Chester, Nova Scotia is a beautiful sea-side town 45 minutes from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The grand houses, the ocean scenery, and cozy cafes makes Chester a worthwhile stop to visit. It’s the perfect place for a day trip from Halifax, or as a stop-over on your way to other near-by towns like Lunenburg or Mahone Bay. Chester has also been featured in the TV show ‘Haven’, and movies ‘The Good House’ and ‘Two if By Sea.’
How to get to Chester
Chester is a 45 minute drive south from Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is also about 20 minutes away from Mahone Bay. Public transportation is extremely limited in Nova Scotia, so renting a car to explore is recommended.
How many days to spend in Chester
One day is plenty of time to see what Chester has to offer, depending on how much and what you want to do. Spending the night will give you more time to explore Chester at a relaxed pace.
The best time to visit Chester
The summer months (July and August) are always gorgeous in Nova Scotia. The sun in shining, it’s hot out, and you can go swimming! But it is busy in the summer. After September 3 (when school starts) the crowds go down dramatically. Check the hours of places you would like to visit to make sure they are open.
During August, Chester Race Week is a popular event and the town becomes extremely busy, with lots of events and activities. For exact dates and details, visit their website.
Things to do in Chester
Sensea Spa
Probably THE thing to do in Chester right now is visiting Sensea Spa, the first Nordic Spa in Nova Scotia. It features an outdoor water circuit, sauna, heated hammocks, fire pits, and overlooks a quiet lake. There is also an option to have a massage. It is open year-round. Overnight accommodations are being constructed for future use.
The Sensea Spa is only a 3-5 minute drive from the heart of Chester, and driving there is recommended. It is a 20 minute walk, and it is possible to get there by foot if you don’t have a car. But walking there wouldn’t be my first choice since the roads to get there do not have sidewalks and it turns into a gravel road.
Go swimming at the Lido Pool
The Lido pool is a salt water pool and overlooks the harbour. There are picnic tables and a gazebo nearby to use as well when you need a break after swimming. It is free to use.
Relax at the Freda’s beach
Just a few meters down the road from the Lido pool is Freda’s beach. It is very small, but a popular spot to relax and go for a swim if the weather is warm enough.
Watch a show at the Chester Playhouse
There is always something happening at the Chester Playhouse! Live music, shows, and plays. It is a local treasure in a historic building in the heart of Chester. There are good views from wherever you sit. View their schedule here: https://chesterplayhouse.ca
Visit the oldest library in Canada & go up Lightfoot Tower
This is a very small and old library called the Zoe Malle Historical Library in the middle in a beautiful part of Chester across from a church and down a tree-lined street. There’s a unique and interesting tower in the gardens outside of the library which is fun to climb up. Access to the tower is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Lordy House Museum and Park
Across the street from the Lightfoot Tower is the Lordy House Museum. It is a small museum located in a historical home with many artifacts. A guide will provide history and interesting stories of the area. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Behind the museum is a small park with a gazebo, picnics tables, and a playground. During the summer months there are lots of events that happen like outdoor movies, musical shows, and community picnics. Visit their Facebook Page for updates.
Graves Island Provincial Park
Graves Island is a small and beautiful island, connected to the mainland with a very short causeway. It is a 5 minute drive outside of Chester. It has expansive fields for picnics, a walking trail that goes around the entire island, and is a nice place to go for a swim. Since it is a provincial park, there are many camp sites that can be rented as well.
Tancook Island
Tancook Island is accessible by a ferry located in the heart of Chester. The ferry runs years-round and is only open for passengers. There is designated parking for short-term visits along Duke Street (next to the ferry). The ferry ride to Tancook Island is one hour long and offers gorgeous views. Once you are on the Island, rent a bike and make a few stops at the cafes and beaches.
Oak Island Treasure
Oak Island is a popular place thanks to it’s mystery of buried treasure, and having a TV series called “The Curse of the Oak Island” on the history channel.
Unfortunately, as of 2023, the Island and Interpretive Centre is closed until further notice. The best way to see and learn about it’s history is from the ocean, available from May 1 to October 31 through Salty Dog Sea Tours.
Oak Island Resort
The Oak Island Resort offers a bit of everything if you are spending the night in Chester. It has a hot tub and a pool to enjoy if it’s raining or cold outside, a restaurant, nice views, and only 15 minutes away from Chester.
Castle Rock Hike
The Castle Rock trailhead is a 15 minute drive outside of Chester (heading towards Halifax). It is a 8.2km loop with incredible views. This takes about 2-3 hours to complete, so it is a good option if you have a couple of days in Chester, or if your main priority is to go hiking. Go early in the morning or close to sunset to avoid the crowds and have the look-off spot all to yourself.
Go golfing
If you love golf, then going to the Chester Golf Club is an easy decision. If you’re all about those views, then taking a drive there and having a drink at their restaurant is also an option.
Visit the shops
There are so many nice, artisan shops along the main street in Chester. After having a coffee in one of the many cafes, spend some time wandering around and browsing the shops.
Where to Eat & Drink in Chester, Nova Scotia
The Kiwi Cafe is a very popular cafe perfect for breakfast and lunch. It has gluten free options too.
Chester’s Cafe. The atmosphere in Chesters cafe is lovely. It is classy, wood-sy and nautical and has a large stone fireplace, and is very cozy. There are gluten free and vegan options here.
Imperfections Cafe is another cafe that is popular with the locals during lunch.
Rope Loft. For dinner, the Rope Loft offers a nice atmosphere and has a deck overlooking the harbour.
Sea Shanty. This sea-side restaurant is located an 8 minute drive outside of Chester (and about 15 minutes from Oak Island). Enjoy a lobster roll while sitting out on their deck overlooking the harbour.
Where to stay in Chester, Nova Scotia
There are plenty of AirBnBs and guest houses close to Chester. In the summer months, driving through the main streets in Chester can be a bit tricky since the width of the road becomes more narrow due to cars parking on both sides of the street.
Chester is a very small and walkable town. So, if you stay at a hotel in the heart of town, you will be able to walk from your hotel to all of the main attractions within the town of Chester.
If you stay in the surrounding area of Chester, then you will need to drive into town and find parking along a side street and walk around from there. Finding parking is busy, but not impossible (even in the busy summer months), so either option is fine.
Booking.comIf you have been to Chester, Nova Scotia, what was your favourite thing to do? If you are planning a trip there, what are you looking forward to doing the most? Let me know in the comments below!
Liked this post? Save it for later!
