Islands

Yes, there's a sweet little town called Mahone Bay south of the Municipality, but we want to tell you about the area of water located on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia that's called Mahone Bay. 

Picturesque and perfect for sailing - legend has it there's an island for every day of the year out there. While we'll neither confirm nor deny that 365 total number - we can tell you the islands range in shape, size, and land configuration featuring everything from forests to mudflats, rocky shores to sandy beaches. When it comes to wildlife you can spot everything from eagles and osprey to great blue herons, razorbills, and puffins.

Now not every island is accessible. Several are privately owned with homes on them. However, there are some islands that are open to the public perfect for island hopping.

The Municipality of Chester - thanks to the generosity of donors and partners - was the recipient of four islands located just off the coast of Chester Village. Our goal is to keep these islands in public ownership so present and future generations can appreciate their natural beauty. We welcome all to sail out to these islands at any time and experience them firsthand.

These islands include:

• Big Fish Island
• Clay Island
• Marrs Island
• Round Island Nubble (also known as Mrs. Finney’s Hat)

You don't need a boat to get to Graves Island. Located just off the coast of East Chester - you can drive, bike, or walk across on the short causeway. Graves Island is a Provincial Park, a popular spot for picnics and camping.

Perhaps the most famous island in Mahone Bay these days is one whose legend dates back as early as the 1700s. Oak Island, located just off the coast of Western Shore connected by Causeway - is of course the location of the hit History Channel series The Curse of Oak Island. 

Two other Islands you might want to take in are Big Tancook and Little Tancook - both sit facing the open sea and are located 6 miles off the southern coast of Nova Scotia in Mahone Bay. To get there you can take the William G. Ernst passenger ferry from the Water Street Dock in Chester Village.