Town of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

Visit New Glasgow
You”ll Be Charmed By the River & Our Historic Downtown

Click here to view New Glasgow's tourism brochure.

Located near the spectacular coastal shores of northern Nova Scotia, New Glasgow is a town that will reach out to you because it reminds you of coming home, Nova Scotia style.

A river runs serenely through the heart of the town and if our river could talk what grand stories would be told of this river valley settlement that grew from a single trading post and shipbuilding town into the historic riverside community of today. New Glasgow is the commercial centre of the Pictou County region that was once characterized by ancient mountain ranges that give birth to a trio of river systems and eventually yield to miles of coastline.

The distinctive George Street Bridge escorts you into the Downtown core of New Glasgow and overlooks the Riverfront marina, which is lined with picturesque pleasure craft from May to October. The historic Downtown area features distinctive downtown shops, unique café, intriguing antique shops and enchanting pubs as well as Victorian style lanterns and 19th and early 20th century architecture.  Several of the finest architects and builders of the day showcased their talents throughout this New Glasgow business district and  a walk through the tree lined  street s of the town reveal 19th century churches and homes.

 The Samson Trail winds along the riverbed and was built on one of Canada's oldest railway lines. You can almost hear the sounds of the Samson locomotive in the distance as it carries coal to nearby Stellarton mines and if you close your eyes you can picture the sails of the famous steel schooner, the James William taking shape as she headed towards the open waters of the Northumberland Strait.

A spirit of enterprise, entrepreneurship and imagination were first demonstrated by New Glasgow’s pioneers in the late 1700s and continues today in the strength and leadership of its people. Diverse in its appeal, New Glasgow is a town with not only cherished cultural and athletic traditions but impressive political legacies as well. Our political history includes several Nova Scotian premiers, federal cabinet ministers as well as several municipal leaders who have held offices at the provincial and national level.

New Glasgow is home to many renowned artists, artisans and entertainers. At any given time, you can expect to find one or more special community gathering, a signature hometown event, a musical presentation or just a good ole hockey game happening in New Glasgow. Often the magical setting of the riverfront or one of New Glasgow's beautiful parks provide the backdrop to major events and it is indeed a sight to behold to see the best and brightest in East Coast and Canadian talent performing at the Glasgow Square Theatre's outdoor stage during the award winning Music Jubilee or the  breathtaking majesty of the dragon boats on the river, preparing for the annual Race on the River Dragon Boat Festival as the haunting sounds of the drums resonate  along the shores. Lilting Scottish aires echo throughout the town during the Festival of the Tartans, which has been held in New Glasgow for more than a half a century while the top runners from Eastern Canadian return year after year to the Johnny Miles Running Event Weekend held on the Samson Trail each June.

 Weeks Junior A Crushers games are one of the hottest tickets in town and the team plays out of the famous John Brother MacDonald Stadium that was once the home rink to our Stanley Cup champs Jon Sim and Colin White, NHLer Derrick Walser  as well as retired NHL all star Lowell MacDonald. The best in Junior A hockey will visit New Glasgow in  May 2008 for the prestigious Fred Page Cup while the Ladies Grand Slam Curling event will host a slate of international curlers in New Glasgow in March 2007. 

Several parks throughout the Town provide a peaceful refuge for a stroll or picnic and New Glasgow is just minutes from three championship calibre golf courses, (Abercrombie Golf & Country, Glen Lovat and Linancy Greens), Magic Valley Family Fun Park and the sandy shores of Melmerby Beach with the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. Residents and visitors can now enjoy a fully accessible playground, dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Carrie Best, a well- known human rights activist who called New Glasgow home. Located in the South end of town, the playground offers a play experience for all ages and ability levels with an innovative, state of the art, rubberized play surface. This project was realized through the work of dedicated community volunteers who had the vision of the Universal Playground. New Glasgow has several parks such as Carmichael Park along the Samson Trail, a newly renovated stadium, a YM-YWCA, S.W. Weeks Sports Complex, and the John Brother MacDonald Stadium.

Accommodations within the town include hotel chains such as Country Inn & Suites and Comfort Inn, locally operated Tara Motel, and a variety of B&Bs to suit any budget. Cottages and cabin retreats can be found a short drive beyond the town's boundaries. Several parks throughout the Town provide a peaceful refuge for a stroll or picnic and New Glasgow is just minutes from three championship calibre golf courses, (Abercrombie Golf & Country, Glen Lovat and Linancy Greens), Magic Valley Family Fun Park and the sandy shores of Melmerby Beach with the warmest waters north of the Carolinas.

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. As the commercial service centre for the county, two commercial corridors complement the downtown and provide visitors with familiar shopping experiences in the form of well-recognized names. Likewise, two shopping centres in the Town, Highland Square Mall and Aberdeen Shopping Centre, provide an additional selection of well-known retail stores. These venues also offer entertainment and dining experiences the latter including fine dining, family dining and quick service.

Accommodations within the town include hotel chains such as Country Inn & Suites and Comfort Inn, locally operated Tara Motel, and a variety of B&Bs to suit any budget. Cottages and cabin retreats can be found a short drive beyond the town's boundaries.

New Glasgow is easily accessible off the Trans Canada Highway 104, exits 23 to 26 and can also be found via  Route 6 otherwise known as the Sunrise Trail, which is the scenic coastal route servicing much of Pictou County.

More information may be obtained contacting the Pictou County Tourist Association Ph: 902-752-6383 or the Pictou Regional Development Commission Ph: 902-752-6159 or by following our links to their websites.

Visit New Glasgow- You’ll be charmed by the river and our historic Downtown.