Pictou Lodge Beach Resort

A Maritime Classic Reborn on Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore

Pictou Lodge Beach Resort invites you to reconnect with nature, comfort, and tradition along Nova Scotia’s scenic Northumberland Shore. With fresh energy and heartfelt dedication from its new owners, the resort has reopened as a beloved coastal escape for couples, families, and friends alike. Whether you come for the peaceful seclusion, the ocean air, or the chance to make new memories at a place rooted in Maritime hospitality, Pictou Lodge offers a timeless getaway that’s thoughtfully designed for today’s traveller.

Charming Accommodations With a View

The Lodge now offers 40 thoughtfully designed accommodations that blend rustic style with modern amenities. Options include lakeview and oceanview chalets, cedar court cabins, and spacious family-friendly lodges. Inside, you’ll find comforts like vaulted pine ceilings, fireplaces, air conditioning, kitchenettes, mini fridges, and cozy seating areas. Outdoors, each space includes a private deck or porch, perfect for watching the sun rise, sipping a glass of wine in the evening, or simply soaking up the salt air.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or bringing the whole family, you’ll find a space that feels both welcoming and peaceful, with just the right touch of East Coast character.

Honouring History While Looking Ahead

Pictou Lodge has always been a destination with a deep sense of place. Originally built in 1926, the property was purchased by the Canadian National Railway and quickly became a beloved seasonal resort. Guests enjoyed the elegant dining room, sweeping verandahs, beach access, tennis courts, and lively evening cabarets with dancers brought in from Halifax. Over the decades, it built a loyal following and drew some famous visitors.

King George V and Princess Juliana of Holland visited in the early years. Brian Mulroney stayed while campaigning for Prime Minister. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited in 2006. Babe Ruth’s stay is commemorated with a display of memorabilia. And celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Anthony Bourdain both left signed artifacts thanking the staff for their hospitality.

Years later after successive owners, in 2013, entrepreneur Brad Langille took over the property, investing in its future while preserving its nostalgic charm. It was during this time, in 2019 that I had the pleasure of being hosted by General Manager, Wes Surrett and witnessed firsthand the pride and professionalism that defined the experience.

A Storm, a Setback, and a Comeback

The Lodge’s story took a heartbreaking turn in 2022 when Post-Tropical Storm Fiona caused extensive damage. Despite plans to rebuild, the resort closed in 2023, and for a time, it seemed like the end of an era.

But in 2025, Brad and Mark Hartlin stepped in with a renewed vision. With years of hospitality experience and a deep appreciation for the property’s legacy, the brothers consulted with longtime Lodge supervisor Gary Chambers, who had dedicated over 40 years to the site. Many past staff members were welcomed back, and a detailed restoration plan was put into place. On June 23, 2025, Pictou Lodge reopened.

While the resort currently offers fewer rooms than before, 40 compared to the original 82, the focus is now on sustainable growth, quality guest experiences, and preserving the heart of what made Pictou Lodge special for generations. The Hartlin brothers see this as a lifelong commitment, and the community is behind them every step of the way.

Coastal Adventures and Classic Relaxation

Days at Pictou Lodge are filled with choice. Guests can swim in the heated saltwater pool or enjoy the famously warm waters of the Northumberland Strait. There are opportunities for yoga on the beach, biking the property’s quiet roads, or simply lounging in a hammock with a good book. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available on Graham’s Pond, and beach bonfires with marshmallows and music create the perfect atmosphere for unwinding after dark.

There’s also beach volleyball, basketball, giant outdoor checkers, and indoor options like the games room and fitness centre. Whether you’re an early riser chasing sunrises from an Adirondack chair or someone who prefers peaceful naps on the deck, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your stay.

Looking Ahead to 100 Years

As the Lodge approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, there are exciting plans in motion. A new full-service restaurant is scheduled to open, the Babe Ruth Room will be reimagined, and events will be held to celebrate the legacy of one of Nova Scotia’s most treasured resorts. The goal is not just to mark the past but to carry the story forward with care, pride, and purpose.

Explore Nearby Pictou

The region surrounding the Lodge adds even more to the experience. The town of Pictou, just a few minutes away, is known as the Birthplace of New Scotland and offers a glimpse into Nova Scotia’s Scottish roots. The Hector Heritage Quay features a replica of the Hector ship that carried early settlers to this coast and is well worth a visit.

Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, browse locally owned shops and art galleries, or catch live music and community festivals. There’s also access to scenic hiking trails, golf courses, and the ferry to Prince Edward Island, making the Lodge an ideal hub for coastal exploration.

A Place to Celebrate Life’s Moments

Pictou Lodge has earned accolades from both Wedding Bells, which named it one of Canada’s Loveliest Wedding Venues, and the Food Network, which recognized it as one of the Top 10 Wedding Food Venues in the country. New ownership vows that whether it’s a wedding, a family reunion, or a weekend getaway, the Lodge offers a sense of place that turns ordinary days into lasting memories.

With its unique blend of natural beauty, heartfelt hospitality, and rich history, this is a destination that feels like home the moment you arrive, and even more so when you return.

Why It Matters

Pictou Lodge is more than just a resort. It’s part of Nova Scotia’s coastal story. It’s a place where history meets hospitality, where generations have gathered to celebrate, to unwind, and to return, year after year. Today, thanks to new ownership and a heartfelt commitment to its future, Pictou Lodge is once again welcoming guests with open arms.

Come for the salt air and seaside sunsets. Stay for the stories, the connection, and the chance to be part of something that’s lasted a century and is just getting started again.

When you visit, be sure to tell them the Maritimes Maven sent you.

This post was sponsored by Pictou Lodge; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!