This town, of 12,000 is at the junction of Trans=Canada #14 and the Highway to Halifax #102, and Truro, Nova Scotia, and is often referred to as the “Hub of Nova Scotia.” Truro was originally settled by Acadians and later by the Scottish and English, who built a strong dairy industry
The town is home to the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, which has an experimental farm and gardens. Bible Hill, across the river is home to the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Raceway with harness racing & betting year-round. 1000 acre Victoria Park has woodlands with waterfalls, hiking trails, swimming pool and other recreational facilities close to the city’s downtown. You can observe the tidal bore rushing up the Salmon River twice a day at Tidal Bore Road, off Highway 102 at Exit 14.
Annual Events
Truro’s Festival of Lights Sponsored by Truro Development Corp.(902 895-9258.). Tulip Festival over a four-day festival in late May featuring over 350,000 tulips, a two-day craft market and entertainment around the Civic Square (902 895 9258)). Truro Canada Day, on July 1 Festivities all day at Victoria Park (902 893-8786).
Truro History
The area around Truro was long inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people, who were skilled hunters, fishers, and gatherers, utilizing the region’s natural resources. The head of the Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy lead up to a portage route north starting with the Salmon River to the St Lawwrence.
European settlement in the Truro area began in the early 1700s when the French were the first Europeans to settle in the region, establishing a small community known as “Cobequid.” However, after the British took control of Nova Scotia in 1713, the Acadian settlers (French-speaking residents) were expelled during the Great Upheaval (Le Grand Dérangement) in 1755.
Truro was officially founded in 1761 by British settlers from New England, primarily from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, who were known as the “New England Planters.” They were granted land previously occupied by the Acadians and established the town as an agricultural community.
Truro’s strategic location at the head of the Bay of contributed to its development as a key transportation and commercial center. The construction of the Intercolonial Railway (connecting Halifax to Quebec) in the 19th century further solidified Truro’s status as a transportation hub, connecting it to other major cities in the Maritimes and beyond.
Truro has a strong tradition of education and cultural development. The establishment of the Provincial Normal School (now part of the Nova Scotia Community College) in 1855 marked the town as a center for teacher education in Nova Scotia. The Colchester Historeum (the history of Colchester County), and the Marigold Cultural Centre, a venue for performing arts, are key cultural institutions in Truro.
Over the 1900s, Truro’s economy diversified beyond agriculture and the town grew to be an important center for trade, manufacturing, (including milling, tanning, and the production of textiles and machinery). Truro also had a vibrant services and retail sector, catering to both locals and travelers.
Truro Attractions
Acres of the Golden Pheasant
275 Greenfield Road, Truro, NS B2N 5B2
(902) 893-2734
Over 50 species of birds, including pheasants, peacocks, parakeets, finches and doves. Operated by the Zwanepol family. Tropical birds are housed indoors in the winter months. Admission, Children no charge Open year-round: daily, dawn-dusk
Berlin Wall Section
629 Prince Street, Truro, NS B2N 1G2
902-893-6078
A unique historical artifact, this section of the Berlin Wall is on display in front of the Truro Public Library. It serves as a reminder of the Cold War and the importance of freedom and unity.
Civic Square
695 Prince Street, Truro, NS B2N 1G5
902-893-6078
Website
The heart of downtown Truro, Civic Square hosts various community events, concerts, and markets throughout the year. It includes a splash pad for kids and a performance stage.
Colchester Historeum Museum & Archives
29 Young St, Truro,
Box 412, Truro, NS B2N 5C5
(902) 895-6284 fax (902) 895-9530
Website
Exhibits depict the human and natural history of Colchester County, from antiquity to the present day, together with a variety of temporary and traveling exhibits. Genealogical resources, some from the earliest days of settlement, cover Colchester and surrounding counties. See individual family and community histories, vital stats, census records, photographs and scrapbook collection. Photocopier and microfilm readers are available for public use. Local history and genealogy publications are for sale. Admission adults $2, children 50¢ Open year-round. From June 1-August 31 Mon-Fri 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sat-Sun 2:00-5:00 pm, and from September 1-May 31 Mon closed, Tues-Fri 10:00 am-noon, 2:00-5:00 pm, Sat 2:00-5:00 pm, Sun closed
Creamery Square Heritage Centre
39 Creamery Road, Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0 (near Truro)
902-657-3449
Website
Although not directly in Truro, this nearby heritage centre offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural and industrial history. It includes a museum, farmers’ market, and performing arts space.
Dalhousie Agricultural Campus
50 Pictou Road, Bible Hill, NS B2N 2R9 (near Truro)
902-893-6600
Website
Part of Dalhousie University, this campus features botanical gardens, research facilities, and agricultural programs. It offers tours and hosts events related to agriculture and horticulture.
Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus Gardens
50 Pictou Road, Bible Hill, NS B2N 2R9
902-893-6600
Website
These gardens feature a variety of plant collections, including ornamental gardens, research plots, and greenhouses. They are a beautiful and educational destination for visitors interested in horticulture and botany.
Hants East Historical Museum
RR 1 Maitland, NS B0N 1T0 (about 25 km south of Truro via #236)
(in former United Church, Lower Selma)
mailing address: c/o Olive Terris, 109 Park Street, Truro, NS B2N 3J5
Website
Original 1865 Presbyterian church has a unique painted interior of decorative plaster by itinerant artist Lewis Baillie of Newport (possibly his only surviving work). Has a collection of Titanic objects, native artifacts, historical items from farms, WWI & WW2, sea, rural education and genealogy. Operated by: Hants East Historical Society. Pen June-August daily 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Admission free, donations welcome
Lawrence House Museum
8660 Hwy 215, Maitland (southwest of Truro)
RR#1, Maitland, Hants Co.
902-424-6478 Fax 902-424-0560
Website
Built about 1870, it overlooked William Lawrence’s shipbuilding yard on Cobequid Bay, so Lawrence could work on ship plans and watch his ships being built. Lawrence House is representative of the homes of Nova Scotia’s prosperous small-town shipbuilders, owners and captains in the Golden Age of Sail. The house has two large formal Victorian parlours and many other rooms, filled with original furnishings from William Lawrence’s day. Here. In 1874 more than 4,000 people came to Maitland to witness the launching of the William D. Lawrence, the largest full-rigged ship ever built in Canada. Open June 1-Oct. 15: Mon.-Sat. 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun. 1 pm-5:30 pm. Admission: Adult $3/Child (6-17) $2, Children under 6 are free/Family $7/Seniors $2
Little White School House Museum
20 Arthur St, Truro,
Box 1252, Truro, NS B2N 5N2
(902) 895-5170
Website
On the former Nova Scotia Teachers College campus, the original Riverton School, Section 9, commemorates schoolhouses in Nova Scotia from Confederation to the 1950s. Contains books and artifacts from the era of the one-room schoolhouse, and photos of graduates of the Provincial Normal School and College. Open year-round: June 1-August 31 Mon-Fri 10:00 am-6:00 pm; September-May Tues 9:00 am-noon and by appointment. Admission free, donations welcome.
Londonderry Iron Mines Museum
Londonderry, NS B0M 1M0
(902) 668-2043
Website
An exhibit of tools, equipment, ore samples, photos and documents relating to the first major iron and steel industry in Eastern Canada. Call for appointment, No admission charge.
On Highway 2 in Great Village at the WWII Cenotaph, turn north onto Station Road for 10 km, passing by Londonderry Provincial Park with cenotaph and mining artifacts to the ‘beehive’ coke ovens.
Maud’s Place, The Putnam House
624, Route 2
PO Box 323, Brookfield NS B0N 1C0
(902) 673-2780 (summer) (902) 673-2451 (year-round)
Maud’s Place, a Cape Cod style home built in the early 1800’s, was a stop for Hiram Hyde’s Stagecoach service in the mid-1800’s. It was owned by various people before Ernest and Maud Putnam acquired the property when they married in 1911. Exhibits include photographs, features the journey of Maud’s sister, a nurse named Harriet. Harriet who travelled by ocean steamer in 1922 to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she helped establish the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Genealogy information on the Putnam and McCollum families. A shop features local crafts. Open June 15-September 15 Mon-Sat 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sun closed.
Marigold Cultural Centre
605 Prince Street, Truro, NS B2N 1G2
902-897-4004
Website
A performing arts venue that hosts concerts, theatre productions, film screenings, and other cultural events. The centre also offers workshops and educational programs in the arts.
Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre
65 Treaty Trail, Truro, NS B6L 1W3
902-895-6389
Website
This centre showcases the history and culture of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq community. It features exhibits on Mi’kmaq traditions, artifacts, and contemporary art, providing an in-depth look at Indigenous heritage.
: Marigold Cultural Centre
A performing arts venue that hosts concerts, theatre productions, film screenings, and other cultural events. The centre also offers workshops and educational programs in the arts.
Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre
65 Treaty Trail, Truro, NS B6L 1W3
902-895-6389
Website: Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre
This centre showcases the history and culture of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq community. It features exhibits on Mi’kmaq traditions, artifacts, and contemporary art, providing an in-depth look at Indigenous heritage.
N.S. Provincial Exhibition
Website
In Bible Hill Exhibition Grounds, across the river from Truro. Enjoy harness racing at its finest. Dining and lounge facilities in the glass-enclosed grandstand. Ample parking. Season: Open year-round. Races Sun at 1pm.
