Sports and Recreation

We love sports in Pictou County: competing, playing or watching. Locals joke that if you invent a sport here, you’d not only fill a team but have enough community support to start a league. School-led sport leagues and programming in the community allow for sporting and recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities. We have traditional sports like basketball, soccer, hockey, skating, softball, baseball, inclusive programming like Pictou County Challenger Baseball, sledge hockey, lacrosse, and swimming lessons through Autism Pictou County. We have a wonderful Special Olympics program, equestrian opportunities, curling (and even learn-to-curl events), rugby, and even mini rugby for the little ones. If you’re looking to get active there are a variety of traditional gyms, private gym studios and fitness classes, classes offered through municipalities such as chair yoga, or try laughter yoga through the library. There’s even hot yoga, tai chi, martial arts, dance studios and classes, archery, roller derby, a gymnastics club and ultimate frisbee. Join a cycling group, or take a leisurely cycle on one of our trails, join the triathlete club or a ‘Try a Tri’ club, play a few rounds at our golf courses, or give Pickleball a try – a newer sport that’s been growing in our community. Want to hit the slopes? Wentworth Ski hill is just an hour away. We have an extensive network of trails and parks, which you can learn more about on page 75. Pictou County Lightning Basketball Association, founded in 2013, works collaboratively with school basketball programs and provides an opportunity for youth to learn and play basketball. TOO MUCH CHOICE?

We think that’s a good thing. One way to narrow down your options, or find out how to register, who to connect with, or how to find a trail or a studio, visit highlandconnect.ca. This website offers a robust online database for everything related to recreation, leisure and physical activity in the region. MUNICIPAL RECREATION

A fun way to find groups, explore a new activity or give a new sport a try is to connect with our local municipal recreation departments which offer a variety of programming throughout the entire year. ACTIVE PICTOU COUNTY

A partnership among five municipalities, Active Pictou County was created to educate and motivate all citizens to increase their daily physical activity in an effort to create a happier, healthier and active community. They assist with a variety of projects that promote physical activity on a regional level; such as after-school programs, trail development, active transportation and improving

access to programs and services.

Pictou County Athletics provides coaching and support for track and field, and has hosted many meets and events at their home at the Pioneer Coal Field located in Stellarton. In November 2019, the Pictou County Wellness Centre was the successful host of the 2019 Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling, which brought thousands of athletes and visitors from all over the world.