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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!

Please check back for updates to the below schedule of events.

Questions? Email info@shiphector.ca

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

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.

  • 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.
     

  • Can't be there in person? Tune in to the live Facebook video stream to witness the relaunch from anywhere!

     

     

  • 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.

  • Vendor Village,  37 Creighton St.

  • CN Station, 71 Front St.

  • St. Andrew's Church, 105 Coleraine St.

  • AA Munroe Insurance,  21 George St.

  • Pictou Academy, 200 Louise St.

  • Armoury, 31 Union St.

  • 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

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