Looking to spend an afternoon exploring Tancook Island? It's just a ferry ride away from the Village of Chester. $5 buys you and your bicycle an 8 km trip across the water from Chester for a step back in time and a step closer to nature. Tancook Island is shaped like a fish hook and named after the Mi'kmaq word for "facing the open sea", Tancook Island is only 3 miles long and 1.5 miles at the widest point. With only 125 year-round residents, it's true island life, Nova Scotia-style.
It's best to plan ahead and choose the ferry schedule that best suits your adventure. Taking the ferry to Tancook Island is a great way to enjoy the amazing ocean views of Chester Harbour and some of the 350 islands in Mahone Bay. , getting off at Big Tancook Island to explore. On Tancook Island you will discoverr the island's pathways by foot or take your bike along. Be sure to check out the Tancook Island Museum and don't be afarid to stop and chat with the local folk!
Monday through Friday: leaving from Tancook at 06:00, 08:00, 13:30 and 16:30; leaving from Chester at 07:00, 10:20, 15:40 and 17:30.
Friday evening only: leaving from Tancook at 18:30 and 21:30; leaving from Chester at 20:30 and 23:00.
Saturday: leaving from Tancook at 09:00 and 18:00; leaving Chester at 13:00 and 19:00. There are additional fuel runs on alternate Saturdays.
Sunday and holidays: leaving Tancook at 09:00 and 17:00; leaving Chester at 10:00 and 18:00.
The Tancook Island ferry schedule is posted by the Department of Transportation and Public Works, Nova Scotia. As such, the only official schedules are those posted at the Chester wharf, the Big and Little Tancook Island wharves, and on the ferry itself.
