Page 15 - Real Estate Now Sept-Oct 2021

TRAVEL Antigonish, Nova Scotia: The

Highland Heart of Nova Scotia

Cory Davis courtesy REALTOR.ca
f you journey towards the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia to Antigonish
County, you’ll find the enchanting small town of Antigonish. Blessed with natural
Ibeauty, the region is a destination admired for its rolling countryside, countless
cliffside drives, shell-dotted shores, and wondrous hiking trails.
If you’re after coastal views and woodland wonders, then you’re going to want to learn about Chester, Nova Scotia,
too!

Antigonish is a family-friendly community boasting small-town charm and the lively personality of a much larger
neighbourhood. The vibrant culture is on display all year round with fabulous festivals, theatre groups, visual arts and
crafts, and musical performances.

Gaelic pride runs strong in the community, as it plays host to the oldest continuous Highland games outside of
Scotland (no wonder it’s considered the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia!). Antigonish features picturesque farms,
numerous community groups, sports and recreational opportunities, and a competitive business environment—it’s
also home to one of Canada’s most prestigious universities, St. Francis Xavier University.
St. Francis Xavier University, casually known as StFX,
features state-of-the-art facilities, with its reputation
attracting awareness from all over the world. StFX’s
student body brings diverse cultures and a wealth of
expertise to Antigonish. Plus, the town’s population
doubles during the school year, with the students and
faculty members bringing passion, economic prowess,
and fresh ideas in tow.
Antigonish is conveniently positioned halfway between
Halifax and Sydney, making it a short two-and-half-hour
drive for those wanting to see more of the province.
You’ll find a town with amazing outdoor experiences,
tasty food and drink, and a welcoming community.
Antigonish combines the quintessential east coast
lifestyle with Gaelic vagaries and Canadiana quirks.

Whether you’re looking for your next adventure, a place to up your education, or a small town to hang your hat,
Antigonish is the perfect spot for you. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts, what to do, and what you need to
know about the real estate market in Antigonish.

What to know about Antigonish

As you enter downtown, you’re greeted with a sign that reads “Céad míle fáilte”, which is Gaelic for “A hundred thousand
welcomes”. Interestingly enough, the spelling is in Irish Gaelic, even though the community is widely known for its
Scottish heritage—in Scottish Gaelic, the phrase is spelt “ceud mìle fàilte.” Regardless, it’s a fitting welcome as the
Antigonish Highland Games have been taking place in the community for more than 155 years.
Despite its Gaelic roots, the name Antigonish, originates from the Mi’kmaq First Nations and has two distinct meanings:

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