The Antigonish Highland Games, Festival Antigonish and the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition will keep you entertained. Nature lovers will enjoy our parks, nearby beaches, and trails.

Antigonish Highland Games

Come join us for the oldest continuous Highland Games in the world outside of Scotland, running since 1863. For generations the Scottish way of life has been maintained in eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. The language, the traditions, music, dances and songs of the Gael, along with feats of strength and excellence continue to flourish at the Highland Games at Antigonish. Each July, hundreds of musicians, dancers and athletes perform and compete in this grand festival.

Live Theatre

Antigonish is home to two theatre groups: Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre and Theatre Antigonish. Both groups use the beautiful Bauer Theatre situated in the heart of the picturesque St. Francis Xavier University campus.

Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition

The annual Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition showcases the work of the local 4-H groups in Antigonish Town and County. The week-long fair, held in September, features light and heavy horse shows, draft horse pulls and livestock competitions. Art and craft displays, floral arrangements, tug-of-wars, good food, live entertainment and Carnival attract people from all over the county, province and country.

Parks

The Town of Antigonish and surrounding area have a variety of parks. Each park has its own unique charm while at the same time allowing the visitor to relax and enjoy the beauty. The parks of Antigonish range in size, services and general location within the town and county.

Beaches

The Antigonish area is proud of its variety of clean, beautiful beaches. Each beach sports a spectacular panoramic view.

Hiking & Biking Trails

The hills and beaches of Antigonish County are rich with natural history. Nature lovers enjoy exploring our hiking trails, beaches and wildlife filled salt marshes.

Day Trips

Antigonish's proximity to many other Maritime attractions make it the right place to stay and relax. Situated 2 hours from the City of Halifax, 1 hour from the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island and only 45 minutes from the Ferry to Prince Edward Island means Antigonish is a great base for your Atlantic Canada vacation.

Golf Courses

Antigonish Golf & Country Club.

Evolve Music Festival 

Dozens of peformers come together from August 22-24 for a weekend of progressive rock/jazz/funk and electronica, under the sun and stars of Canada's ocean playground. 

Other Useful Links

• Antigonish Highland Games 
• Festival Antigonish 
• Theatre Antigonish 
• Antigonish Golf Club 

Canadians travelling in some parts of the world may be surprised to discover that Antigonish is as well known as such "world-class" destinations as Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. This reputation can be attributed in part to the presence of the Coady International Institute on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University. For over 38 years, its efforts to help people foster positive change in their communities has touched the lives of thousands of people around the world.

"The Coady," as it is known locally, is a worldwide centre of excellence for training in people-based development. Every year, the Institute attracts men and women from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to participate in its training programs. These participants, who are leaders in their respective organizations and communities, come to the Coady Institute with a broad range of experience in the field of development.

The Institute is named after Dr. Moses Coady, one of the founding leaders of the Antigonish Movement a social and economic movement which established the groundwork for the development of co-ops and community organizations throughout the Maritimes.

During their five month stay in Antigonish, participants at the Coady share their experiences, knowledge and culture with residents and participate in many local community events. Their presence makes Antigonish a unique community in Nova Scotia and a well-known location throughout the world.

Town Map

The Town of Antigonish was incorporated in 1889. Like many other communities in Nova Scotia, Antigonish Town prides itself on being able to offer a good standard of living and a unique quality of life to its citizens. Much of our history confirms our recognition of the importance of individuals, family, and the value of community.

Established as the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia, Antigonish is the home of the oldest continuously run Highland Games in North America. Each year, the "games" bring people from all over the world to witness these events and share in our culture and history. In all of this - and more - Antigonish Town has cooperated with Antigonish County and with other groups and organizations, large and small, to achieve outstanding success that is recognized around the world.

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University moved its campus to Antigonish Town in 1855. StFX is now in the middle of an extensive building program, and in 2002 the citizens of the Town donated generously to the construction of the new Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre on campus. Antigonish's rich Architectural History also includes the foundation and establishment of the Sisters of St. Martha's Bethany House. The Sisters built St. Martha's Hospital in 1906 and a School of Nursing, which has become world renown. The strong "sense of community" was reflected in 1986 when Antigonish led the way in raising the initial $6,000,000 to build a new hospital. Mount St. Bernard College and St. Francis Xavier University have made the town their home. The relationships these institutions have interwoven with the Town make it the unique place it has become. Antigonish is indeed the centre for important Health and Educational institutions, which have essentially placed it on the map.

Visit Statistics Canada for the Census Profile of Antigonish.