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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
Pipe Band March
Pre-Launch Ceremonies
Driving-up of Ship
11:00am
Side-launch of Ship Hector
into Pictou Harbour
Pier B & C - Afternoon
Ship Hector On-site
Bluenose II Deck Tours (Fri & Sat)
Stadacona Band
Hector Heritage Quay - Afternoon
New Interpretive Centre Open
Gaelic Song Workshop • Highland Dancing Bagpiping • Blacksmith Demonstration
84th Regiment of Foot
(Royal Highland Emigrants)
Ship Hector Descendants Genealogy
Community Events
Bluenose II Deck Tours
Friday & Saturday Afternoon
Pier C - 2 Depot St., Pictou
Free Love Local Ceilidh
Friday 6pm to 8pm
Vendor Village - 37 Creighton St., Pictou
Pictou Yacht Club Sail Pass
Friday July 11, 6:30 pm
Pictou Harbour
New Horizon's Club Breakfast
Saturday July 13, 8 am
14 Kempt St., Pictou
Pictou Yacht Club Sail Regatta
Saturday Afternoon, July 12
Pictou Harbour
Free Pirates of Halifax Show
Sunday 1:30pm
Vendor Village - 37 Creighton St., Pictou
Headline Launch Day Concert TBA
Saturday July 12, 7:30 pm
deCoste Performing Arts Centre
(ticketed event)
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.
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Caladh Avenue will be closed to traffic, allowing spectators to gather on the sidewalk and street in front of the Hector Heritage Quay for a front-row experience.
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Enjoy a meal with a view - reserve a table at one of Pictou's waterfront restaurants where you can watch from inside or take in the sights from their rooftop patio.
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Watch from the water - book with a local boat tour company for an unbeatable vantage point from the harbour.
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Can't be there in person? Tune in to the live Facebook video stream to witness the relaunch from anywhere!
Free Shuttle & Parking
There are several free parking options available for visitors attending the Ship Hector's Launch:
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Vendor Village, 37 Creighton St, Pictou
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CN Station, 71 Front Street
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On-street parking along Water Street and various side streets throughout town.
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Park & Ride Shuttle - Park at the Pictou Rotary or Exhibition Grounds and take a free and quick shuttle to the Hector Heritage Quay on Caladh Avenue.
Caladh Avenue Street Closure:
7am until after launch • Saturday July 12th
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
