Things To Do
SENSEA Nordic Spa
Nestled in a deep forest by the waters of Stanford Lake you’ll discover SENSEA - a unique relaxation experience inspired by the Nordic culture. SENSEA also offers a wide variety of relaxation and therapeutic massages along with other treatments.
Island View Restaurant
Specializing in seafood Island View has been operating for over 50 years serving lobster rolls, fish and chips, or their seafood chowder. Their in-store bakery has fresh bread, rolls, and sweets. They also have an ice cream counter. Their dining room and outdoor picnic tables offer a panoramic view of the islands including Oak Island.
Chester Municipal Heritage Society Station
Located just off North Street, the Chester Train Station is a landmark in the community, built circa 1905 and home to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society. Today the station houses The Explore Oak Island Display and the Forman Hawbol exhibit. The Train Station operates seasonally as a Visitor Information Centre. The Chester Heritage Society also runs the Station 20 Handcraft Shoppe. This craft store includes works from 30+ local Nova Scotian Artisans and Crafters. It is conveniently located across from the Rum Runners Bicycle Trail system.
Aspotogan Ridge Golf Course
Designed by Atlantic Canada’s leading golf course architect, Robert LeBlanc, Aspotogan Ridge Golf Course beautifully showcases the rolling wooded area and features inland lakes, rolling plains, meadows, river valleys, rocky bluffs, and coastal estuaries. At present, there are 9 holes open with 9 more planned.
Blue Shutters Art Gallery & Antiques
Nova Scotia's first co-operative antique Shop - Blue Shutters Art Gallery & Antiques has 7 local artists and multiple antique dealers in one shop which means a great variety of art, antiques, collectibles, and vintage decor! Located in East Chester, Blue Shutters is open from June to October. Off-season shopping is available by appointment.
Going Coastal Fine Art & Furnishings
Going Coastal Fine Art & Furnishings is inspired by coastal living, buying local with 100% Handmade products. Offering custom-built hardwood, live edge, dining tables, farm tables, and reclaimed wood/barn wood furniture.
Rum Runners Trail
The Municipality of Chester operates 46 kilometers of trail on the former railway line from Martins River to Hubbards. The route serves as a safe off-road passage within the villages, and features some of the natural beauty of the South Shore.
Castle Rock Trailhead
Explore the heights of East River for panoramic views of the coast. Access is from the parking lot near the junction of Highways 3 and 329 in East River. From there it is an easy stroll or ride 3.2 km along the Chester Connection Trail (part of the Rum Runners Trail) to the Castle Rock trailhead at the northern end of Labrador Lake.
Chester Playhouse
The Chester Playhouse is a beacon in Nova Scotia’s cultural scene, shining a light on world-class live art and entertainment. For over 80 years, this non-profit theatre has been bringing patrons of all ages compelling live stage productions, electrifying musicians, laugh-out-loud comedy performances, a curated selection of arthouse and Hollywood films, and much more.
Graves Island Provincial Park
Joined to the mainland by a short causeway, Graves Island Provincial Park is typical of the many small islands found along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast. The park offers a 3-km (2-mi.) coastal walking trail overlooking the picturesque Mahone Bay, as well as a spacious picnic area. This quiet oceanside campground has long been a popular vacation spot for Nova Scotians and visitors alike. The park is an excellent location for outdoor adventures including sea kayaking and biking along the South Shore, as well as day tripping to the area’s many attractions.
Oak Island Interpretive Centre
The Oak Island Archives and Research Organization (OIARO), a registered Nova Scotia Society, is committed to preserving, promoting, and sharing the Oak Island story for the benefit of the community and future generations. By maintaining the island as an interpretive space, OIARO provides a platform to explore the rich cultural and historical narratives, with the legendary treasure story as the central theme. The Society is well-equipped to advance this initiative, with a Board composed of dedicated members, including treasure hunters, academics, archaeologists, researchers, and historians. This group has played a key role in narrating the Oak Island story on the History Channel’s television series The Curse of Oak Island.
Lordly House Museum
Lordly House Museum & Park, located in beautiful Chester in the South Shore region, is a fine example of Georgian architecture (c 1806). Lordly House was the family home of Charles Lordly, a prominent merchant, an entrepreneur, and the first municipal clerk. The museum showcases historical displays, and houses a local genealogy collection. A park and playground surround the museum. The Station 20 Shoppe and Museum at the old Chester Train Station, 20 Smith Road, features handmade products from over 40 local artisans. The museum houses the Explore Oak Island display (the area’s oldest Oak Island exhibit), the Forman Hawboldt Collection, and other museum exhibits. Free wi-fi; tourist information centre.
Salty Dog Sea Tours
Come with Salty Dog Sea Tours on an adventure as we explore by boat the mysteries of Oak Island and the magic of the greater Mahone Bay area. Take a narrated trip by sea to view the key sites of the island as seen on the popular TV series “The Curse of Oak Island”. The Oak Island boat tour takes place aboard a 25′ G3 Yamaha Tritoon boat which holds up to 12 passengers and is walker and wheelchair accessible.