Antigonish Recreation: An Escape from Campus Life

As winter’s final chills give way to the anticipation of spring, and exams quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to explore the range of recreational opportunities available in Antigonish.

Despite the wealth of options the town offers, many students and residents may be unaware of the local exercise opportunities at their disposal. These include equipment loan programs, scenic hiking trails, and must-see historic landmarks.

Antigonish County Recreation offers an extensive equipment loan program that breaks down the barriers of cost and accessibility. The initiative is intended to enhance opportunities for fun and healthy activities for individuals of all abilities, ensuring everyone has access to the resources needed to stay active and engaged. The program offers a variety of equipment, including ice skates and helmets, “community bags” stocked with skipping ropes, balls, scoops, pylons, and hula hoops, as well as bikes, scooters and helmets in various sizes. Once the warmer weather arrives, additional equipment such as stand-up paddleboards, and adaptive canoe equipment will also become available. For university students facing the pressures of the upcoming exam period, perhaps the most appealing options are the outdoor lawn games. The collection includes spike ball, bocce ball, washer toss, horseshoes, and bean bag toss – perfect for relieving stress and enjoying some fresh air between study sessions.

Antigonish and surrounding areas are also home to many beautiful hiking and biking trails. Just a 15-minute walk from campus is the Antigonish Landing trail, a 4-km round-trip hike along an estuary of Antigonish Harbour, complete with two elevated platforms offering unobstructed views of ospreys, eagles, and ducks. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Beaver Mountain Provincial Park, Brown’s Mountain, and Fairmont Ridge Hiking Trail are all excellent spots to immerse yourself in nature and explore some of the area’s most scenic landscapes.

If you find yourself drawn to historic landmarks, the Cape George Lighthouse is a must-see. Situated 1000 feet above St. George’s Bay, it offers a panoramic view that stretches to Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton on clear days. The Arisaig Lighthouse, overlooking the Northumberland Strait, provides a similar appeal.

Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure, a peaceful retreat in nature, or a chance to explore the must-see landmarks within the community, Antigonish and its surroundings offer a wealth of opportunities to suit all interests. With so much to explore right at your doorstep, it's clear that Antigonish is a place where residents and visitors can enjoy both the beauty of nature and the vibrancy of community life. So, get out, explore, and take full advantage of everything Antigonish has to offer—because the best experiences are just one adventure away!

For more information on the Equipment Loan Program, contact Antigonish County Recreation by email at recreation@antigonishcounty.ca, call (902) 863-1141 or visit their website at: https://recreation.antigonishcounty.ca/equipment-loan-accessibility-loan-program/