Tancook Island
Region: Big Tancook Island
Tancook Island is a unique community located approximately 6 miles off Chester, Nova Scotia. Accessible by passenger ferry - the William G. Ernst is stationed at Big Tancook and makes daily runs to and from the historic yachting community of Chester. Ferry tickets can be purchased on the ferry which docks on Water St in Chester.
Here, vibrant artistry, a pristine natural environment and a history deeply rooted in fishing traditions intertwine. Leave your cares on the mainland and take a relaxing hour-long ferry ride to visit us across beautiful Mahone Bay — or feel welcome to sail into our protected cove and stay awhile. Enjoy hiking, biking, or beach combing for sea glass and shells.
Take a walk to our museum where you will discover stories of days gone by. Visit Wishing Stones Studio & Gallery and peruse the stunning work of our nature photographers or watch chair caning and traditional rug hooking at Popplerock, our co-operative of island artists. Come experience the Island, a place where time moves differently.
Nearby attractions
- Things to Do
- Places to Eat
- Places to Stay
- Day Trips
Tancook Museum
Location: Big Tancook Island
The museum was officially opened in 1995 and features articles on the Island with old tools and items from the Island.
Civic Address: 151 Southeast Cove Road Big Tancook Island NS
Wishing Stones Studio & Gallery
Location: Lunenburg Region
Wishing Stones Studio & Gallery is located in the old general store building on Big Tancook Island, NS. Proprietor Hillary Dionne is a full-time island resident and self-taught nature photographer. At Wishing Stones you will find many interesting photos of Tancook Island and vicinity, local art, hooked rugs, as well as a small selection of beach glass treasures such as earrings and pendants. Located approximately one mile from the ferry’s berth, Wishing Stones is a charming and peaceful…
Dynamite Trail
Location: Lunenburg Region
Runs: Mahone Bay to Martins River
Length: 10km (one way)
Duration: 2 hours (one way)
Rules: shared-use trail, expect to see OHV’s, skiers, bikes, snowshoers, walkers, dogs on leash, horses.
This 10 km trail runs between the Chester Connection Trail to the East and the Bay to Bay and Adventure Trails in the Town of Mahone Bay.
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Lunenburg County Winery
Location: New Germany & Area
Lunenburg County Winery (1993) is located on the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia. Situated on a drumlin approximately 25 minutes inland from Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Bridgewater (Twenty-four kilometers inland from highway 103 at Exit 11 where it lies nestled in the community of Newburne). The winery is located at Hackmatack Farm (1980), a commercial highbush blueberry farm. Take a pleasant drive into the country and visit them, to taste wine, to pick berries, or to have a picnic. The…
Blockhouse Farmers Market - November to May
Location: Lunenburg Region
Come visit the Farmer’s Market at the South Shore Waldorf School. It is conveniently located in Blockhouse just one minute from exit 11 off Hwy 103 at 64 School Road. Every Saturday 9am to 1pm from November to May! Products include: Local meats (Grass Fed Beef, Pork, Chicken), local vegetables (ALL WINTER!), premium local honey, local apples, handmade crafts & toys, Boulangerie La Vendeene bread and baked goods, Just Us! - Fair Trade Coffee. Civic Address: 64 School Road Blockhouse NS…
Bay to Bay Trail
Location: Lunenburg Region
A 10 km trail along the “Lunenburg Spur” that connects the Towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. Also a short 1 km section from the end of the Back Harbour Trail in Lunenburg to Garden Lots.
Access includes hikers, bicycles, ATV’s, snowmobiles, skies, and horses. Parking is available at access points along the trail.
Carolyn’s Restaurant (Tancook Island)- Seasonal
Location: Big Tancook Island
Carolyn’s is a seasonal Eat-in or Take-out fully licensed restaurant located on Big Tancook Island, specializing in fresh seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads, chowders, pies and of course ice-cream! You will also find a variety of handmade crafts. Bicycle rentals available too! Bus tours and large groups should call ahead and ask her to prepare a delicious chowder luncheon, just for you and your friends…made with only the freshest seafood available. Civic Address: 656 Tancook Island Road…
Boulangerie La Vendeenne
Location: Lunenburg Region
Quality Ingredients, Slow Fermented And Artisanal Craftsmanship. Baking The Way Nature Intended Us To Do. We love baking and delighting our customers. Our day starts when your ends, and we bake through the night to deliver fresh, crusty bread and buttery pastries for the next day. The way our customers react to the smell of our freshly baked products, and always coming for more is both humbling and satisfying. For us, baking with love is much more than a slogan! We take great care…
Bayview Pines Country Inn
Location: Lunenburg Region
Welcome to our charming seaside Inn with lovely views over Mahone Bay.
