Welcome To Chester

Early summer settlers traveled for many miles by sea to this captivating seaside hamlet, and their descendants still thrill to sail pristine waters to unspoiled islands. Chester Race Week hosts the largest keelboat regatta in Eastern Canada and the ocean wraps itself around the 18-hole golf course. Charming restaurants, shops, art galleries, an art fair, free Sunday night concerts in the bandstand and a full line up of professional theatre make this a great place to drop anchor and find your magic..

Hidden Gems

• Locals enjoy Freda’s Beach! Listen to the splashing of waves or hear the children laughing as they play in the shallow water. Timed right, this is a perfect place to watch the yacht races

Things to Do

• Golf with stunning ocean views! The Chester Golf Course has dramatic views of the ocean and islands that dot the harbour. You will have a hard time keeping your eye on the ball! Stay for lunch and continue to enjoy the panorama from the deck of the clubhouse.
• Chester Race Week, Canada’s largest keel boat regatta, is hosted by the Chester Yacht Club in the second full week of August each year. Watch the starts and finishes from the Yacht Club veranda and experience the live entertainment held there every night. Not just for members!
• Summer Theatre Festival. The Chester Playhouse is especially well known for its six week Summer Theatre Festival, showcasing the best the region has to offer. Experience world-class theatre with homemade cookies in an inviting soft seat, year round venue. • Thirsty? Visit the Fo’c’sle, the oldest rural pub in Nova Scotia.
• Stay for awhile in one of Chester’s charming B&B’s. Eat out on the waterfront or enjoy fine dining and cafes in the village, there are fabulous restaurants to choose from.
• Picnic, swim and camp at Graves Island. A five minute drive from Chester, this Provincial Park is magnificently situated on an island connected to the mainland by causeway.
• Chester Skate Park is always a hit with the boarders. This 14,500 square foot concrete park began as a Chester Middle School student initiative. Helmets are mandatory.
• Ride the Tancook Ferry and explore Tancook Island. The ferry accepts bikes, but not cars. This 8 km passenger ferry service runs daily. Enjoy lunch on the island in season.
• Stroll, bike or hike the Chester Connection Trail. The trail follows the old train track path and runs from Martin’s River to Hubbards. You can find an entrance to the trail behind the Old Train Station in Chester.
• Shopping can be an art form in Chester’s many galleries and shops. Visit artisans at work where talented artists will share their process, traditions and inspiration with you.
• Looking for a wider art experience? The Chester Art Centre offers year round art classes and lecture series, and hosts the annual Chester Art Festival each summer.
• Swimming at the Lido. The pool of treated ocean water walled off from the back harbour is a favorite for local families and is the first experience with swimming lessons many children from Chester have.
• Another sport option is The Park, billed as the District of Chester’s Recreational Centre. The Charles E. Church Park includes the Eleanor Pew Morris Memorial Rink, the Chester Curling Club and The Chester Tennis Club all in one location and within walking distance of the village.