Tancook Island is a birdwatcher's paradise, has a swimming beach, endless wildflowers, incredible dark night skies and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
Our guests often ask when is the best time to visit Tancook Island? The answer to this question depends on your interests.
May – Lobster Fishing Season, is open from late November to May 31 annually, but May is a great time to visit if you would enjoy buying lobster from the wharf in Northeast Cove and cooking on the deck in preparation for an island feast. If you do like lobster, you’ll love ours, it is caught on the rocky shoals that surround “the Tancooks”. Our lobster is hard-shelled and full bodied, it is unusually sweet and tender. All these characteristics combined gives it a unforgettable and very distinct flavor.
June to October – Power Boaters and Sailing Vessels wishing to do a land-stay on the island will find Tancook’s Northwest Cove a great place to dock. We offer three night stays with wharf-side docking against lobster boats which are off season during the months of June to November. Visiting boats will be tied up as directed by the Harbour Authority of Tancook Island and must be able to show proof of full insurance in amount of $1 M in order to comply with the docking requirements. We will make your docking arrangements.
May to October – Chester Golf Club – These beautiful classic 18 – par 70 and 9 hole seaside courses are known to be the most scenic courses in Nova Scotia. In addition to the challenging play, you will see amazing vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, many of Mahone Bay’s 365 islands, and colorful sail boats tacking in the wind. The club house overlooks the bay and offers a pro shop and a restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner fares. For more information checkout ChesterGolfClub.ca or phone 902-275-4543.
Golf Fees:
18 holes $63 + HST
9 holes $35 + HST
Power Cart $35 + HST / round
Green Fees – 10 Pack $500 + HST
Our public ferry schedule complements available tee times.
June – Wildflowers and Fruit Tree Blossoms – If flora and fauna is your thing, you will be blown away by the incredible beauty of the island is June. The wild flowers are everywhere and carpet the landscape with pinks, purples, white and yellow. A true feast for the eyes, it is hard to imagine that so many varieties of flowers can grow on one small island. Come and see for yourself.
July & August – Junior and Adult Sailing School at the Chester Yacht Club – The unique sailing community of Chester offers junior sailing sessions from late June to the end of August. Registration for these popular programs starts in April for kids 6 to 17 years of age. Why not checkout the schools programs at JuniorSailing@ChesterYachtClub.ca or call 902-275-3747. Adult learn to sail programs are also offered during the summer months, so there is a program for everyone.
July & August – Chester Playhouse – Summer Theatre Festival – Delightful, entertaining and affordable, the playhouse offers great theater productions, films and music. Tickets can be purchased on-line – www.chesterplayhouse.ca, by phone – 1-800-363-7529, and at the box office. Local restaurants, the Rope Loft, La Vista at Oak Island Inn and the Galley offer dinner theater packages for about $50 + tax. Island guests will find that Friday evening and Saturday matinees performances and dinner theater packages work well with the Tancook Island Ferry schedule.
July & August – Beach Days – Remember those lazy days of summer and endless days spent on the beach. You can recapture your childhood or introduce your children to the experiences of beach combing for sea glass, checking out the life in our tidal pools or just walking with the wind in your face.
August 13 to 16 - Chester Race Week – Sail boats, large and small, from all over North America and beyond gather annually in Chester to compete and test their sailing skills. There are opportunities to join crews, enjoy the onshore festivities or just watch the races. Tancook offers a great vantage point for those wishing to watch the beautiful boats turn the bell buoy or round the shores of the island. Other guests want to be able to take in race week activities, but don’t wish to stay in the midst of the hub bub so they choose to stay on our peaceful island.
