Take in a play. Exit 32 off the Trans Canada Highway.

Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre is nestled on the elegant grounds of Saint Francis Xavier University within walking distance of the downtown core. Performances take place at the Bauer Theatre a splendid 200 seat facility that offers ample parking, air-conditioned comfort and wheel chair access. Before and after the theatre the Festival lounge and outdoor patio are the perfect spot to relax. Featuring adult and children’s series of plays, pub entertainment and celebrity concerts.

Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre Camps, one and two week workshops. Beginner and advanced classes, and a Dramalab for persons with disabilities. (July- August).

St. Francis Xavier University (1853)

Take a stroll through the historical and picturesque campus. Visit the Bloomfield Art Gallery. The Angus L. MacDonald Library, Hall of Clans which exhibits the various tartans and coats of arms of the Highland Clans.

Stroll through the town and enjoy the " Echoes of our Past" wooden sculptures. Phase one of the urban walking trail will be implemented by the town in the spring of 2001. A wide variety of accommodations to fit your requirements: hotels, B &B’s, campground all within walking distance many events and attractions. Antigonish has some of the finest restaurants and pubs featuring a broad selection of food and music experiences. There are many unique shops, art galleries, and services in the town and surrounding area.

Columbus Field, the home of the Antigonish Highland Games and town Canada Day Celebrations, features a beautiful soccer field, tennis courts, baseball fields, walking track, children’s and tots playground, skate boarding area, etc.

The Antigonish Highland Games is the oldest continuing event of its kind in North America. During the second full week in July, Columbus Field comes alive as hundreds of pipers, dancers and athletes perform and compete in this grand festival. 3 full days, a celebration of the Scottish Culture. Lead up events include a mass, Street Fair/Ceilidh, GAPACC Court House Art Series, Kilted Golf Tournament, Community Suppers, and more.

Take in a round of golf at the Antigonish Golf and Country Club a superb 18-hole golf course (Cloverville Road).

Golf with the kids or take in a round at the new Fiddlers Green 9 hole course (William’s Point Rd).

Bowl a few strings, Pins Bowling Alley.

Antigonish Arena and grounds, the home of the Antigonish Bull Dogs hockey team, weekly farmers market and various events throughout the summer and the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition in early September. Mid way combined with exhibits and competitions involving 4-H groups in Antigonish Area. Petting zoo, live stock barns, horse competitions, tractor pulls, floriculture, food, fun, and entertainment.

Antigonish Heritage Museum. Free admission. Open year round. Inquire locally for hours. Featuring exhibits, artifacts, and photos depicting the early days of Antigonish Town and County. Extensive genealogical information from area available and open to research at a nominal fee. Housed in the former CNR Station, a well-preserved example of a 20^th century railway station. Large off street parking area.

Walk a Trail. The Antigonish Landing Walking Trail is a designated Wild Life Management Area where you will observe Great Blue Heron, Sandpipers, Gulls, and various other forms of wildlife. Interpretive panels and a viewing platform will enhance your experience. Pick up an Antigonish Landing brochure at the visitor Information Center to find out more about the habitat and wildlife.

Paddle a kayak. Antigonish Harbour is a popular spot to explore. Antigonish Harbour is home to over 15 documented pair of bald eagles. Discover the estuary by sea kayaking with Shoreline Adventures.

Hike a Trail. Fairmont Ridge Hiking Trail Route 337 has six different loops of various degrees of difficulty that features look offs and the interpretive signage will assist you in choosing the best trail for you. Remember to pack your camera.

Cape George Mini Trail. Route 337, a 55 km day trip. Highlights include Mahoney’s Beach, Crystal cliffs, Ballantyne’s Cove, Light House, Malignant Cove, route 245 Arisaig Provincial Park and the new Ballantynes Cove Tuna Interpretive Center. Download the Antigonish County's North Shore brochure (.pdf 313kb)

Arisaig Provincial Park route 245, offers picnic area, washroom facilities, walking trails and board walk to the beach. View fossils set in sedimentary rock, which date back millions of years. Historic Arisaig is a beautiful fishing community, which was originally settled in 1791 by Catholic Highlanders. A plaque near St. Margaret’s commemorates the arrival of the early settlers.

Beaver Mountain Park is located in James River near Riverside Speedway. It offers an ideal setting for so many activities. Home of Antigonish County Canada Day Celebrations. Guests are welcome to pack a lunch and spend the day enjoying and exploring the park. A favorite spot for birders and those who enjoy wildlife in their natural habitat.

