3 Best Sights in Chester, South Shore and Annapolis Valley

Out in Mahone Bay, 8 km (5 miles) out from Chester, these scenic islands have trails for hiking and biking, and provide great bird-watching and photography opportunities. There are sandy beaches, too, one of which is great for fossil hunting. Reflecting its part-German heritage, Big Tancook claims to have the best sauerkraut in Nova Scotia. The ferry from Chester runs four times daily Monday through Thursday, six times on Friday, and twice daily on weekends. The 50-minute ride costs C$7 round-trip (cash only).

A restored 19th-century farm illustrates the evolution of agriculture from 1600 to 1925. The animals are those found on an 1800s farm—draft horses, oxen, and other heritage breeds—and traditional activities such as blacksmithing and spinning are demonstrated. Hands-on programs are regularly scheduled for kids who'd like to help out with the chores. The Peddler's Shop here sells items made in the community.

Soak away your troubles overlooking the Chester Basin at Nova Scotia's first Nordic spa, with massage and treatment rooms set in a cluster of geodomes and wooden structures containing saunas and steam rooms. There's an on-site restaurant, where you can take a light meal by the fireside, or you can have refreshments delivered to your hammock or chosen relaxation area using a QR code. Online advance bookings are highly recommended, especially if you want a massage or treatment as well as to use the water circuit.