Antigonish - Whidden Park Campground

“The Highland Heart of Nova Scotia” Antigonish is home to St. Francis Xavier University and the longest running Highland Games outside of Scotland. Hit a few balls at the local golf course, spend the day at one of the many nearby beaches, or take in some live entertainment at Festival Antigonish – there’s lots going on in this little town!

Events
Antigonish Highland Games
World’s oldest highland games outside of Scotland.
Historical Sites
At Sherbrooke Village, every day is a trip back in time!
In Walking Distance
Antigonish’s vibrant downtown core is a great place to have a meal, enjoy some entertainment or find that special something.
Trails & Beaches
Escape to nature at one of Antigonish’s scenic hiking trails or sandy beaches.

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Within Walking Distance

There’s lots to do just a short walk away!

Our central location in downtown Antigonish allows easy access to all the town has to offer!

Main Street
Distance from our entrance: 10m – Directions: go out our driveway and turn left at the lights

Antigonish’s Main Street has an amazing offering in the forms of shopping, dining, entertainment and services. A taste of what Main
Street has to offer:

Fine and casual dining
Wide variety of stores
Gas Stations
Major Banks
Tennis Courts

St Francis Xavier University Campus
Distance from our Entrance: 200m – Directions

We’re a short walk from the north side of the beautiful STFX campus. Founded in 1853, STFX is one of Canada’s oldest universities and one of its finest. The school has consistently ranked in the top 3 Undergraduate Universities in Canada (often as number 1) by MacLean’s Magazine. STFX has produced a number of noted athletes, business people, scientists, musicians, actors, and politicians including a former Prime Minister. Click Here for the campus map.

Aside from scenic buildings and beautiful grounds, St. Francis Xavier University is home to:

The Charles V. Keating Centre
A multi-million dollar athletics and conference centre, featuring two large ice surfaces, a fitness center, and several conference rooms.

The Oland Centre
Attached to the Keating Centre, the Oland Centre houses an Olympic-size swimming pool, squash courts, and a gymnasium. Immediately behind the Oland Centre, you will also find the Oland Stadium.

The Bauer Theatre
The main stage for Festival Antigonish, located adjacent to the Physical Sciences Centre, in the heart of the campus.

Festival Antigonish
Distance from our entrance: 500m – Directions

“The Little Theatre That Could”, Festival Antigonish offers professional live entertainment out of the Bauer Theatre during July and August. Truly one of Antigonish’s greatest gems, Festival Antigonish has been delighting audiences for over twenty years – they never disappoint and we highly recommend you take in a show or two!

The Antigonish Heritage Museum
Distance from our entrance: 1.2Km – Directions

The Antigonish Heritage Museum is dedicating to preserving and displaying the rich history and culture of the area. The museum is located within a former Canadian National Railway station, at the opposite end of Main Street from Whidden Park.

The Columbus Field
Distance from our entrance: 700m – Directions

This public park is the perfect play area for families or athletes. It features a large playground, tennis courts, track, and a water park. It is host to a number of annual events, including the Antigonish Highland Games and the Music on Main concert series.

In Antigonish

For even more ideas, check out the following links:

Antigonish Market Square
Distance from our entrance: 1.2Km – Directions

Antigonish’s Mall is located on Church Street. It contains a number of stores which offer a wide variety of products and services including fashion, electronics, gifts and more. The closest major grocer, Sobey’s, is located at the Antigonish Mall along with a post office, the NSLC and Visitor Information Centre.

Peace by Chocolate
Distance from our entrance: 1.6Km – Directions

A feel-good story of how immigration can benefit new and old Canadians alike, the Hadhad family fled their native Syria during the civil war in 2012. Coming to Nova Scotia in 2016, they quickly got to work building their new lives in Canada. With support from many of their new neighbours and friends, they began rebuilding their previous Syrian chocolate empire here in Antigonish. A humble shed at their residence on Bay Street is where they made their start before expanding to a larger facility in Antigonish county which now employs dozens of local residents. The shed is now a local storefront where the Hadhad family warmly greets customers from near and far with a wide variety of delicious, premium chocolates, many of which are not available at any other location!

