The city name, Antigonish, is believed to stand for a place where tree branches are torn off by bears, so they can gather beechnuts. Antigonish is of Mi'kmaq origin. Settlement began in 1784, when a large grant was received by Colonel Timothy Hierlihy. Hierlihy titled the land Dorchester in the beginning, but then it was changed to Antigonish in the late 1820s. Antigonish is home to St. Francis Xavier University, which gained full University rights in 1866. Antigonish was incorporated in 1889.

Antigonish is mostly a scholar town, consisting of mainly white collar workers. The largest businesses in Antigonish are the St. Martha's Regional Hospital, the University and the National Philatelic Centre.

Antigonish is home to the Highland Games, a well known annual event that has been around for well over a century. Antigonish is surrounded by many lakes, trails and biking paths, as well as the Antigonish Highlands, located within the Beaver Mountain Provincial Park. Antigonish hosts the annual summer theatre festival, the Evolve music festival, and also offers a spectacular golf course. Antigonish is proud of its local beaches, each with spectacular panoramic views.

Antigonish accommodations include a selection of bed and breakfasts, inns, motels, and cottages.