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July 12th, 2025, will mark a monumental day for the Ship Hector replica as it makes a triumphant return to Pictou Harbour in a spectacular public launch.
Join us for the Ship Hector’s big day!
Can't be there in person?
Tune in to the live Facebook video stream to witness the relaunch from anywhere!
Saturday, July 12th
Hector Heritage Quay
33 Caladh Avenue • Pictou, NS
9:00 am
Pre-launch Entertainment
Traditional Gaelic Milling Frolic
10:00 am
Ceremonies & Performances
Pipe Bands
Traditional Drummers & Dancers
(Pictou Landing First Nation)
John Spyder Macdonald performs “Bless the Ship Hector” with Katey Aucoin and
Children’s Chorus
11:00 am
Driving-up and side-launch
of Ship Hector into Pictou Harbour
Commentary by Sandy Mckay
Afternoon at the Quay
1 pm - 4 pm
Mi’kmaq Cultural Demonstration
1 pm - 1:30 pm
The Holly MacDonald-Bent School of Dance
1 pm - 4 pm
Blacksmith Demonstration
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Gaelic Song Workshop
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Hector Descendants Genealogy
All Day Saturday
84th Regiment of Foot
(Royal Highland Emigrants)
Community Events
Bluenose II Deck Tours
Friday, July 11 & Saturday, July 12
Pier C | 2 Depot St., Pictou
Gin Pole Demonstration
Royal William Sea Cadet Corps
Friday, July 11 | 6:00 pm
Hector Heritage Quay | 33 Caladh Ave., Pictou
Free Love Local Putnam Family Ceilidh
Friday, July 11 | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Vendor Village | 27 Creighton St., Pictou
Pictou Yacht Club Hector Race
Friday, July 11 | 6:30 pm | Pictou Harbour
New Horizon's Club Breakfast
Saturday, July 12 | 8:00 am to 10:30 am
14 Kempt St., Pictou
Free Pirates of Halifax Show
Saturday, July 12 | 2:00 pm
Vendor Village | 27 Creighton St., Pictou
Big Splash Concert with The Barra MacNeils
Saturday, July 12 | 7:30 pm
deCoste Performing Arts Centre | 99 Water St., Pictou (tickets at decostecentre.ca)
Worship With A Celtic Flair
Sunday, July 13 | 10:30 am
Pictou United Church | 47 James St., Pictou
Free Love Local Klorissa Farnsworth Concert
Sunday, July 13 | 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Vendor Village | 27 Creighton St., Pictou
Dockside Happenings
After its grand return to Pictou Harbour, the Ship Hector will dock beside the Bluenose II
at Piers B & C.
Ship Hector on-site for viewing | Pier B | Depot St., Pictou
(Deck tours of the Hector will begin later this season following inspections of the ship.)
Bluenose II Deck Tours | Pier C | 2 Depot St., Pictou
Friday 9 am - 11 am, 2 pm - 4 pm, 6pm - 8 pm
Saturday 1 pm - 4 pm, 6 pm - 8 pm
Stadacona Band | Vendor Village Courtyard Stage (Beside Pier B) | 12:30 pm
Best Viewing Locations
There are plenty of ways to get a great view of the Ship Hector as she returns to the water in Pictou Harbour.
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Caladh Avenue and Market Street will be closed to traffic, allowing spectators to gather on the sidewalk, street and boardwalks around the Hector Heritage Quay.
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Can't be there in person? Tune in to the live Facebook video stream to witness the relaunch from anywhere!
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Our local restaurants and boat tour operators also offer some unique vantage points!
Free Shuttle & Parking
Park at the Pictou Rotary or Exhibition Grounds and take a free shuttle to the Hector Heritage Quay. Operating continuously from 8am to 4pm, Saturday July 12.
Free lots and on‑street parking are available throughout Pictou.
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Vendor Village, 37 Creighton St.
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CN Station, 71 Front St.
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St. Andrew's Church, 105 Coleraine St.
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AA Munroe Insurance, 21 George St.
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Pictou Academy, 200 Louise St.
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Armoury, 31 Union St.
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On-street parking along Water St. and various side streets throughout town.
Caladh Ave. and Market St. will be closed to traffic from 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 until after the launch.
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Discover Pictou
Make the most of your trip to Pictou for the historic launch of the Ship Hector! Whether you're looking for a cozy place to stay, local dining, or attractions, DiscoverPictou.com can help you plan your trip to Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore.
For more ideas on places to stay and things to do, visit coastalnovascotia.com and novascotia.com