Market Street
Distance from our entrance: 2.6Km – Directions

Located just outside of town, Market Street features a cluster of commercial buildings. The Antigonish Walmart, Staples, Atlantic Superstore, Central Supplies and more may be found in this area.

The Riverside International Speedway
Distance from our entrance: 13.4Km – Directions

Located in James River, the Riverside International Speedway is a 1/3 mile oval track and hosts a number of races during the summer months. The Riverside is widely recognized as one of the premiere racetracks in Canada. An official Nascar race is held at the Riverside each summer.

Pin’s Bowling Alley
Distance from our entrance: 3.0Km – Directions

Pins Bowling Centre features 12 lanes, 2 pool tables, air hockey, arcade games, and a licensed bar! It’s a great place for a family outing, or a night out with your friends!

Antigonish Farmers Market
Distance from our entrance: 1.1Km – Directions

The Antigonish Farmers Market features a wide variety of locally grown organic fruits and vegetables, organic meats, maple syrup, honey, preserves, wild mushrooms, heritage products, local handcrafts, and all kinds of mouth watering baked goods. The market is held every Saturday morning in the 4-H barn, behind the Antigonish Arena.

Antigonish Golf & Country Club
Distance from our entrance: 1.9km – Directions

The Antigonish Golf & Country Club is an 18 hole par 72 course measuring 6,640 yards. This excellent course is located just on the outskirts of town and offers some breath-taking scenery. Tee times are encouraged.

Trails and Beaches

Trails

Antigonish has everything you need to get back to nature. A bounty of hiking and biking trails are just minutes from town! We’ve compiled a short list below, but for more you can visit the Antigonish Website.

The Antigonish Landing Trail
Distance from our entrance: 2Km – Directions

A level path running about 2Km in each direction along the water, the Antigonish Landing Trail is a bird sanctuary and is home to many forms of wildlife. The path is a straight line so, when the path ends, simply double back to the start for an easy 4Km. Leave your car behind and add another 4Km to your jaunt while enjoying Antigonish’s picturesque Main Street! Total distance from our driveway and back: 8Km.

Fairmont Ridge
Distance from our entrance: 10.7Km – Directions

Paths through woods lead to a 300m vertical climb offering moderate challenge to hikers. Different loops allow hikers to “choose their own adventure”. Depending on hiker’s preference, hike times can vary from 10 minutes to 4 hours by choosing different loops.

Keppoch Mountain – 4 Season Outdoor Recreation
Distance from our entrance: 15Km – Directions

Keppoch Mountain has an extensive network of roughly 40Km of trails offering all levels of challenge for hikers, bikers, snow-shoers, and skiers. Weekend shuttle service saves down-hill bikers the time and effort of getting back up the mountain after each run while the lodge and washroom facilities offer a place to rest and refresh between activities. Keppoch Mountain is managed by the not-for-profit Positive Action for Keppoch (PAK) Society and relies on trail fees and donations to support the facility. Year memberships and day passes are available at the lodge or online.

Cape George Heritage Trails
Distance from our entrance: 32.6Km – Directions

The Cape George Heritage Trails are a set of loops totaling 43Km in length. Old-growth forests and coastal hills provide breathtaking scenery. Letters located at each loop intersection may be collecting by rubbing them onto paper. Hikers who collect them all will be awarded with a certificate of achievement.

Beaches

Antigonish isn’t far from the ocean and there are beaches all throughout the county. A short list is provided below, for more we suggest you visit the Town of Antigonish’s website: http://www.townofantigonish.ca/beaches.html

Pomquet Beach
Distance from our entrance: 21.7Km – Directions

Perhaps the sandiest beach in the area, Pomquet beach is a great place to go for a swim. It’s also a Provincial Park and offers change rooms and a boardwalk.

