VIllage of Pugwash, Nova Scotia - 2023 National Finalist
Pugwash, Nova Scotia, a small fishing village, is home of the anti-nuclear peace movement, Basic Spirit Pewter, Windsor Salt, and the Supertunia Bordeaux, all known globally. Located at the mouth of the Pugwash River on the picturesque North Shore of Nova Scotia, the Village of Pugwash is a friendly community of approximately 736 full time residents. The population swells to over 5,000 in summer with many cottagers and visitors coming to enjoy the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait, beautiful scenery, and relaxed lifestyle.
Pugwash’s natural beauty includes the waterfront, several beaches, and the river estuary with its abundant wildlife and diversity of native trees. The coastal lands on both sides of the harbour and basin were first used by the Mi’kmaq for hunting and fishing. They were followed by the Acadians and much later by the United Empire Loyalists.
Permanent residents, cottagers, and rural area citizens rely on Pugwash for most of their needs including healthcare, banking, fire protection, police services, shopping, sports, recreation, schools, churches, and cemeteries. Major economic drivers include government services (North Cumberland Memorial Hospital, East Cumberland Lodge), education (Pugwash District High School, Cyrus Eaton Elementary School), not-for-profits (Sunset Residential and Rehabilitation Services) and industries such as K+S Windsor Salt Company, Ltd., farming, fishing, and pewter manufacturing.
In 2022 Pugwash won 5 Blooms out of 5 and the national Communities in Bloom award for Best Village in the Nation. Also, Pugwash won the Outstanding Achievement Award for Community Involvement. It is known for its tremendous volunteer spirit with over 50 community organizations! The outstanding Open Air Art Gallery featuring works by local artists, school children, and elders attracts visitors and locals to take a walking tour of the installations. www.pugwashart.com. Pugwash is home to Thinkers Lodge, a national historic site.
We welcome tourists, visitors, and those just wanting to have a peek at paradise!
