Sun, Sand, and Endless Play
Dive into the warmest saltwater in Canada and discover adventures built for families
Warm Waters and Room to Play
Shallow, Sheltered, and Built for Adventure
Pictou County sits on the Northumberland Strait, a shallow and sheltered stretch of water that warms quickly in the summer sun, making our coastline home to some of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada. Here, family days are made for fresh air, wide sandy shorelines, and a bit of salt on your cheeks. It is an all-day plan where you can settle in among the dunes and gentle waves or trade screen time for splash pads, easy forest trails, and friendly encounters at a local farm.
From in-town playgrounds to quiet waterfront walks, our region is set up for simple, happy outings in every season. Whether you are exploring the sandbars at low tide or planning a park stop that turns into an afternoon of play, you’ll head back to your accommodations with tired legs and big smiles.
Our beaches & Fun
Trenton Park
565-acre park with a playground, splash pool, family swimming pool, and picnic area.
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119 Park Road, Trenton
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902-752-1019
Lismore Sheep Farm Wool Shop
Experience life on a working sheep farm with a flock of 200 sheep, offering high-quality, locally made wool products.
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1389 Louisville Road, River John
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902-351-2889
Melmerby Adventures
Ultimate destination for water sports with kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals.
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Little Harbour Road, Little Harbour
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902-754-1553
Shelby Ranch
Trail, pony and wagon rides, petting farm, axe throwing, and mechanical bull.
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753 Durham Road, Scotsburn
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902-957-7433
Big Island Beach
Beach with no facilities.
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Route 245, Exit 27
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Sparkles Family Entertainment
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33 MacGregor Ave, New Glasgow
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902-755-5589
Caribou/Munroes' Island Provincial Park
Located 4 km from the Caribou Ferry Terminal with picnic facilities, change rooms, and toilets.
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2119 Three Brooks Road, Pictou
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Lismore Beach
Turn left onto Wharf Road before the Lismore fish processing plant. No facilities.
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Route 245, Exit 27
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MacKenzie Beach Provincial Park
A park reserve with a bog wetland, dune system, and potential for piping plovers.
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Caribou Island Rd, Pictou County
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Melmerby Beach Provincial Park
Supervised, broad sandy beach with change rooms, showers, and toilets.
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6280 Little Harbour Road
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Merigomish Harbour Provincial Park
A 2km sandy beach where eagles tend to nest.
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Woodburn
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Powell's Point Provincial Park
Reputed to have the warmest saltwater in Nova Scotia.
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8049 Pictou Landing Road
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Rushton's Beach Provincial Park
Facilities include picnic grounds, toilets, and change facilities.
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723 Highway 6, Marshville
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Waterside Beach Provincial Park
Facilities include picnic tables, change rooms, toilets, and parking.
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649 R. Grant Road, Waterside
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Acadia Park Splash Pad
Enjoy a leisurely walk, relaxing picnic, playground, and splash pad.
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1945 South Main Street, Westville
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902-396-1059
Bullseye Battleground
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612 East River Road, New Glasgow
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902-752-0137
Discover the Strait Boat Tours
Small group tours aboard an authentic Nova Scotia lobster fishing boat.
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19 Fisherman Rd, Pictou
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902-790-1490
East Side Alley
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612 East River Road, New Glasgow
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902-752-7185
Pro Tip
Easy Logistics for Big Crews
Family outings go smoother with the basics covered. Many Pictou County parks, including Trenton Park, make it easy with convenient parking, washrooms, and shaded picnic areas, plus plenty of room for kids to run.
