Page 16 - Real Estate Now Sept-Oct 2021

the place where the branches are torn off by bears gathering beechnuts; and the meeting place of five forked rivers.

Let’s take a look at a few other interesting facts about the town:
• St. Francis Xavier University was founded in Arichat, Cape Breton in 1853 but was moved to Antigonish in 1855—
alumni receive the X-Ring, which is said to be the third most recognized rings in the world;
• a few years after the university arrived, Antigonish was incorporated as a town in 1889;
• the community received praised when the town won the Great Places of Canada contest in 2016;
• in the same year, the Statistics Canada Census recorded 5,002 residents living in Antigonish, while the population
is closer to 10,000 during the school year; and
• Antigonish is a partner in the Alternative Resource Energy Authority (AREA), which includes the towns of Berwick
and Mahone Bay—AREA was formed to combat the rising power costs in Nova Scotia, with the cutting-edge
Ellershouse Wind Farm being the result of the partnership.

What to do in Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Like any place along Canada’s glorious east coast, taking in the sensational
sights of the Northumberland Strait is a must. Set aside a day to take a
drive through Antigonish County and venture along the coastline while
you discover the many quaint coves and historic lighthouses along the
way. Or head 27 kilometers north from the town and visit the nearby
Arisaig Provincial Park for a day of picnicking and hiking.
Are you a buff of historic lighthouses? Take a journey
through the Annapolis Valley alongside the Bay of
Fundy to get your fill!
Want to try something a little different? Take a trip to Keppoch Mountain
during the summer and try your arm at disc golf. Or experience the thrill
of adrenaline pumping mountain biking—if you prefer something a little
less intense, leisurely hiking trails are available as well. For cold weather
adventures, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is offered during the
winter.
If you’re just visiting, plan your trip in July and experience the renowned Antigonish
Highland Games. The games feature a rousing parade, music and dancing, pipe
bands, and drum marching; the games also include heritage workshops and
traditional competitions such as the Tug-of-War, Farmer’s Walk, and Scottish Heavy
Events. For every other time of the year, take in the history of the town—including its
imaginative murals and colourful buildings dating back to the 1800s—before visiting
the Antigonish Heritage Museum.
For the performing arts, enjoy an evening of theatre at the Bauer Theatre on
the university campus, where shows are put on by Theatre Antigonish and the
internationally acclaimed Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre. For classical concerts
and down-east cèilidhs (Scottish term for an informal social event featuring music,
dancing, and storytelling), be sure to attend the Antigonish Performing Arts Series.
If you’re looking to experience history and theatre in one quaint town,
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is the must-visit destination for you!
Due to the influx of students to Antigonish, the town features a wide variety of shops and a culinary scene more
reminiscent of a major urban centre. Make sure to stop by:
• The Antigonish Farmers’ Market—a year-round market featuring delicious local fare and unique artisanal goods;

16 | REAL ESTATE NOW | denise@BCislandhomes.ca