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Things To Do in Chester, Nova Scotia
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Chester, Nova Scotia Attractions
Like so many other small towns in Nova Scotia, Chester is best seen on foot. But unlike other towns, where the center of gravity seems to be in the commercial district, here the focus is on the graceful, shady residential areas that radiate out from the tiny main street.
In your rambles, plan to head down Queen Street to the waterfront, then veer around on South Street admiring the views out toward the mouth of the harbor. Continue on South Street past the yacht club, past the statue of the veteran (in a kilt), past the sundial in the small square. Then you’ll come to a beautiful view point of Back Harbour. At the foot of the small park is a curious municipal saltwater pool, filled at high tide. On warmer days, you’ll find what appears to be half the town, out splashing and shrieking in the bracing water.
Some artsy shops are finding a receptive audience in and around Chester, and there’s good browsing for new goods and antiques, both downtown and in the outlying areas. The Village Emporium at 11 Pleasant St. (tel. 902/275-4773), sells an eclectic variety of goods, from folk-arty lavender soaps to simple pottery, knit purses, and funky jewelry; it’s in the same building as the Kiwi Café. At Chez Glass Lass, 63 Duke St. (tel. 902/275-4300), the fused glass kiln art is bright and beautiful. Even pieces that look painted—an intricate fish on a clear glass plate—are all-glass with no glazes or paints, so everything is dishwasher safe and non-toxic. Open by appointment only. Jim Smith’s Pottery (tel. 902/275-3272), at the corner of Duke and Water Streets, is a Chester landmark within a restored 1860s storefront. Smith’s work is brightly colored with distinctive floral designs, influenced by his travels to Mexico and Europe, in particular a 6-month stay on the island of Crete (where he decided to take up pottery). Send an email to set up a time to visit his showroom.
For an even slower pace than the quiet streets of Chester, plan an excursion out to the Tancook Islands, a pair of lost-in-time islands with 200 year-round residents. Cabbage put the islands on the map. German farmers were so good at growing them, and making sauerkraut, that the product became quite famous. You will still find Tancook Sauerkraut in stores throughout the region. The islands, accessible via a short ferry ride, are good for biking (or walking, if you’re willing to spend more time getting around). On the rocky shores, look for fossils. There’s a small seasonal cafe or two, but little else to cater to travelers. The Tancook Island Ferry (tel. 902/275-7885) makes several trips daily between 6am and 6pm. Ferry tickets are C$7 round-trip, free for children under 12. You might also want to check out Oak Island. One of many small islands in Mahone Bay, it is home to the “Oak Island Money Pit,” one of the world’s longest-running hunts for lost treasure (and is the subject of a popular reality TV show). Privately owned, the island is connected to the mainland by a causeway; advance permission is required for visitation. The Friends of Oak Island Society provides information and tours. Or tour the island via the water with Salty Dog Tours (tel. 902/300-4108) owned by Tony Samson, a regular on the Curse of Oak Island TV show, who takes folks out to share local history and island lore.
In the evening, the intimate Chester Playhouse, 22 Pleasant St. (tel. 800/363-7529 or 902/275-3933), hosts concerts, plays, a summer theater festival, and other high-quality events from March through December; it’s a town institution since 1939.
In your rambles, plan to head down Queen Street to the waterfront, then veer around on South Street admiring the views out toward the mouth of the harbor. Continue on South Street past the yacht club, past the statue of the veteran (in a kilt), past the sundial in the small square. Then you’ll come to a beautiful view point of Back Harbour. At the foot of the small park is a curious municipal saltwater pool, filled at high tide. On warmer days, you’ll find what appears to be half the town, out splashing and shrieking in the bracing water.
Some artsy shops are finding a receptive audience in and around Chester, and there’s good browsing for new goods and antiques, both downtown and in the outlying areas. The Village Emporium at 11 Pleasant St. (tel. 902/275-4773), sells an eclectic variety of goods, from folk-arty lavender soaps to simple pottery, knit purses, and funky jewelry; it’s in the same building as the Kiwi Café. At Chez Glass Lass, 63 Duke St. (tel. 902/275-4300), the fused glass kiln art is bright and beautiful. Even pieces that look painted—an intricate fish on a clear glass plate—are all-glass with no glazes or paints, so everything is dishwasher safe and non-toxic. Open by appointment only. Jim Smith’s Pottery (tel. 902/275-3272), at the corner of Duke and Water Streets, is a Chester landmark within a restored 1860s storefront. Smith’s work is brightly colored with distinctive floral designs, influenced by his travels to Mexico and Europe, in particular a 6-month stay on the island of Crete (where he decided to take up pottery). Send an email to set up a time to visit his showroom.
For an even slower pace than the quiet streets of Chester, plan an excursion out to the Tancook Islands, a pair of lost-in-time islands with 200 year-round residents. Cabbage put the islands on the map. German farmers were so good at growing them, and making sauerkraut, that the product became quite famous. You will still find Tancook Sauerkraut in stores throughout the region. The islands, accessible via a short ferry ride, are good for biking (or walking, if you’re willing to spend more time getting around). On the rocky shores, look for fossils. There’s a small seasonal cafe or two, but little else to cater to travelers. The Tancook Island Ferry (tel. 902/275-7885) makes several trips daily between 6am and 6pm. Ferry tickets are C$7 round-trip, free for children under 12. You might also want to check out Oak Island. One of many small islands in Mahone Bay, it is home to the “Oak Island Money Pit,” one of the world’s longest-running hunts for lost treasure (and is the subject of a popular reality TV show). Privately owned, the island is connected to the mainland by a causeway; advance permission is required for visitation. The Friends of Oak Island Society provides information and tours. Or tour the island via the water with Salty Dog Tours (tel. 902/300-4108) owned by Tony Samson, a regular on the Curse of Oak Island TV show, who takes folks out to share local history and island lore.
In the evening, the intimate Chester Playhouse, 22 Pleasant St. (tel. 800/363-7529 or 902/275-3933), hosts concerts, plays, a summer theater festival, and other high-quality events from March through December; it’s a town institution since 1939.
