hector heritage quay

knowledgeable staff, amazing displays, and extremely interesting subject matter. a true and amazing history lesson as it was lived

Truly a remarkable exhibit, offering a wee insight into a difficult time in history. Being down below and visualizing the extreme conditions these brave folk endured is amazing. The ship was conducted on-sight and repairs are ongoing allowing opportunity to speak with those involved, from volunteer painters to world renowned shipwrights and riggers. The staff is as friendly as theyare iinformative. Definitely a must see. Please note that my wife and I have a paint brush in hand down at the quay from time to time so my review has a bias.

If you are looking for a stop that will give you a great historical and cultural overview of the area, this should be on your list. The "Hector" was a ship that carried approximately 200 Scots to Nova Scotia. The ship replica is well done and part of the Heritage Center. The small museum at the quay contains several floors to explore (elevator access). Very friendly people providing information. Parking was easily accessible to the museum.While we spent just an hour (should have spent more), we were able to sample the culture and hardships of those who came to this part of Canada.

A must place to visit if your are in or around Pictou. Lots of information to read and exploring the ship was great. When descending the ladder to the lower level, you can almost feel the hardship of what the families had to endure.

Call ahead. We had one day left and we're looking for a bit of a trip on a cold, windy day. Website showed it was open in Oct but everything was closed up like a ghost town. Still enjoyed a drive along the ocean and some good home cooking in town.

We had a guided tour around the Hector before going into the Museum and found the living conditions of the Scottish emigrants whilst sailing over to Nova Scotia fascinating. How could so many people live in such a small space for such a long time. We were a little disappointed to find that nothing was happening in the blacksmiths shop as it was filled with the ship's lanyards but there were signs of life in the carpentry shop even though there were several weeks until the end of the season.We enjoyed the rest of the museum reading about the reasons for leaving Scotland and what happened to them when they arrived in Nova Scotia.

We were out looking for a place to eat close to our lodging place. As we drove by the Quay, we saw people gathering outside, some in kilts, some old, some young, some men and some women. There were about 15 in all and the one thing they had in common was that they all had bagpipes or drums. We stopped across the street and got out to see what was going on. What a treat we had in store for us. We were told by a lady who was there with a baby and small boy with huge drumsticks, that this group meets every week to play and commemorate the ship Hector's bringing the original settlers to the area. We listened for over an hour and were amazed at the quality and quantity of their playing. They were under the obvious tutelage of one of the young men wearing a kilt. He was constantly going around and tweaking this pipe and that pipe as they all played. Just as we were about to leave the leader of the group gestured to the small boy standing by us to have him come and join them. He got a huge grin and ran up and started playing along with his sticks on the sidewalk. What a wonderful time he was having. I am sure that he will carry on the family tradition of honoring his forebearers in this outstanding fashion.

absolutely worth to be visited, we had the last day before it closes for season, gives beautiful impressions, a Highlight in Pictou

It is difficult to rate this attraction fairly as there is such a contrast between different areas. The story of the voyage of the Hector in the main building is one of the best expositions I have seen anywhere in the world; it is comprehensive, clear and interesting. The rest is very disappointing. We were told by one of the staff that the ship and surrounds had been neglected since they were first installed and it showed. Parts of the ship were actually rotting and the blacksmith's shop was full of ropes. As with most of the attractions in the Maritimes we were a month late for the advertised costumed actors. I just hope they can bring the rest of this attraction up to the standard of the hall

While it is still work in process this is a great learning experience and is very well presented. The staff are well versed in the history times

This exhibit is a great stop. Provides a very good overview of the Scots who arrived in Nova Scotia on the Hector. Their situation in Scotland, the voyage, and the subsequent life in Nova Scotia.The exhibit is very well done and is totally worth the effort to make the stop if you are traveling thru Pictou on the Ferry to/from PEI.

They celebrate the first ship that brought the first Scottish settlement to the Maritime Provinces. Excellent little museum. You really get an understanding of the reason for the voyage and its hardships. The "Hector" is a full reproduction of the original ship. Toured the ship..hard to believe so many people could spend 3 months on this little vessel. The staff gave an excellent presentation. Very enjoyable.

We learned a great deal about Canadian history and the Scottish immigrants at this well-done museum. The ten-minute overview film was excellent, and we found the self-guided museum tour fascinating and memorable. Don't miss this gem!

This was a brilliant exhibit and the staff very knowledgable. The history was very interesting especially for Scots like us

Liked the history, location, & view. It tells a story most of us have not heard of. I now more appreciate what the early immigrants went through to start a new life.