Ship Hector – The Big Splash
July 12 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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. The restoration progress made so far has been possible thanks to the unwavering support of our community and generous contributions to our Charting Our Course capital campaign.
Post-launch, the transformation of this dockside attraction will continue, evolving into a fully operational, passenger sailing vessel – set to become a landmark of Canadian heritage, an iconic tourism destination for Nova Scotia, and a key economic driver for the region.
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
11:00 am: Side-launch of Ship Hector into Pictou Harbour
Afternoon at The Quay
New Interpretive Centre Open
Mi’kmaq Cultural Demonstration
Gaelic Song Workshop
Ship Hector Descendants Genealogy
Highland Dancing & Bagpiping
Blacksmith Demonstration
84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants)
Dockside Happenings Pier B & C
Ship Hector On-site
Bluenose II Deck Tours (Fri & Sat)
Stadacona Band (12:30 pm)
Community Events
Pier C | 2 Depot St., Pictou
Free Love Local Putnam Family Ceilidh
Friday, July 11 | 6pm to 8pm
Vendor Village | 37 Creighton St., Pictou
Pictou Yacht Club Sail Past
Friday, July 11 | 6:30 pm
Pictou Harbour
New Horizon’s Club Breakfast
Saturday, July 12 | 8am to 10:30am
14 Kempt St., Pictou
Pictou Yacht Club Sail Race
Saturday, July 12 | Afternoon
Pictou Harbour
Free Pirates of Halifax Show
Saturday, July 12 | 1:30pm
Vendor Village | 37 Creighton St., Pictou
Big Splash Concert with The Barra MacNeils
Saturday, July 12 | 7:30pm
deCoste Performing Arts Centre
(tickets at decostecentre.ca)
Worship With A Celtic Flair
Sunday July 13 | 10:30 am
Pictou United Church | 47 James St, Pictou
Free Klorissa Farnsworth Concert
Sunday, July 13, 4 pm to 6 pm
Vendor Village | 37 Creighton St., Pictou