Kayak or sail among the islands, hike the trails, cycle the quiet roads, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. A peaceful place with comfortable, spacious rooms all with ocean views and decks to enjoy.
Civic Address: 678 Oakland Road Mahone Bay NS
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Trip Advisor
Best Western Bridgewater Hotel & Convention Centre
Location: Lunenburg Region
This Bridgewater, Nova Scotia hotel offers a personal touch. With modern, pet-friendly, non-smoking accommodations and just minutes from Bridgewater’s town centre and convenient access to some of Nova Scotia’s most renowned cultural and scenic landmarks the BEST WESTERN PLUS Bridgewater Hotel & Convention Centre is the place to stay. This Bridgewater hotel offers convenient access to many local attractions, businesses and shopping. Each beautifully appointed guest room at the BEST…
LaHave River Campground
Location: New Germany & Area
Welcome to the LaHave River Campground! You will find our quaint family owned and operated campground in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, nestled in a forested area along a subset of the LaHave River. Although we are only a half hour away from world renowned tourist towns and stunning beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, your drive will bring you into rural Nova Scotia, where you will feel like you are a million miles away from everything! Enjoy the sights and sounds of…
Little Lake Campground
Location: Lunenburg Region
Little Lake Campground is a lakeside campground offering pull-through & full-serviced RV sites, tenting sites and trailer rental located very close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg. Bring your own equipment to enjoy the lake - canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Other facilities include a swimming pool, playground, showers, laundry and convenience store. Enjoy planned activities and entertainment in the games room. Civic Address: 11677 Highway Centre NS Facebook Trip Advisor
The New-Found Guest House
Location: Lunenburg Region
The New-Found Guest House is located approximately 45 minutes from Halifax - Nova Scotia’s capital, 5 minutes from scenic Mahone Bay and 10 minutes from historic Lunenburg - home of the Bluenose. This completely renovated loft suite is a fully-equipped, self-contained unit. It has two double beds, a writing desk, a sofa, a rocker recliner and satellite television in the loft area. On the main level, there is a separate four-piece bathroom, a bright sitting area with a sofa and several chairs…
A Day in Historic LaHave
Download an Itinerary Make your way to the LaHave River Cable Ferry. The cable ferry service across this river has been active since the 1800s, connecting East LaHave on the Lunenburg side of the LaHave River to the LaHave and Petite Riviere region. The ferry is free to all members of the public, and is accessible to cars, trucks, RVs, bikes, walkers, and more. Upon crossing the Ferry from the Northern Side to the Southern side, stop at the LaHave Bakery for a delicious brunch. This bakery has…
Blue Rocks and Beaches
Blue Rocks is a hidden gem of the region, located just minutes out of Lunenburg. Often advertised as “Peggy’s Cove without the lighthouse”, Blue Rocks is a must-see when visiting Lunenburg area. A traditional fishing community with unique natural features, Blue Rocks is a favorite among amateur and professional artists and artisans of all types. During high tide the Old Fish House appears to be floating amidst the Atlantic Ocean and the contrast of the “blue” rocks and yellow and red…
Rural Gems in New Germany
New Germany and the surrounding area is filled with rural gems! Take a tour of the local winery and u-pick, visit the falls, check out the museum, and do so much more! Start your day trip in Newburne visiting Lunenburg County Winery (813 Walburne Road, Newburne, NS). Situated on a drumlin approximately 25 minutes inland from Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Bridgewater, the winery is located at Hackmatack Farm (1980), a commercial highbush blueberry farm. Take a pleasant drive into the country and…
Perfect Petite Riviere
Start your day by journeying down to Petite Riviere Vineyards, a historic winery best known for its red wines and for being one of the oldest grape growing territories in North America, dating back to the 1630s. Enjoy a tour and a tasting on the building’s terrace, overlooking the hills of lavender and grapes. Continue into the village of Petite Riviere and stop at the Maritime Painted Saltbox, a vividly colourful art gallery displaying the works of Tom Alway and Peter Blais. Meet the artists…
Big Tancook Island Adventure
Download this Itinerary The rustic and gentle charm of Big Tancook Island is only a passenger ferry ride away from the mainland. The 8 km (1 hour) trip across the water from Chester is free and provides a step back in time and a step closer to nature. Shaped like a fish hook and named after the Mi’kmaq word for “facing the open sea”, Big Tancook Island is only 3 miles long and 1.5 miles at the widest point. With only 150 year-round residents, it’s true island life, Nova Scotia-style.…