summer events are cancelled but there are occasional smaller happenings that you may find.
Outdoors and Recreation
Set in rolling hills Antigonish creates a variety of outdoor activities in town and close by. For kids the splash pad at Columbus Field is popular and the new Skate Board Park is a wonderful new addition. For runners the track at Columbus Field and at St.FX, walking and biking on the Antigonish Landing Trail www.outandaboutns.com/2018/01/31/antigonish-landing /that starts near the Museum.
The Keppoch Mountain www.thekeppoch.ca has over 20Km of maintained trails for all abilities including an accessible gravel nature trail for mountain biking, hiking and children’s’ climbing and play area. Relax in the clubhouse and meet some local outdoor enthusiasts. Bike rentals are available at Highland Bike Shop on Main St but check ahead for availability.
There are several beaches within a 30 min drive. Walk run and swim on the long crescent sandy Pomquet Beach with lifeguards, boardwalks with interpretive nature boards. Look for pebbles and driftwood on Mahoneys Beach often frequented by kayakers.
You can even camp right in town at the end of Main St at Whiddens Campground and have your smores around the campfire.
Pomquet Beach Interpretive Trail
Pomquet Beach
View of Ballantynes Cove from Lookout
Ballantyne’s Cove
Cape George Lighthouse, Antigonish County
Short drives
Take a lovely drive along the Hwy 337 past St. Martha’s Hospital and on past Mahoneys Beach, Jimtown, Cribbons, Ballantyne’s Cove to the Cape George Lighthouse. You will see signs for hiking trails along the route and spectacular views of the Northumberland Shore www.outandaboutns.com/2018/05/23/cape-george-lighthouse
There are several beaches within a 30 min drive. Walk run and swim on the long crescent sandy Pomquet Beach with lifeguards, boardwalks with interpretive nature boards. Look for pebbles and driftwood on Mahoneys Beach often frequented by kayakers. Enjoy a Pomquet day trip www.outandaboutns.com/2015/08/30/pomquet-day-trip
There are many drives from Antigonish – Arisaig, Eastern Shore, Museum of Industry and more for another posting.
Arisaig Harbour
Arisaig Beach
The Mill – Sherbrook Village
Fisherman casting his line
SeaWind Landing Charlos Cove
Shopmobile. Industrial arts bus that went to schools.
Stroll the Main
Enjoy the fine selection of restaurants along Main Street. All have take out, some outdoor patios and indoor with physical distancing in place. There is a new large patio at the Maritime Inn called Mi Patio.
Explore the shopping on Main with trendy boutiques The Plum Tree, Posh Peppermint. Find Nova Scotia souvenirs at Happenstance. Head down to Granny’s Antiques for some lovely antiques, local preserves and sit in the shade. Antigonish Small Town Big Heart www.outandaboutns.com/2016/03/25/antigonish-small-town-big-heart
Stroll the Main, Antigonish
Welcome to Antigonish
Antigonish Small Town Big Heart
Town Hall
Hope you enjoy your staycation in Antigonish and surrounding areas. I would enjoy seeing your favourite spots in the comment section below.
As the cool days close in the warmth of gift-giving is in the air. This year while you are looking for that special something, consider shopping local. We have so much bounty available to us from local producers, crafters, artists and local shops.
Your money goes much farther when you shop local. Buying a thoughtful gift that is made
locally, or something sold in a local shop has a huge benefit in your
community. That money goes back into the
community and has a multiplier effect.
Here are a few gift ideas to get you started.
Check out the Antigonish Farmers Market and local gift shops for unique items that can be combined to make a gift basket – or given individually as hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or placed under the tree. These could include preserves jams and jellies, wine or spirits, cheeses, honey, maple or blueberry syrup, a pottery mug, a wooden cheese board, a pewter opener, a pate’ or cheese knife – you are only limited by your imagination! Steinhart, Peace by Chocolate, Havercort Maple, Cornect Honey and more. Farmers Market, Grannie’s Antiques.
