Often described as the Jewel of the Northumberland Strait, Pictou Island lies halfway between Nova Scotia and PEI conveniently off the beaten path. The entire island is off-grid and serviced by a ferry and a plane and several charter boats.

Our History

First settled in 1809, Pictou Island was a vibrant farming and fishing community once home to five canning factories. They're gone, but our 112-year-old church, and the old horse-drawn hearse are still here. And our lighthouse is a heritage building. We've got a well preserved pioneer cemetery full of born Scots and a bench at the east-end of the island dedicated to a fisherman.

Our land

In 1863, Lorne's great-great-grandfather - Hugh MacLean - purchased a 100 acre lot of land on Pictou Island. He and his twin sister Mary had arrived in the 1820s with their spouses, both McCallums, leaving behind lives of crofting and kelping on Tiree, a small island 20 kilometers off of Mull, Scotland. Each Wooden Tent is named in honour of one of Hugh's great-grandchildren (including Lorne's mom, Nina Vennita) who were the last generation to grow up on the land.

Our nature

Lying halfway across the Northumberland Strait between Nova Scotia and PEI, Pictou Island offers a secluded but easily accessible place to relax and enjoy nature. Surrounded by lobsters, seals, and a shore full of creatures, the island is home to a blue heron colony, several bald eagle families, owls, seagulls, cormorants, rabbits, coyotes, and more.

our conveniences

Just a short walk from the wharf and the island's only store, Pictou Island Wooden Tents offer a base to watch and explore the island's unique biodiversity. While the island is predominately privately owned, guests are welcome to explore the shoreline, the surrounding woods, the vineyard, and the public park/beach at the east end. All visitors have access to wifi at the Pictou Island Community Centre's CAP site.

wonderful places to discover on Pictou Island:

Island Activities