N.S. Provincial Exhibition Raceway
Website
In Bible Hill Exhibition Grounds, across the river from Truro, on Rhyland Ave. Harness racing at its finest. Dining and lounge facilities in glass-enclosed grandstand. Ample parking. Races Sun at 1pm. Open year-round.
Rath-Eastlink Community Centre (RECC)
625 Abenaki Road, Truro, NS B2N 0G6
902-893-2224
Website
A modern recreation facility offering a range of activities, including ice skating, swimming, a fitness center, and events. The RECC also hosts concerts, trade shows, and sporting events.
RECC – Rock Climbing Wall
625 Abenaki Road, Truro, NS B2N 0G6
902-893-2224
Website
The Rath-Eastlink Community Centre offers a variety of recreational activities, including a state-of-the-art rock climbing wall suitable for climbers of all levels.
Riverbreeze Farm Corn Maze & Fun Farm
660 Onslow Road, Upper Onslow, NS B6L 5K8 (near Truro)
902-895-6541
Website
A family-friendly attraction featuring a corn maze, haunted barn, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and other seasonal activities. It’s a great place for a fun day out with family and friends.
Truro Farmers’ Market
15 Young Street, Truro, NS B2N 3W3
902-843-4004
Website
A vibrant market offering fresh local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and artisanal products. The market is open year-round on Saturdays and is a hub of community activity.
Truro Golf Club
86 Golf Street, Truro, NS B2N 5C7
902-893-4650
Website
A historic golf course established in 1903, offering an 18-hole course that is both challenging and scenic. The club also has a clubhouse with dining facilities.
Truro Raceway
73 Ryland Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 2V5
902-893-8075
Website
One of the oldest racetracks in Canada, Truro Raceway hosts live harness racing events. The facility includes a grandstand, restaurant, and betting services, making it a fun and exciting destination.
Truro Tree Sculptures
Various locations around Truro, NS B2N 1G5
902-893-6078
A series of artistic sculptures carved from the trunks of elm trees that succumbed to Dutch elm disease. These sculptures are scattered throughout the town and have become a unique and creative attraction.
Victoria Park
29 Park Road, Truro, NS B2N 5B2
902-893-6078
Website
A beautiful 1,000-acre urban park featuring walking and hiking trails, waterfalls, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and nature enthusiasts.
Visual Voice Fine Art
128 King Street, Truro, NS B2N 3K6
902-843-9464
Website
An art gallery showcasing works by local and regional artists. The gallery offers rotating exhibitions, art workshops, and a space for artists to display and sell their creations.
Masstown Market
10622 NS-2, Debert, NS B0M 1G0 (near Truro)
902-662-2816
Website
A popular stop for travelers, Masstown Market offers a wide range of local produce, baked goods, seafood, and gifts. The market includes a lighthouse with an observation deck offering views of the surrounding area.
Truro Natural Attractions
149 Creighton Road, Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0 (near Truro)
902-758-2040
Website: Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
Located about 30 minutes from Truro, this wildlife park is home to a variety of native and exotic animals. The park offers educational programs and is a great place for families to learn about wildlife conservation.
These additional attractions further showcase the diverse activities and experiences available in and around Truro, highlighting the area’s cultural, natural, and recreational offerings.
Tidal Bore Viewing Visitor Centre
103 Tidal Bore Road, Green Creek, NS B6L 3P6 (near Truro)
902-897-3185
Website: Tidal Bore Viewing Visitor Centre
A visitor centre where you can witness the tidal bore phenomenon on the Shubenacadie River. The centre provides information on the tides and the natural history of the area.
Fundy Discovery Site
103 Tidal Bore Road, Truro, NS B6L 4K8
902-893-2250
Website: Fundy Discovery Site
This site provides an excellent vantage point to witness the tidal bore, where the incoming tide reverses the flow of the Shubenacadie River. The site includes interpretive displays, walking trails, and picnic areas.
Riverfront Park
56 Bayview Street, Truro, NS B2N 2W4
902-893-6078
Website: Riverfront Park
A scenic park along the Salmon River featuring walking trails, picnic areas, a splash pad, and a playground. The park is a great spot for family outings and offers beautiful views of the river.
Five Islands Provincial Park
618 Bentley Branch Road, Five Islands, NS B0M 1K0 (near Truro)
902-254-2980
Website: Five Islands Provincial Park
Located about an hour from Truro, this provincial park features dramatic coastal scenery, hiking trails, and camping facilities. It’s a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.
Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
149 Creighton Road, Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0a (near Truro)
902-758-2040
Website
Located about 30 minutes from Truro, this wildlife park is home to a variety of native and exotic animals. The park offers educational programs and is a great place for families to learn about wildlife conservation.