Pictou Harbour
Many visitors come by boat to Pictou to take advantage of the warm waters and calm seas of the Northumberland Strait. Pictou Harbour is easily accessible and there are several facilities to accommodate boaters' needs. The Hector Heritage Quay Visitors Marina, on the Pictou waterfront is a favourite destination among boaters and offers a central location from which to explore the Town of Pictou. Pubs, museums, shops and other services are within a short distance of the waterfront.The harbour includes all the waters of Caribou channel bounded within a line drawn from Roaring Bull Point to Logan Point. The entrance to Pictou Harbour is straightforward with two ranges and several channel buoys providing assistance
Depths
The least depth in the channel over the bar, on the alignment of the leading lights, was 6.5 metres (21 feet) in 1998. Within the bar depths of 9.1 to 13.7 metres extend to the causeway.
Pilotage
Pilotage is available but not compulsory. As the channel over the bar is only 122 metres (400 feet) wide and the tidal streams sometimes attain a rate of 2.5 knots, pilotage is recommended for those without local knowledge. To avoid a delay in obtaining a pilot, the master of a vessel who requires a pilot must report his estimated time of arrival (ETA) to "Pilots Pictou" via VHF radio to VCO – Sydney Coast Guard Radio-channel 16 at least 12 hours before the ETA at the Pilot boarding station – 45 42 30 North, 62 34 west. The ETA must be confirmed or corrected four hours prior to arrival. The time used must be GMT unless otherwise stated. The master of a ship that is to depart or make a move and requires a pilot must report to "Pilots Pictou" four hours prior to such estimated time of departure. The time used should be local time unless expressly stated.
Pilotage arranged through Atlantic Pilotage Authority.
Navigation Season
Some ice may be encountered from January to mid-April. Ice Breaking Services are available. It is advised to consult the Canadian Coast Guard ice office at 902-426-5664 for the latest ice information. Photo credit: Len Wagg
Wharves: Pier "C" 183 m (600 ft) long with an adjacent fenced laydown area is privately owned but operated as a public facility. It has at least a depth of 7.6m (25 ft) alongside. The new owners may be contacted at their Wharfinger's Office at 902-485-6686. Pier "C" has an unheated freight shed on it.
Quay Wall Wharf
Adjacent to the Pictou Industries Shipyard
180m (600ft) 5.5 m (18 ft) minimum depth.
Supplies
Water from the town supply is piped to the piers. Ship's Chandlery and other services are available.
Light and Heavy fuel can be supplied by truck.
Anchorage
The usual anchorage is to the east of the wharves in 9.1 to 12.2m (30-40ft) – mud.
Additional anchorage is available at 45 45 N 62 25 W
For more detailed information on the Port of Pictou visit Pictou Marine Terminals. or call 902-925-9463.
Cruise Ship Schedule 2023
DATES:
Pearl Mist Cruise Ship
May 17, 2023
September 7-8, 2023 (overnight visit)
September 18, 2023
September 29-30, 2023 (overnight visit)
October 8, 2023
October 19-20, 2023
Typical times in port: 9am-5pm
Over night visits arrive 9pm and depart the next day at approximately 1pm.
Dates and times may change without much notice mainly due to weather conditions.
Hector Heritage Quay Visitor's Marina
PUBLIC NOTICE: Marina is currently not operating at full capacity. Due to the impact of Hurricane Fiona, the wharf and breakwater will be rebuilt, construction anticipated after the 2023 season. For berthing options please contact the number below.
The Visitor's Marina is centrally located on the award-winning Pictou waterfront and is open from May to October. There are 40 berths, and 6 are designated for visitors. The marina facility offers freshwater, power, laundry and showers, berths, haul out and launch ramp rentals by the day or week. Each Sunday and Monday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm boaters can enjoy free musical concerts on the marina stage. Adjacent to the Visitor's marina, the Hector Heritage Quay features a full-scale replica of the tall Ship Hector as well as an Interpretive Centre and working shipyard. A variety of unique shops, craft markets, pubs, restaurants, historic sites and attractions are within a short walk. It is recommended that visitors reserve a berth in advance, particularly if space is required during a weekend or festival. Contact: 902-485-6960.
Pictou Marina
Pictou Marina is a private marina reserved for seasonal berthing. The Marina has a 20-ton travel lift accessible by appointment only. In season, the fuel dock and marine supply store are open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday mornings 9:00 am-1:00 pm.
Pictou Yacht Club
For more information visit the "Pictou Yacht Club".
