“We had to shift gears very quickly as we have common shared spaces not con- ducive to provincial covid protocols. The constant- ly shifting sands under our feet during COVID left us with many unknowns,” looking straight ahead into an empty tourist season. “We had to shift gears very quickly as we have common shared spaces not conducive to provincial covid protocols. The constant- ly shifting sands under our feet during COVID left us with many unknowns,” explains Paula. As with most businesses, the pandemic forced the owners to quickly adapt their business and customer focus. They limited bookings to one family group at a time, reducing the occupancy, thus allowing guests to still visit the eco-resort and get outdoors and enjoy the island but not spread the virus. This change in strategy allowed their business to open to accommodate guests during the height of the pandemic. Currently, Kirribilli EcoRetreat - Pictou Island Yurt can offer its full slate of accommodations and amenities to guests from all over the world. They are hoping for like-minded people, who love nature and want to escape the constant hustle and bustle of modern life, will come to the EcoRetreat. Guests can disconnect as much as possible from the outside world and recon- nect with their mind, body, and soul while sur- rounded by the natural beauty this tiny coastal island offers. “When guests are on the island, and especially when they come to our place, they tend to put down their cell phones and stay outside. They do not look for their phones again unless it is to take a picture,” said Paula.
Getting to Pictou Island is usually done by passenger ferry which you catch at the Caribou dock. For most travelers, you will be familiar with this location as it is the same location at the end of Highway 106 where you would travel to get the ferry to Prince Edward Island. Rather than driving on the ramp you hang a right and head down to a small fishing marina. Guests park their vehicles adjacent to the ferry terminal after dropping off their gear and supplies at the dock. Guests need to remember the island is completely off-grid and access to supplies is very limited. The 45-minute ferry ride to Pictou Island is subsidized by the government of Nova Scotia but you also have the option to charter your own boat if you wish. If you wanted to take your island adven- ture to the next level, you can charter a plane for your travel to the island or you can even share the 4 passenger Cessna airplane with mail and supplies. So, if you are driving down the main road of the island please be mindful of the plane landing zone. It is an amazing experience all on its own and the pilot might even give you a wing wave before you touchdown. This makes for an exhilarating and memorable way to travel to the Island for your stay. From the air, you will see that the island is heavily wooded, with several clearings on the more sheltered south side. The island has a public wharf located at the west end and a breakwater pro- tecting the fisher shacks at the east end. Several lighthouses are located on the island - south, east, and west. It does not take long to understand that simplicity is the theme on Pictou Island for both visitors
“When guests are on the island, and especially when they come to our place, they tend to put down their cell phones and stay outside. They do not look for their phones again unless it is to take a picture,”
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MAY/JUNE 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MAY/JUNE 2022
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