A brief 45-minute journey from Pictou will take you to Tatamagouche, a unique destination home to the only Prairie-style grain elevator east of Manitoba, now repurposed to host local shops. This quaint town not only offers a glimpse into innovative reuse of architectural heritage but also invites visitors to explore its local charm and creativity through these curated spaces.

In Tatamagouche, you can also delve into the history of Anna Swan, a Nova Scotian giantess who stood at 7.5 feet tall and became a notable figure in the 1800s. The Anna Swan Museum pays tribute to her remarkable life and legacy. For a unique dining experience, the old Tatamagouche Train Station, operational from May to October, offers the chance to enjoy a meal inside a vintage train car, adding a touch of nostalgia and uniqueness to your visit.

This special area becomes much more memorable if you spend time exploring some gently rolling farmland and vineyards, fabulous golf courses, unique Nova Scotia festivals, along with concerts and performances in a variety of media and genres to all year round. You also can’t forget to indulge in the sumptuous local fare such as Nova Scotia lobster, local wine and spirits, maple syrup and blueberries while you are visiting this beautiful shore.

Check out the "50 Things to Do on the Northumbeland Shore"

You will begin your "Mini Cabot Trail" adventure only a 25 minute drive from Pictou.

The Cape George Scenic Drive starts (or ends) in Antigonish and travels towards Cape George Point on Highway 337 and then west towards Malignant Cove. Here, drivers need to turn onto Highway 245, which continues to Arisaig, Merigomish and Sutherlands River (end point).

The Mini Cabot Trail can be driven in either direction. Having driven both directions, however, I would say that I personally enjoyed travelling west to east more (Sutherlands River to Antigonish).

A highlight of the route is driving the curvy section between Cape George and Ballantyne’s Cove. The views of the ocean and coastline are better when driving towards Antigonish.

Slow down. In general, the pace of life in Nova Scotia pretty relaxed. Though it may be tempting to try and rush around to see everything, take a lesson from the locals and take things slow.

Be prepared to drive narrow and winding roads.

The Northumberland Shore is a very friendly place. Prepare to be stopped by people while exploring. City folk may find this a little strange yet it’s very normal in this area.

Look out for wildlife. Deer may be on the road at any time, but more likely at dusk and dawn

Expect to see some mosquitoes in summer, especially at dusk – be sure to bring (or buy) some insect repellent if spending time outdoors after dinner.

The Northumberland Shore is often referred to as Nova Scotia's "Sunshine Coast." This nickname highlights the region's reputation for having a sunny climate, in addition to its many attractions such as fine-sand beaches, local vineyards, coastal trails, and notably warm salt water that is the warmest north of the Carolinas. This area of Nova Scotia is celebrated for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and the welcoming warmth of both its waters and its community, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The weather and temperature in Nova Scotia can vary greatly. When I make a day trip I don't leave without a sweater and a rain jacket. This is especially important if you are on the coast.

The average annual temperatures are:

* Spring: 1°C to 17°C (34°F to 63°F)
* Summer: 14°C to 28°C (57°F to 82°F)
* Fall: 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)
* Winter: -20°C to 5°C (-4°F to 41°F)

For a day trip along the Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia, especially during the summer months when the waters can warm up to 22°C (72°F), you'll want to pack to make the most of the beautiful beaches and warm ocean water.  Pack your swimsuit, snacks, and sunblock and head to the nearest sandy beach along this beach filled coast

One of the best places to stay is in the Town of Pictou.  This quaint town is home to a beautiful waterfront, restaurants, shops, museums and more.  It is located close to the middle of the most scenic 200 km stretch of the Northumberland Shore on the Sunrise Trail of Nova Scotia.  With its stellar guest reviews, the Willow House Inn is a popular choice to experience warm hospitality, delicious breakfast and very comfortable accommodations.  There unique 5 seat swing surrounding a custom firepit in the backyard with a view of Pictou Harbour is not to be missed! 

The Northumberland Shore is located in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is renowned for having the highest number of warm-water ocean beaches in Atlantic Canada, making it an attractive destination for beach-goers and those seeking the warmth of the sun and sea. The region is also celebrated for its fresh local lobster, a culinary highlight and a favorite among both locals and visitors.