Step Aboard The Ship Hector & Journey Back
to 1773
Following the spectacular relaunch of the Ship Hector into Pictou Harbour, you can step aboard the full-size replica of the vessel that carried the first Scottish emigrants from Scotland to Nova Scotia. Watch Nova Scotia master shipbuilders at work onsite as restoration continues, and experience a powerful piece of Canadian heritage up close.
Once fully restored, the Ship Hector will offer solar-powered harbour tours, making it the only tall ship in Canada with this eco-friendly feature.
Step inside the redesigned Interpretive Centre for a more immersive experience that brings the Ship Hector story to life, including the journey of the 1773 Scottish emigrants and the vital role of the Mi’kmaw people of Piktuk. Explore interactive exhibits, engaging audio-visual features, a panoramic third-level theatre presentation, and powerful artwork that reflects both Mi’kmaw and Gaelic perspectives.
New Interpretive Centre Exhibits
Explore The Rigging Room, Carpentry Shop and Blacksmith Shops
Carpentry Shop. The heart of the Ship Hector restoration project is the carpentry shop, where planking, hatch covers, bollards, blocks etc. are being restored and rebuilt. A workshop with all the original drawings and plans is at the back of the building.
Blacksmith Shop. A working forge and lots of examples of early tools used in this intricate and important craft.
Rigging Room. Located on the bottom floor of the Interpretive Centre, here you can learn about what it takes to prepare a tall ship for sailing. There are lots of early tools used in the art of rigging a ship as well as a variety of items needed for a sailing ship.
.jpeg)
Visit The Ship Hector Gift Shop!
Take home a memory of your visit.
The Ship Hector Gift Shop is home to an array of clothing, jewellery, gift items, home decor and even a candy room for kids and kids at heart.
Boat Building School
Under Construction!
The Hector Heritage Quay Boatbuilding Pavilion will offer government-recognized apprenticeships and hands-on training in traditional marine trades. Programs will range from weekend-long experiential workshops to six-month wooden boatbuilding programs and a fourteen-week ship cabinetry and furniture-making apprenticeships, plus small craft projects, construction and design courses.
.png)