From the interpretive center you can take in the panoramic view. Two different landscapes make up the vista from Beaver Mountain Park. One area is the lowlands ( Town and County beyond reaching as far as St. George’s Bay). The other is composed of large broad hills (Park and surroundings). This area provides both the naturalists and artists with unique and breathtaking scenery.

Beaver Mountain park offers wheelchair accessible paved loop that is 1.6 kilometers in length. This area is ideal for those who want to stroll and enjoy the scenery, inline skate, or push a baby stroller. There are two easy to moderate trails 3-6 kilometers in length that cut through the interior and the back ridge of the park. These paths are ideal for cross-country skiing or long hikes.

Riverside Speedway  TCH, Exit 30 James River; car racing stock and mascar.

South River is essentially a service center offering providing accommodations, restaurants, services station, and store. Situated conveniently on the 104 Trans Canada Highway. Leisure World offers mini golf, batting cages, bumper cars, etc.

Throw a rock. St. Andrews Community is the home of the Highlander Curling Club a busy spot during the winter. The St. Andrews Community Center is the site of weekly dances. Convenience store complete with gas pumps is located at the center of the village. Cadillac Ranch hosts outdoor musical entertainment throughout the summer. An on-site canteen is available, bring a chair or blanket. Check with Visitor information for the 2001 schedule of entertainment and other fabulous events happening in the St. Andrew’s Area. St. Andrew’s is proud of it’s Scottish and Dutch heritage.

1^st Annual Marydale Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Festival July 13,14,15, 2001 St. Andrews Take exit 35 (Rte 316) off the TCH 104 for 7 k.m. Follow the signs. Featuring: Back roads Bluegrass, Close to Home, River Winds, New Shade of Blue, Dark Hollow Band, Grass Fire, Exit 13, Harmony Ridge, Lake City Bluegrass Band, Ernie and Willy White. Ticket Prices Advance $25 At Gate $30 Friday $10 Saturday $15, and Sunday $10. Children under 12 free with parents. Field open to campers from July 9,2001. Early bird camping fees. Lots of rough camping and limited electrical hook ups. Concessions, first aid services, security. Bring your own lawn chairs and sunscreen. For more information on this event you can phone Darren at (902) 863-3826 or Harold at (902) 863-5425.

Fraser’s Mills Fish Hatchery- located on route 316. Learn about local fish. Visitation periods are between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Discover our Acadian Heritage
Settled in the late 17^th century the Pomquet Village maintains the acadian traditions through language, and culture. St. Croix is a large Roman Catholic Church, which dominates the center of the village landscape. The Community Center features country dancing and Church suppers. ( famous for Salmon Supper and Lobster dinners). Old cemetery headstones indicate that the area was inhabited around 1740. Chez Des Laurier is a restored acadian home, events take place throughout the year, inquire at Visitor information. The Pomquet Winter Carnival takes place in February to celebrate the Acadian traditions. A week long event which includes a mass, parade, dance, sporting events, meals, talent show, art, and crafts and more.

The Pomquet Beach Provincial Park, natural environments park that features the best example of sand dune succession in Nova Scotia. Change houses, picnic table, and toilet facilities are located at the park. Inquire about the beach volleyball tournaments. Just past Pomquet, a gravel road leads to Monk’s Head another sandy protected beach.

Heatherton hosts several wonderful Church suppers. Check the Calendar events at Visitor Information for details.

Take a dip. Bayfield Provincial Park features great swimming, a lovely boardwalk, change and washroom facilities, and excellent parking. Bring a picnic lunch and your sandcastle making supplies. Great beach for kids. Wonderful accommodations available close by cottages, B&B’s and campgrounds. Visit the wharf, do a little fishing. Enjoy beautiful Bayfield.

Take in a Pow Wow. Learn about the Mi’kmaq culture by attending a pow wow at the Afton reserve. Usually held in June. Contact visitor information for further details.

Tracadie was settled by the French in 1768. St. Peter’s Parish and Community Center have dances, suppers, and activities throughout the year. Visit Tracadie Harbour.

Monastery is a service center for the area, features gas station, convenience stores, furniture store, take out restaurant, close to beaches and campground. The beautiful Monastery shrine is a great place to walk and enjoy the scenery. Monastery is the home of the East Antigonish Education Center a new school facility which houses grades primary to 12.

Town Recreation and County Recreation events are aired weekly on the local radio station. Drop by Visitor Information Center (May) 863-4921 for a complete list of activities in the Antigonish Area.