Pubnico

Understand

Pubnico was founded in 1653 by Philippe Mius d’Entremont. It is the oldest Acadian community still inhabited mainly by Acadians; most of today's residents are descendants of the founder. The name is derived from the Mi'kmaq (Indigenous) pogomkook of uncertain meaning. Pubnico comprises three sections:

West Pubnico, whose people are almost all French-speaking, Pubnico, better known as Pubnico Head, whose people are mostly all English-speaking, and East Pubnico, the part where the barony is believed to have been located, being occupied by English-speaking people and the rest, up to the Shelburne county line, being occupied mostly by French-speaking people. Pubnico Point Wind Farm, the first wind farm in Nova Scotia, has 17 1.8-MW Vestas V-80 turbines with a generating capacity of 30.6 MW. Commissioned in 2005 and purchased by NextEra Energy Canada in 2008, the wind farm has one of the largest in generating capacities in the province.

Getting there

By car Pubnico is just off Highway 103, at Exit 31.

By bus Straightline Shuttle. Shuttle service from Halifax. (updated Sep 2025)

See

Nova Scotia Historic Acadian Village, 91 Old Church Road, Pubnico-West-le-Bas. Jun-Sep: village daily 9AM-5PM; café: M-F 11:30AM-3PM. On a 17-acre site that overlooks the Pubnico Harbour, the historic acadian Village of Nova Scotia invites you to step back in time to discover the heart, life, and culture of the Acadians in the early 1900s. Adults $8, seniors (65 & over) and students $6, youth (6-17) $3, family $20, children (5 and under) free. (updated May 2019) Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de recherches, 898 Highway 335, ☏ +1 902 762-3380. Mid-May to Aug: daily 9AM-5PM; Sep Oct: M-F 12:30-4:30PM. Acadian history spanning more than four centuries. In addition to household items, there are documents and literature dating back to the 1700s. The museum's new wing boasts a fine display of cameras, photographs and associated paraphernalia. There are over 300 cameras spanning one hundred years of photographic history, including a very rare gas operated upright enlarger, circa 1895. Fishing exposition upstairs. Bilingual tour guides. Entry by donation. (updated Apr 2026)

Do

West Pubnico Golf & Country Club. Open to visitors. 18 holes, a driving range, putting green and club house with licensed snack bar called Mulligans. (updated Oct 2024)

Buy

Sticks and Stones Folk Art, 34 Green Grove Rd, ☏ +1 902-762-0202. Shop and workshop for driftwood carvings. (updated May 2019) De la Tour Co-op, 1651 Highway 335, Lower West Pubnico, ☏ +1 902-762-2315. M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Full service grocery store owned by its members. Visitors and non-members are welcomed to shop there as well. Meats, vegetables, fruits, dairy, cleaning supplies, housewares, hardware, lumber, canned and packaged goods. Premade salads, sandwiches, coffee and other meals. Associated with Foodland. (updated Apr 2025)

Eat

Red Cap Restaurant, 1034 Route 335 S, Middle West Pubnico, ☏ +1 902-762-2112. M-Sa 11AM–8PM, Su 10AM – 7PM. Fresh local haddock, lobster, beef, chicken, pork and produce. Burgers, pizzas, pastas, rappie (an Acadian dish). Their specialty is haddock topped with a lobster sauce. Motel rates starting at $108 per night. Mains $12-30. (updated May 2019) Dennis Point Café, 214 Dennis Point Road, Lower West Pubnico (at the Dennis Point Fishing Wharf), ☏ +1 902-762-1220. Tu-Th 11AM-7PM, F-Su 7AM-7PM, closed M and some holidays. A lively atmosphere for local fishermen and visitors. The restaurant purchases its seafood from the neighbouring processing plants. (updated May 2025) The Creamy Treat, 2755 Pubnico Head, ☏ +1 902-927-0051, [email protected]. Apr: M-F 5-9:30PM, Sa Su 1-9:30PM; longer hours in summer.. This shop has been in this location for decades, and is known for creamy soft-serve ice cream and hard ice cream. They offer a wide variety of ice cream treats like cones, sundaes, milkshakes, strawberry shortcakes, floats, ice cream pies and cakes. There is a picnic table outside. Cones from $2.50-5.75, sundaes & milkshakes $5/6, banana split $6.50. Other items available. (updated Apr 2025)

Drink & nightlife

Boatskeg Distilling Co., 23 Chemin du Pont du Marais, ☏ +1 902-762-3014, [email protected]. Su-Tu closed, W Th noon-7PM, F Sa noon-11PM (open on Su in summer). A distillery in a former boatyard in Lower West Pubnico, focused on premium spirits and canned craft cocktails. Friendly cocktail bar and retail store with a patio and picturesque view of the Pubnico Harbour. Must be 19 yrs and over to enter. Occasional entertainment like music or trivia nights. Special events may require tickets or reservations. (updated Apr 2025)

Sleep

Yesteryear’s Bed & Breakfast, 2775 Highway #3, ☏ +1 902-762-2969. Each room is uniquely decorated in the style of yesteryear and feature a queen-sized bed, antique furniture, en suite bathroom, Wi-Fi. Breakfast included. Single $95, double $105 (taxes included). (updated May 2019) Red Cap Motel, see listing under "Eat".