Our Municipality of Chester is stunning in Spring. Not too busy, with room to breath and explore. Our communities are brimming with creativity, history, flavour, and fresh air.
Whether you're driving up from Halifax for the day or exploring your own backyard, spring is a great time to discover what makes our communities so special.
We've rounded up 5 things to do on a spring day trip in our Municipality of Chester — from sipping coffee at a café to wandering peaceful woodland trails, theatre and art, and enjoying a little retail therapy.
Things to do in the Municipality of Chester, Nova Scotia in spring.
Catch a show at the Chester Playhouse
Explore exhibitions at the Chester Art Centre
Step back in time at Ross Farm Museum
Wander our woodland trails
Enjoy boutiques and cafes
Catch a show at the Chester Playhouse.
Operating since 1939 and lovingly rebuilt after a fire in 2021, this intimate 175-seat gem on Pleasant Street delivers world-class theatre, music, comedy, film, and community performances in a setting so cozy you'll feel like you're watching with friends. Open year-round. You can enjoy free popcorn during films and full bar service.
- The playhouse shows movies every weekend. Grab tickets in advance. Popcorn included.
Explore art at the Chester Art Centre
Open year-round, This non-profit gallery shows the work of local, national, and international artists in rotating exhibitions that change throughout the year. The Chester Art Centre also offers hands-on workshops and classes led by professional artists in everything from watercolour to mixed media. If you've been meaning to try something creative, this is your sign. Open Wednesday–Friday 10am–4pm and weekends noon–4pm.
- Visit their website to see current and upcoming exhibitions and workshops.
Explore history at Ross Farm Museum
The 60-acre living heritage farm is genuinely alive this season — lambs and piglets are born, fields are plowed by draft horses, chickens are laying, and the whole landscape bursts with new growth. It's the kind of experience that makes you slow down and breathe.
Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life as it was in the 1800s — wool spinning, candle making, ox shoeing, baking — and every visit is different because it's a real, working farm. Spring crowds are lighter than summer. Don't miss the historic Rose Bank Cottage or a hike along the farm's scenic nature trail. Enjoy lunch at the Hearth Room Cafe and take home something local from the gift shop.
- Visit their website to see what theme weekends are coming up.
Hike our Trails
Take a breath and enjoy the views on our trails. Challenge yourself at Castle Rock and be rewarded with amazing views. Cycle along the Rum Runners Trail. Enjoy a slower stroll at Haughn Estate Natural Area. Visit the lady bugs at Ruby's Trail in New Ross. Pick your level of difficulty and bring waterproof shoes. It can be muddy in spring.
- You can download trail maps in advance here
Explore our Shops and Restaurants
Slow down and explore our unique local shops. Book lovers, foodies, fashionistas, and local shoppers will all find something.
Start at our cutest book store, The Book Shed, in Hubbards featuring Nova Scotia authors. Move on to Chester and drop into the Mercantile on Duke to pick up East Coast-inspired apparel and check out their huge selection of non-alcoholic beverages. The Village Emporium offers items from local artisans, local books and more. Just around the corner is Seaweed Soaps with some of the best soaps on the South Shore. Azur Minerals has Atlantic Canada's finest minerals and crystals. The Kiwi Pantry is a destination for foodies with local and international delights.
Take the short drive into New Ross to check out the gift shop and Ross Farm Museum with local Nova Scotia items. Thrift shoppers should not miss All is New Again Frenchy's.
Don't forget to grab a bite to eat to complete your day.
- Did you know that Chester is home to Nova Scotia's oldest pub, The Fo'c'sle Pub, serving since 1764.
