Antigonish

Travel Guide
Antigonish
Stunning beaches, hiking trails and of the oldest running Highland Games in Canada draw visitors to this popular university town.

Explore the campus of one of Canada’s oldest universities, watch traditional Scottish events at the annual Highland Games and walk a beautiful coastal path when you visit the town of Antigonish. 

Europeans first settled this area in the 18th century, and in 1855 a group of Scottish Catholics founded St. Francis xavier University. This remains one of the most highly regarded universities in the country, and a student population of around 4,000 ensures the cafés and bars of Main Street are always buzzing.

Antigonish is a superb place for lovers of the outdoors to spend some time. The tracks along Fairmont Ridge northeast of town offer great views. Head a little way south of here for Pomquet Dune, a large dune system. Spot attractive plants and birds as you make your way towards the coast. Antigonish is also the start of the Sunrise Trail that runs along Nova Scotia’s northern coast and ends at Amherst. Walk along part of the route to the Cape George Lighthouse. Spend an afternoon here and enjoy superb views towards Cape Breton and Prince Edward Islands. 

When the cold winter makes trips to the beach less appealing, you will find plenty to do in town. Visit the Heritage Museum and view photos and artifacts covering more than 100 years of the town’s past. Tour the university campus and see the work of Nova Scotia artists at its StFX Art Gallery. Attend an ice hockey match or a concert at the Charles V. Keating Millennium Center.

July brings one of the highlights of the year, the Antigonish Highland Games. Scottish settlers began this tradition around 1863 and it is the longest running event of its kind in the country. Enjoy traditional Scottish music, join in a Scottish dance and watch strength events like the tug of war.

Reach Antigonish by flying into Halifax Airport and then drive 114 miles (184 kilometers) west to the town. Summers are the best time to visit, as the long days and milder weather allow you to spend more time enjoying the area’s natural beauty. 

Maritime Inn Antigonish
Maritime Inn Antigonish
4 out of 5
158 Main Street, Antigonish, NS
The price is CA $162 per night from May 12 to May 13
CA $162
CA $192 total
includes taxes & fees
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Antigonish. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (546 reviews)
"Totally as expected. Having stayed here multiple times"

Reviewed on Apr. 28, 2024

Maritime Inn Antigonish
Antigonish Victorian Inn
Antigonish Victorian Inn
4.5 out of 5
149 Main St, Antigonish, NS
The price is CA $105 per night from May 16 to May 17
CA $105
CA $124 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury inn in Antigonish. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (324 reviews)
"A very good experience. Staff was helpful. Breakfast included was great! Spacious quiet room"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Antigonish Victorian Inn
Homeward Inns of Canada
Homeward Inns of Canada
2 out of 5
41 James Street, Antigonish, NS
The price is CA $105 per night from May 12 to May 13
CA $105
CA $124 total
includes taxes & fees
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this motel in Antigonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (504 reviews)
"A nice place"

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2024

Homeward Inns of Canada
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Micro Boutique Living - Antigonish
Micro Boutique Living - Antigonish
3.5 out of 5
208 Main Street, Antigonish, NS
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Antigonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions St Ninian's Cathedral and Antigonish ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (218 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2023

Micro Boutique Living - Antigonish
Waterfront One Bedroom Apartment
Waterfront One Bedroom Apartment
Antigonish
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Southside Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Pomquet Beach Provincial Park and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Suite is excellent. Situated right on the water about 15km from Antigonish. Coffee and tea, bottled water, shampoo and conditioner, shower body wash, hair dryer provided. Full kitchen if staying longer with groceries. Owners live on the property and are friendly and kind. Yes, recommend."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Waterfront One Bedroom Apartment
Balinese Style Villa with heated salt water pool and spectacular ocean vista
Balinese Style Villa with heated salt water pool and spectacular ocean vista
Antigonish
Stay at this villa in Georgeville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attraction Livingstone Cove Wharf is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Amazing host and comfy immaculately clean house with a salt water pool!
"We LOVED our stay here. We arrived to a warm welcome with wine, chocolates and a welcome sign! Our host was so nice, and communications with her were seamless. The house was really comfy with everything we needed - great bed included and a well-appointed kitchen! The salt water pool, with views over ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 2, 2023

Balinese Style Villa with heated salt water pool and spectacular ocean vista
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Antigonish

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
48
" "5 - Excellent 32.87671232876713%
4 - Good
82
" "4 - Good 56.16438356164384%
3 - Okay
13
" "3 - Okay 8.904109589041095%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 2.0547945205479454%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Feb. 18, 2020

Antigonish is a small town that basically runs around the university. There’s not much to do, the restaurants aren’t that good, the staff in the stores aren’t friendly at all. All in all just a disappointing trip. Would not come back.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Feb. 7, 2020

It's not surprising that a lot of businesses in the areas cater to their clientel; students. Budget-minded products and fast food. Motels in the area are overpriced. It's an isolated community; if you need to stay, you pay!

4/5 - Good

Hache
Dec. 8, 2019

We didn’t explore the surrounding area much as we were in town for high school volleyball provincials

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Oct. 17, 2019

Love the food and service at Mother Webb's restaurant and the proximity to Cape Breton Island.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Aug. 28, 2019

The Waffle Bus Stop restaurant is delicious for breakfast or lunch. Keppoch Mountain is only a 15-20 minute drive and is great for outdoor activities.

5/5 - Excellent

Cecil
Aug. 24, 2019

Had the most amazing pizza from a pizza place. You need to try The Wheel Pizza and Sub shop.

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