Pictou County (population 45,643) is a great place to put down roots, both for business investors and their workforce recruits. Our region has a quality of place that quickly draws people in.

In hard numbers, the benefits for investing here can be found in our cost competitive business climate— Pictou County remains one of the least expensive places to do business in Canada. Our position in the geographic centre of Nova Scotia and well-established transportation infrastructure provides direct access to major markets throughout Atlantic Canada, major North American markets and around the globe. Modern communications infrastructure connects our region instantly to the world and future investments in a complete broadband network will make Nova Scotia one of the most connected jurisdictions in North America.

Our business and community leaders exemplify a spirit of cooperation that has led to the formation of many winning partnerships and, while less tangible, no less effective in helping our business community to grow together.

Our people bring an energy and commitment to everything they do. They comprise one of the most skilled and dedicated workforces available. They further serve as a rich reserve of volunteers who come together to organize national and international events and championships, and fuel dozens of community organizations that likewise draw on the strengths of a business community with a depth of over 2,000 individual enterprises, hard at work every day in Pictou County.

Town of New Glasgow

population 9,562 www.newglasgow.ca

New Glasgow is an engaging town situated along the banks of a river that winds serenely through the heart of the community. It is a thriving commercial centre with a population base of close to 10,000 residents and is on the northern shore of Nova Scotia, Canada just minute away from the beautiful waters of the Northumberland Strait.

Founded by Scottish settlers in 1784, the town was named after Glasgow, Scotland and more than 200 years later, New Glasgow still holds the position as the retail service centre for the region.The Town’s prosperity and even its beginnings are entwined with the development of the scenic East River. The East River is a tidal estuary for salt and fresh water, where Atlantic salmon cruise and jump to spawn, and there is no doubt it was the charm of the river that drew the Scots to New Glasgow.

New Glasgow offers visitors a pleasant vacation experience. Downtown is home to some of the finest gift, clothing and antique shops in the area as well as a varied selection of cafes, delis, pubs and restaurants. New Glasgow offers a quality lifestyle, a strategic location for business, and is a charming riverside town to visit.

Town of Stellarton

population 4,485 www.stellarton.ca

When coal was first discovered in the region back in the late 1790s, the miners of the time did not realize that they were soon to be working one of the largest coal seams in the world. Over 48 feet thick, the fortunes of Stellarton have risen and fallen over the Foord Coal Seam. Stellarton is today a thriving small community.

Stellarton may be viewed as a town with the typical main street...but take a second look at those artistic cartoon fire hydrants! Here also can be found the Pictou campus of the Nova Scotia Community College, plus the tree lined Allan Park. The town celebrates once a year with a gala homecoming and many former residents proudly return home to their roots.

Atlantic Canada’s largest museum, the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry is located on Highway 104, as you enter the town. Here the history of industry can be viewed in an interactive and highly enjoyable way for young and old alike.

Stellarton is also home to Sobeys, Canada's second largest food retailer. Empire, Sobeys holding company, is also located here along with many of her subsidiaries including Big 8 Beverages, TRA Foods, Empire Theatres and a Sobeys Distribution Centre.

Stellarton is a progressive community. It recently developed the infrastructure for a new business park along Highway 104. As well, the downtown core is becoming more attractive thanks to our Community in Bloom Committee and offers the visitor exciting places to shop and eat.

Town of Trenton

population 2,616 www.town.trenton.ns.ca

The Town of Trenton is a community with a great history that was founded around industry and is noted for being the birthplace of the first pouring of steel in British North America. At the turn of the century it was also home of the world famous Trenton Glass Company. Trenton Glass is highly collectable and can be found in displays in the town office as well as in the Trenton Library. It is also sold in selected antique shops.

From its grand local history to its thriving industry, this town has it all. It has one of the province's most beautiful parks and a municipal airport, for both jets and small aircraft. Trenton has everything to serve your needs. So whether you are planning to make it your home or just passing through, Trenton has a lot for you!

Town of Westville

population 3,798 www.westville.ca

The Town of Westville was incorporated in 1894 and was a busy little mining town. Today the town has a population of approximately 4000 people. Westville encompasses 4000 acres and maintains 90 kilometers of streets. Today, Westville and the surrounding area make up the third largest population centre in Nova Scotia. Westville's Main Street features banks, shops, restaurants and a recently renovated and renamed Foodland supermarket, as well as the newly built Lawtons, which is attached to the local doctor's office in the community. A Nova Scotia highway rest stop was opened at the end of Cowan Street off Exit 21 of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Where the Acadia mine once stood today stands Acadia Park. The land has been reclaimed and returned to its former state featuring walking trails, bridges, green spaces, and a children’s play area. This is just one of the many examples where the former mining Town pays hommage to its mining history.

Victoria Park had been the central focus of the Town for many, many years. It features a running track, ball field and tennis court. The Westville Miners Sports Centre, located next to Victoria Park hosts many sports events each year. The park has a playground for children, a gazebo, pond and walking trails. During the winter months, sleigh rides and other activities abound for the citizens.

Celebrate Canada Day in Westville! (One of the largest Canada Day Celebrations in Nova Scotia!)

Town of Pictou

population 3,437 www.townofpictou.ca

The Town of Pictou, located on the beautiful Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, is renowned as the "Birthplace of New Scotland" as it was here that the first Scottish immigrants landed in 1773. Here you can explore the world class Hector Heritage Quay and board the full-sized Ship Hector replica. Pictou is the best place to experience old-world charm and culture meeting present-day hospitality. Pictou is host to many events including the annual “Pictou Lobster Carnival” and “New Scotland Days”. Enjoy the many attractions, unique shopping experiences, and entertainment that Pictou has to offer

The Town of Pictou, located on the beautiful Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, is renowned as the "Birthplace of New Scotland" as it was here that the first Scottish immigrants landed in 1773. Here you can explore the world class Hector Heritage Quay and board the full-sized Ship Hector replica. Pictou is the best place to experience old-world charm and culture meeting present-day hospitality. Pictou is host to many events including the annual “Pictou Lobster Carnival” and “New Scotland Days”. Enjoy the many attractions, unique shopping experiences, and entertainment that Pictou has to offer.

Municipality of Pictou County

Population 21,745 www.county.pictou.ns.ca

Experience our incredible coastline and beaches that boast waters the warmest you will find north of the Carolinas. Revel in the serenity and unspoiled beauty of groomed trails and parks, lush farmlands and mountain top views. Relive the stories of our peoples at one of our historic sites and museums. Join in the celebration of our communities at our multitude of festivals, parades and community gatherings. Enjoy unique accommodations and exquisite cuisine. From a romantic getaway to an adventure excursion to magical family fun, Pictou County offers many hidden jewels.

Pictou County is proud of its Scottish roots and traditions. Listen for the skirl of the pipes in the distance, haunting Gaelic verse, toe tapping fiddle tunes and uplifting Celtic rock rhythms. Watch for the swirl of the kilt, lilting Highland steps and spectacular Scottish pageantry. But remember our community is also rich in cultural diversity with strong Afro-Canadian, Acadian, English, Irish, Mi'kmaq, German and British cultures, all a part of our beginnings as well as integral to who and what we are today.

The Pictou County Tourist Association extends a warm welcome to our community of communities. We invite you to uncover the charm, grace and magic of our coastal region, blessed with scenic beauty, genuine hospitality and an array of attractions and amenities. We hope that Pictou County will become your home away from home and that you will long to return again and again.

Feel the seaside breezes embrace you and savour the ocean air. Experience and enjoy our Highland hospitality - Pictou County style.