Big Tancook Island

From the Mi’kmaq word meaning “Facing the Open Sea.”

Photo Credit: South Cove Experiences (Facebook)

Welcome to Big Tancook Island
How to Get Here
Getting to the Ferry Terminal
Exploring Big Tancook Island
Island Etiquette and Wildlife
Culture, Community and Tourist Attractions
Tancook Elementary School
Visitor Contact and Emergency Services

Welcome to Big Tancook Island!

Big Tancook Island is a 500+ acre island located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) off the coast of Chester, Nova Scotia. The island was settled in the late 1700s by French and German families and was “originally named Queen Charlotte’s Island” (Unknown Author, handwritten document at Tancook Island Museum). In the past, the island was known for its booming sauerkraut industry, which unfortunately ended in the 1990s due to deer damaging cabbage crops. The island is now home to around 136 full-time residents, with the population growing each summer as seasonal residents return.

The main industry is lobster fishing, but many islanders are also skilled artisans, known for:

Carpentry
Rug Hooking
Knitting
Quilting
Baking
Gardening
Writing
Photography

Life on Tancook reflects a deep connection to the sea, the land, and creativity. Whether it’s your first visit or a peaceful return, this is a place to slow down, explore nature, and experience authentic island life.

Photo Credit: South Cove Experiences (Facebook)

How to Get Here

Big Tancook Island is accessible by the William G. Ernst passenger ferry, which departs year-round from Chester and travels to Little Tancook first, before continuing on to Big Tancook. The William G. Ernst passenger ferry is pet-friendly, however pets are asked to be leashed or to be inside of carriers.

Ferry Details

Duration: Approximately 50 – 60 minutes each way.
Route: Chester → Little Tancook → Big Tancook.
Fare: Free for all passengers.
Facilities: Washrooms available onboard.
Bicycles: Encouraged! The island is ideal for cycling, but there is currently no place to rent bikes, so visitors must bring their own.

Getting to the Ferry Terminal

The ferry departs from the Village of Chester, located on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. To get to the ferry terminal from Highway 103, begin by taking Exit 8 and turning onto Trunk 14 (following signage pointing to Chester). Next, turn left onto the Lighthouse Route (Trunk 3, signs for Chester) and travel for about 2km. Turn right onto Valley Road, then make a slight right onto Duke Street. Finally, turn left onto Water Street. The ferry terminal will be on the left.

Ferry Terminal Address

12 Water Street, Chester, NS

Parking Information

Short-term parking is available on Water Street (limited).
Overnight parking is available at 73 Valley Road (10–15 minute walk to the ferry terminal).

Public washrooms are located by the Lido Pool, approximately a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal.

Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View (Chester Village – Tancook Islands Ferry Terminal)

Exploring Big Tancook Island

The island is ideal for exploring by foot or bicycle, featuring less than 15 km of unpaved roads. Travel the less-known-path and discover new sights that are unique to the island environment!

Island Size

3 miles (4.8 km) long.
1.5 miles (2.4 km) at its widest.

Most land is privately owned. Visitors are asked to stick to main roads and public areas.

Rest Stop

Enjoy the Old Southeast Cove Wharf Day Park (56 Big Tancook Island Road), a small but beautiful gem on the island. This park offers platform seating and benches for visitors, making for a cozy lookoff area with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Ironbound Island in the distance.

Washrooms

There are a few places on Big Tancook Island where you can find public washroom facilities.

On the ferry.
In the Big Tancook Island Recreation Center (when they are open).
Outhouses located behind the recreation center field. Open 24/7!

Island Etiquette & Wildlife

Before you head out to explore Big Tancook Island, check out a few simple guidelines that help keep the island welcoming for everyone. Island residents and the wildlife will thank you, and so will future visitors!

Pets – Dogs must be leashed at all times. The island has a leash law, and many residents have pets, so keeping your dog close ensures a safe and respectful visit.
Leave no Trace – Please carry out everything you bring in. Pack out garbage, stay on established paths, and help protect the island’s natural spaces.
Respect Wildlife – Big Tancook Island is home to a variety of animals. You may spot some during your visit! Be sure to give wildlife lots of space and do not attempt to feed, pet, or hold them.

Some of the animals you may see on your adventures include:

Deer
Frogs
Muskrats
Harmless snakes
Occasionally a river otter or turtle

Fun Fact: Over 150 bird species have been photographed on Big Tancook Island!

Photo Credit: South Cove Experiences (Facebook)

Culture, Community, and Tourist Attractions

Once you arrive on Big Tancook Island, there’s plenty to discover. From small creative studios to coastal spots shaped by the sea, the island blends culture, nature, and local craftsmanship into an experience that feels both inspiring and simple. Whether you’re exploring for the day or staying overnight, this is where island life unfolds at its own pace.

Attractions:

Tancook Museum

The museum was officially opened in 1995 and features articles on the Island with old tools and items from the Island. Open Seasonally!

151 Southeast Cove Road

Wishing Stones Studio & Gallery

Wishing Stones Studio & Gallery is a seasonal gallery located in the old general store building on Big Tancook Island, NS. Proprietor Hillary Dionne is a full-time island resident and self-taught nature photographer.

Photo Credit: Megan Rogers

Stranded Nursery & Gardens

A small nursery located on beautiful Big Tancook Island!

Please call for the exact location.

The Craft, Hobby, Resin Studio

A local studio with a beautiful selection of unique handcrafted items. Drop in and see the wonderful array of items, all crafted on the island. From artistic wine glasses to island décor, there is a little something for anyone who appreciates island life, style, and design.

744 Big Tancook Island Road

South Cove Experiences

They specialize in creating visits that will immerse you in the rustic coastal beauty and laid back community charm of Big Tancook Island. Be sure to check out their shop, South Cove Small Goods!

Please visit southcoveexperiences.ca to book your tour!

Photo Credit: South Cove Experiences (Facebook)

South Cove Beach (across from Wishing Stones Studio & Gallery)

South Cove Beach is a quiet shoreline with gentle waves and fresh ocean air. It’s a peaceful spot to beachcomb and watch fishing boats drift by.

Located across from Wishing Stones Studio & Gallery.

Tancook Ferry Wharf

Whether you are spending the night on the island or not, head to the Tancook Ferry Wharf and watch the sunset before heading back to your accommodation!

Food and Drink:

There are a few places on the island to grab food or drink, but they operate on island time, described as “open by chance”. We recommend bringing a picnic lunch, just in case, as the island has many quiet seaside spots to enjoy a meal.

Patrick’s Island Bistro

Patrick serves up delicious burgers, fries, etc. Licensed beer and wine are available. On a hot day, come for an ice cream to cool down! 696 Big Tancook Island Rd.

Toast Café – Tancook Island Recreation Centre

A changing menu featuring sandwiches, salads, soups, coffee, tea, and more! You can find the Toast Café inside of the Tancook Island Recreation Center.

39 School Road

Accommodations on the Island:

Blue Heron Retreat (AirBnB)

Relax with your entire family at this peaceful retreat! Enjoy your morning coffee on one of the large inviting decks, listen to the waves crash along the shore, and soak in the hot tub.

Pet-friendly!

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/41877616?location=big%20tancook%20island&search_mode=regular_search&adults=1&check_in=2025-12-06&check_out=2025-12-13&children=0&infants=0&pets=0&source_impression_id=p3_1764861045_P3sng8_qVKPdIpRM&previous_page_section_name=1001&federated_search_id=930870ff-40dc-4d97-9f2a-1d00266e7c19