On behalf of the many members of the Antigonish – Eastern Shore Tourist Association, I welcome you to Antigonish and the Eastern Shore. We invite you to reward your senses historically, culturally, actively, and naturally, with all of the history, festivities, beauty and delicacies you'll find along the Eastern Shore's Marine Drive Nature Tour and the Sunrise Trail Heritage Tour in Antigonish.

From the lush highlands of Antigonish to the charming seacoast communities along the Eastern Shore, our region is home to the finest sights, sounds, scents, experiences and culinary delights that Nova Scotia has to offer. Tantalize your taste buds with a feast of the world's finest seafood; treat your ears to the sweet sounds of folk and Maritime music; see our magnificent seacoast vistas; savour the restorative powers of the salt sea air at any of our many public beaches; or enjoy the warmth of the friendly handshakes and hearty hellos that welcome you wherever you go. Whatever you and your family choose, your senses will appreciate the enjoyable experiences you'll encounter here.

We've also developed several unique day trips (see the menu item above) that will provide you with unforgettable experiences, and reward all of your hard-working senses.

We know you'll enjoy your stay in Antigonish and the Eastern Shore, and, as we say in Antigonish — the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia — Ciad Mile Failte. That’s Gaelic for

Our Location Antigonish and the Eastern Shore is located primarily along the northeastern and northwestern shores of mainland Nova Scotia. Just 20-minutes from downtown Halifax, it extends along Marine Drive, in Dartmouth to Mulgrave and along the Sunrise Trail to McArras Brook. It also incorporates all the inland communities of Antigonish and Guysborough counties, and the communities located in the eastern regions of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Click here to view our location map.
Climate Because Nova Scotia is almost completely surrounded by water, Antigonish and the Eastern Shore enjoys a relatively moderate climate. Here, robust winters give way to a flourish of spring before the onset of temperate summers and lingering, beautiful falls.
Our Charm is in our People Antigonish and the Eastern Shore is known for many things: our delicious food, great festivals, beautiful scenery and rich history. But the one thing we are best known for is the warm hospitality of our people. Each year, we welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to join in the fun and festivities here. And it seems each year brings more people who have heard of, and want to experience a helping of our down-home hospitality. Wherever you go while you are here, you are sure to encounter smiling faces and a ready invitation to join in the events that take place throughout our region all year long. So, when you look back on the time you’ve spent here in Antigonish and the Eastern Shore, you will remember the stunning seacoast vistas you saw, the succulent seafood you sampled, and the good times you enjoyed. But what you’ll remember most of all is how everyone seemed to welcome you like a long-lost friend and how we look forward to seeing you here again, and again.
Symbols we use on our site This site is designed to highlight the many attractions and activities you’ll find throughout Antigonish and the Eastern Shore. We have included a series of convenient symbols for our accommodations and attractions that will help you plan your stay here, resulting in the best possible experiences to fully reward your senses.
		Visitor Information Centres Visit any of our Visitor Information Centres, or call us at 1-800-565-0000 for timely, helpful information and suggestions on events, activities and sights to see throughout the region.
		Beaches There is an abundance of beautiful Public Beaches throughout Antigonish and the Eastern Shore that are perfect for swimming or relaxation.
		Camping We also offer a variety of well-serviced Camping sites, fixed-roof accommodations and food services — each one offering a great opportunity to experience our natural beauty.
		Hiking Our Hiking Trails, offer plenty of opportunities to explore our rich terrain, geology and coastline.
		Water Sports You can connect with any of our Water Sport operators for breathtaking views of our coastline and marine wildlife.
		Natural Wonders The Natural Wonders of Antigonish and the Eastern Shore include some of our most popular and unique attractions, and highlight the enduring splendour of our region.
		Historic Sites For a glimpse of our heritage, there are many Historic Sites — churches, museums and restorations — throughout Antigonish and the Eastern Shore that illustrate how our communities and culture took shape.
		Cultural Experiences Speaking of culture, you’ll find plenty of Cultural Experiences to enjoy wherever you go here, from handcrafted marvels to festivals and beyond.
		Our Tourist Association Finally, the Antigonish and Eastern Shore Tourist Association (AESTA) members are highlighted throughout this site with their advertising and service listings, and the nine Visitor Information Centres throughout our region also maintain current member lists. The AESTA members pledge to provide memorable, quality experiences while you are here in Antigonish and along the Eastern Shore.