Customs House Inn

Welcome to the Customs House Inn overlooking the historic and picturesque Pictou waterfront. During your stay soak in views of Pictou Harbour and enjoy exploring this walkable town. Stop into Uncle Leo’s Brewery, explore the history of the Hector Quay replica ship or relax on one of the many nearby warm water beaches. In the evening back at the inn, feel like you are stepping back in time with original features perfectly maintained in this cira 1870 house. Made of brick and sandstone the home boasts large windows and rooms, original wide plank hardwood floors, high ceilings and intricate crown moldings mixed with modern amenities.

The property was purchased in 1995 by David and Douglas DesBarres. In 1997 they extensively renovated the building to repurpose the property into a four star inn. The inn offers 8 spacious air conditioned rooms (king or queen bed) with 4 piece bath, CBTV, phone, wifi and fridge. Three of these rooms also include kitchenettes. Parking is free and on site. The property is easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and a beautiful walking trail alongside the harbour. Business services are available including meeting and conference space.

History of the Pictou Customs House

The Pictou Customs House was built for the federal government circa 1873 according to designs by Halifax architects Stirling and Dewar. The building was built to house the offices of the Customs and Immigration branch of the federal government. The building is located on what was originally a spit of land in close proximity to the major wharves. The Second Empire structure features a double façade looking out to the harbour and in to the town. The building also had a tower overlooking the waterfront. The massive building was a forceful statement made by the federal government of a young country, an indelible imprint on the town’s streetscape.

The Customs House just happened to be properly aligned with the Pictou Bar Lighthouse. The Department of Marine received permission to exhibit navigational lights from its tower. The department’s report for 1878 provides the following information on the customs house: “A range light has been placed during last summer in the tower of the new Custom House, just above the railway station, in the Town of Pictou. It is a fixed white. The light is shewn by means of three argand gas-burners, each having 25 jets – two furnished with 15-inch reflectors, shews seaward, and one with a 12-inch reflector, shews across the harbor to southward. The light is under charge of the keeper of the Custom House building.” In September 1954 Hurricane Edna caused extensive damage in Nova Scotia, its high winds destroyed the tower atop the customs house. A light was still exhibited from the customs house after the loss of the tower until at least 1959.