Another themed approach for your gift basket is select self
care items – soaps, lotions, bath salts, aromatherapy, lavender sachet, creams
and gels and cosmetics. The Farmers
Market, Happenstance, The Posh Peppermint, The Plum Tree are great places to
check out as you create your gift basket.
Add your suggestions in the comments.
For the kids in your life – hand made wooden toys are
durable and will last to become a family heirloom. Check out Venluke Hand Crafted Wooden Toys at
the Farmers Market. Knitted and crocheted toques, vests, socks, scarfs are
great for all ages. Cuddly animals will be a hit for children (my Mom loves
them too!).
A Few Photos of designers, producers, crafters and artists in Antigonish
Local galleries and markets offer an array of art to suit all budgets. Our area is home to gifted artists in all mediums. Art works range from large paintings in the original, prints matted and framed, photography and gift cards. You will find sculptures from wood, iron, metalwork, pottery and ceramics. Red Sky Gallery, Down to Earth Gallery, Granny’s Antiques, Through Rodney’s Eye, Felt Like Painting, Farmers Market.
Peruse the 5c to $1 and Cole’s Books for books by Nova
Scotia authors to suit all ages from kids to adults. Enjoy selecting from a range
of written and illustrated books that will be a long-held treasure. We have an amazing number of Antigonish
authors – Check the 5c to $1 to find a great selection.
A Gift Certificate for dinner at a local restaurant, or for
an overnight getaway to a cozy Inn or a night on the town would make a welcome
gift. Organize tickets to a local
production or a gift certificate to buy on a time of their choice to enjoy a local
theatre production or musical event. A
gift certificate from a local store, or for an art class or workshop are also
possibilities. To mention just a few –
Gabriaus, The Brownstone, The Townhouse, The Bauer Theatre, membership at The
Keppoch, SeaWind Landing. Add your
suggestions in the comments.
We have many talented local jewelry designers. Rings, necklaces, brooches, earrings, from
modern abstract designs to Nova Scotia and cultural heritage designs all bring
joy to the wearer. Check the Farmers
Market, Happenstance, Posh Peppermint and the Plum Tree.
Traditional crafts such as quilting and fabric art create
beautiful treasures for the wall, the table or to cozy up on a bed or as a lap
blanket for watching TV. A quilt can be
a gift for any age and treasured forever.
Maybe a sheepskin for a favorite chair.
Farmers Market
Winter favorite gifts for apparel ideas include sweaters,
shawls, capes and scarfs, mitts, hats and leg warmers. Think soft warm and attractive colors. Maybe a sheepskin for a favorite chair, or
sheepskin slippers. Felted and Fleeced
Creative Designs, Brook Ridge Farm,
Find unique and beautiful items for all ages and shop local.
Take a stroll around town, visit the Farmers Market, shop online with local
producers and hand crafters and artists, and give a gift that has local meaning
and local impact to merchants, producers, crafters and artists.
I’m sure you have suggestions for other gifts and shops. Please feel free to add in the comments. It wasn’t possible to add every designer, artist and producer or shop. We have a wealth of possibilities. Happy Gift Giving and Shop Local!
The Antigonish Chamber of Commerce organized their monthly
networking meeting “Business Connects” with a trip on the Luxury Bus to
Steinhart Distillery in Arisaig.
The Luxury Bus is a great way to chat and meet with people
as the comfortable padded seating goes around the bus – not in row seats. Our driver, owner, Gerard MacIsaac was engaging
and helpful. Great way to travel with a
group.
Such a beautiful drive along the Northumberland Shore. A beautiful view of Arisaig from the patio at Steinhart Distillery. Thomas Steinhart gave us a tour of the operations and an interesting history of developing his business. It is amazing to see how this business has impacted employment and agriculture. Wherever possible the ingredients are locally sourced. Truckloads of rhubarb arrived from multiple farmers to be made into the rhubarb gin. Several of the products have won awards nationally and internationally.
At the bar we ordered from their variety menu of gin, vodka and
mixed drinks made to order. A wonderful
way to socialize and network with the Chamber members and guests. Looking forward to future trips to other
businesses in the area.
