The Town of Antigonish is a family-friendly, creative, university community where the hospital is an easy walk or cycle away from the town centre. The commute to work can be so easy, with minimal traffic and no congestion. The County of Antigonish, surrounding the town, boasts spectacular natural beauty. An agricultural base results in a wonderful farmers' market and easy access to local foods, while fishers offer their catch at several wharves and community locations.
In winter you can easily ski or snowshoe on local trails or at the golf course, with groomed trails. Indoor community recreational sports, including hockey, curling, skating, volleyball, and racquet sports are available. Three ice surfaces and two artificial turf fields are located in the area. In summer, swimming, kayaking, and sailing in the Northumberland Strait, the mildest ocean water north of Washington, DC, is irresistible! A university-based rowing club on a local lake offers community lessons. There are numerous local public beaches and swimming holes, spectacular hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course, a boating club, great fishing spots, tennis courts, cycling on little-trafficked back roads and a racetrack. There is mountain biking and disc golf on Keppoch Mountain and a Kan Jam league. You'll be surprised at how few people are in the midst of such immense natural beauty!
You'll find a wide range of fitness and sports programs for all ages, often mentored by local university athletes and coaches. In addition to traditional gyms, a new CrossFit gym has recently opened its doors. The local St. Francis Xavier University has superb recreational facilities, with a gym, rinks, a track, courts, and a 25 metre pool, all within the town. St. FX also hosts an impressive lineup of guest speakers, films, arts, music, and theatre events throughout the year, all open to the community.
