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Facts About Antigonish Region: Town and County

We’ve been working to accumulate a large set of facts about Antigonish town and county.

Have a fact to share? Please comment below. Be sure to include your source for each fact.

Indigenous Heritage
- Mi’kmaq territory known as “Nalegitkoonecht” meaning “where branches are broken off.”
- Archaeological evidence of Indigenous settlements dating back thousands of years
- St. Francis Xavier University houses significant Mi’kmaq artifacts
European Settlement
- The first permanent European settlers arrived in the late 1700s
- Scottish Highland immigrants formed a significant portion of early settlers in the early 1800s
- The town was officially incorporated in 1889
St. Francis Xavier University
- Founded in 1853, originally in Arichat before moving to Antigonish in 1855
- One of Canada’s oldest universities
- Home to the Coady International Institute, established in 1959
- Known for its X-Ring tradition, one of the most recognizable university rings in North America
Highland Games
- Antigonish Highland Games were established in 1863
- Among the oldest continuous Highland Games outside Scotland
- Celebrates Scottish heritage with traditional competitions, music, and dance

Location & Size
- Located in northeastern Nova Scotia
- The county encompasses approximately 1,450 square kilometers
- Town serves as the county seat and commercial center
Coastal Features
- Borders St. George’s Bay on the north
- Features numerous bays, harbors, and inlets
- Pomquet Beach Provincial Park offers one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Nova Scotia
Landscape
- Rolling hills and valleys are characteristic of the region
- Several rivers, including the South, West, and North Right’s Rivers
- Surrounded by highlands, including the Antigonish Highlands
Flora & Fauna
- Mixed forest ecosystem with maple, birch, spruce, and pine
- Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, black bears, and coyotes
- Important bird habitat, especially in coastal areas
- Lochaber Lake is known for its fishing opportunities
Climate
- Maritime climate with warm summers and cold winters
- Average summer temperatures are around 18-22°C
- Average winter temperatures range from -5 to -10°C
- Annual precipitation is approximately 1,200mm

Demographics
- The population of approximately 4,500 in the town and 19,000 in the county
- Strong Scottish and Acadian cultural influence
- Growing international student population through St. FX University
Economic Activities
- Education sector (St. FX University) is a major employer
- Agriculture remains important with dairy, livestock, and produce farms
- Tourism, particularly summer visitors and Highland Games attendees
- Growing artisanal food and craft beverage producers
Cultural Events
- Antigonish Highland Games (July)
- Antigonish Art Fair
- StFX Homecoming
- Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre
Notable Institutions
- People’s Place Library – an award-winning public library
- St. Martha’s Regional Hospital
- The Antigonish Movement – a historic social and economic justice movement
Food & Culinary Heritage
- Strong Scottish influence in traditional foods
- Seafood plays an important role in local cuisine
- Several farmers’ markets featuring local produce

Home to the Coady International Institute, internationally recognized for community development work
Birthplace of “The Antigonish Movement” – pioneering cooperative economic model
Known as “The Highland Heart” of Nova Scotia
Home to several notable Canadians including NHL players, politicians, and artists

Sources

Have a fact to share? Please comment below. Be sure to include your source for each fact.

Hi, I'm Bryan Haines. And I'm a co-founder of Storyteller.Travel. I'm a traveler and photographer. I also blog about photography on Storyteller Tech.

54 Antigonish Facts: Historical, Natural, & Cultural