Arisaig Beach
Distance from our entrance: 28.3Km – Directions

Arisaig is one of the best beaches in the area to swim and explore. The wharf is great for jumping off and the sea cliffs are filled with ancient fossils dating back as far as 450 million years ago. There is also a Provincial Park in this area.

Historical Sites

Hall of the Clans
Distance from our entrance: 250m – Directions

Located in the Angus L. Macdonald Library on the St. Francis Xavier University Campus, the Hall of the Clans pays homage to the Scottish settlers who founded the Antigonish area. Fifty coat of arms are on display, representing these founding families.

Antigonish Heritage Museum
Distance from our entrance: 1.2km – Directions

This is a well preserved example of an early 20th century railway station. Built by the Inter-colonial Railway in 1908, the building was acquired by the C.N.R. in 1919. Service was discontinued in 1990, and the museum was opened to the public in June 1991. The museum features exhibits and artifacts depicting early days of Antigonish town and county. Such displays include: an 1864 Hand hauled fire engine and extensive genealogical information.

Sherbrooke Village
Distance from our entrance: 62km – Directions

Get your hands on history at Sherbrooke Village!

At Sherbrooke Village, every day is a trip back in time as Nova Scotia’s 19th century heritage is brought to life for visitors of all ages by traditional blacksmiths, potters, wood turners, weavers and printers.

Whether you’re anxious to try your hand at quilting or would like your picture taken at Canada’s only Ambrotype glass photo studio, our daily activities and multi-day learning camps make our past your adventure.

Visit us 45 minutes south of Antigonish or online at www.sherbrookevillage.novascotia.ca or call 1-888-743-7845

Events

Antigonish is the cultural centre of Nova Scotia’s North Shore and boasts excellent celebrations, expositions and events!

A few headliners are listed below but, for even more, check out the Antigonish Visitor Information Centre’s Calendar below:

Antigonish VIC Calendar

The Antigonish Highland Games
Distance from our entrance: 750m – Directions

Named one of the top 100 events in North America in 2013, The Antigonish Highland Games is a Scottish cultural and sporting event held annually in Antigonish since 1863 – the oldest of its kind outside of Scotland! Events include bagpiping competitions, highland dancing, the caber toss and a slew of other traditional Scottish sporting competitions. Most events take place at the Columbus Field, just a short walk from Whidden Park!

Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition
Distance from our entrance: 1Km – Directions

The Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition is a presentation of local agriculture in the form of horse and cattle shows, livestock, and 4-H Club demonstrations. A variety of amusement rides and games provide great entertainment for kids.

Antigonight: Art After Dark
Distance from our entrance: Throughout Downtown

Antigonight is an art festival held every year in September throughout Antigonish’s Main Street, making use of parks, sidewalks, alley ways, and every little nook and cranny available to present the best of Antigonish’s local art scene. The festival creates an environment for interaction between artists and festival-goers who are encouraged to not only enjoy the works of art on display but also participate in their creation! All of this takes place under the stars, in the beauty of the night.

Antigonish Art Fair
Distance from our entrance: 60m – Directions

Held outdoors right across the street from us at Chisholm Park, The Antigonish Art Fair is a bi-weekly festival and market where artists, artisans, musicians, and more come to share their work and passion for the arts. The Art Fair season runs from mid-June to the end of August, with fairs every second Friday evening from 6-9pm.

AIFF: Antigonish International Film Festival
Distance from our entrance: Various Venues

The Antigonish International Film Festival is held annually every October, with additional monthly events throughout the fall, winter, and spring months as part of the First Friday Film Festival (FFFF). The festival features a lineup of documentary films from local and international filmmakers, with the goal to entertain and inspire thought.

Events

Historical Sites

In Walking Distance

Trails & Beaches

Within Walking Distance

In Antigonish

Trails and Beaches

Trails

Beaches

Historical Sites

Events

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