Vibrant Town. Friendly People. Lively Culture.

The Town of Pictou, centrally located on the Northumberland Shore, is an ideal location to start a small or medium size business, raise a family and enjoy a quality of life second to none. Pictou offers numerous amenities including restaurants, accommodations, a traditional main street as well as banks, hospitals, park areas, walking trails, historic waterfront, museums and recreational facilities.

Whether you prefer period homes on tree-lined streets, modern residential properties with ample land or well-planned neighbourhoods there is a 'home' to fit your lifestyle. Residents enjoy a stable, prosperous economy and a true sense of being home.

Community Profile

Founded: 1767
Incorporated: 1873
Population: 3,186
Area: 7.94 sq. km
Time Zone: Atlantic
Primary Industries: Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries,
Light Manufacturing, Shipping

The Town of Pictou strives to offer municipal infrastructure that supports economic development and cultural opportunities through an innovative and environmentally focused approach. The services are to be continually updated to reflect the changing demographic profile while maintaining Pictou's strong sense of community. 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Pictou's entrepreneurial spirit is stronger than ever, and the success of our economy continues to be powered by an impressive host of great business leaders. Our community is unique in terms of the number of entrepreneurs who have started their business here and now lead companies that have achieved global success. Find out more about new business start up.

Downtown Offerings

With its unique blend of affordable yet diverse shops, fine eateries, and personal and business services available at your fingertips, downtown Pictou is the place to be. People enjoy our clean, safe streets, period architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Downtown Pictou isn't just about shopping; it's about the lifestyle, meeting friends, and pampering yourself and your family.
It's about finding everything you need just a block (or two) away... Find out more.

Class Act

We are proud of our educational system. Pictou Academy has a long list of famous graduates from all walks of life, Sir William Dawson was a notable geologist and educator, Sir W. J. Ritchie later became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.   Dr. Frank Parker Day was a well-known Canadian author and English Professor and Rhodes Scholar, Ada Brownrigg received the first Arts degree awarded to a woman in Canada. Find out more about our schools.

Home of...

Pictou is home to Grohmann Knives, a world-renowned knife manufacturer. They have won more than 25 international honours, including a display at the New York's prestigious Museum of Modern Art.

ALSO

Advocate Printing, a family-owned, successful printing company in Atlantic Canada for over 100 years, is newly expanding in the Eastern US.

From Work to Play

Imagine a five-minute drive to work, a lunch break in the comfort of your own home, catching your children's soccer game minutes after leaving the office or meeting friends on the waterfront for coffee. Your day transitions from work to play in just minutes.

Don't Forget

Check out Pictou on Google Maps. Download a pdf detailed town map of Pictou (1.85 MB) .