and the small year-round population spread throughout the island. The retreat offers the feeling of truly getting away without leaving the province. After your water transportation across the Northumberland Strait, you are picked up in an open-air people carrier and your belong- ings get transported directly to the retreat. The entire island is completely off the grid, there is no electrical connection to the rest of the province. As far as power goes, it is all about renewable energy as they use solar and wind to supply their energy needs. Like the retreat, every individual household must have their own way of supply- ing their energy needs on the island. In an emer- gency, the retreat has generators for backup. “What we believe is the unique feature of Kirri- billi EcoRetreat is the seclusion that we offer,” said Paula. AJ added, “One of our favorite guest quotes is, ‘It’s the most fun you can have doing nothing,’ it is just so relaxing and peaceful that you don’t want to do anything but enjoy it.” There is lots to do and experience as you soak up your surroundings and hang out in the hammock chair. If you choose to be more active, the retreat property offers several different ecosystems to explore. The wetlands support a variety of birds and other wildlife, there are fields of buttercups with fireflies dancing above them. There are tall grasses and woodland paths to explore. Pictou County is known for its amazing beaches and Pictou Island is no exception, as it offers a beach in every direction. There’s a variety of beaches offering sand, bluffs, and a rocky shore- line. Paula adds, “Which beach do you want to explore today - north, east, south, or west?” Once you have the opportunity to explore each of them on your own, you will appreciate the dis- tinctive features each offer. At the most eastern end of the island is John MacCallum Memorial Park. It is a beautiful sandy public beach plus it is a great spot for walking and beachcombing. You will find beautiful rocks, shells, and beach glass. Wharf Beach is also a great place for day trips to Pictou Island. The beach offers a great swimming spot, and it is near the South Lighthouse.
“Which beach do you want to explore today - north, east, south, or west?”
“What we believe is the unique feature of Kirribilli EcoRetreat is the seclusion that we offer,”
beach has beautiful sandbars and warm water – a sunbather’s haven. On the north end of Kir- ribilli EcoRetreat is John Dan’s Cove. It boasts a navigated walking trail from the main road to the north shore. Exploring your surroundings does not stop when the sun starts to set, some even say that it is the best time to enjoy the island. AJ explains, “One unique feature on the western end of the island at West End Beach, that isn’t easily found on the east coast, is an ocean sunset. Because you’re looking between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island toward the St. Lawrence, you can see the sun set directly in the ocean.” To have the perfect ending to your day, add to that image the sound of peepers, fireflies lighting up the grasses and trees, and the stars illuminating the skies. The sights and sounds of the island are amazing but so are the amenities at the Kirribilli EcoRe- treat - Pictou Island Yurts. The Pavilion is an ele- gantly appointed common space for all guests to enjoy. The yurts are lavishly decorated guest rooms, and the outdoor kitchen is fully equipped.
“One of our favorite guest quotes is, ‘It’s the most fun you can have doing nothing,’ it is just so relaxing and peaceful that you don’t want to do anything but enjoy it.” Head on up to the end of the Factory Road, and you will find the North Beach. This is the only other public beach on the island. The north shore has beautiful views and is the place where many of the old fishing factories were once located on the island. Roger’s Point is located at the southern tip of the island - only a few steps away from Kirrib- illi EcoRetreat’s stunning beach pavilion. The
Kirribilli EcoRetreat is full of its own little-known surprises that truly make it a unique escape des- tination including its woodfired sauna. Yes, we said woodfired and it easily can host up to 12 guests at once. The sauna is a special treat next to a small brook that runs through the wooded area. The retreat also offers mountain bikes to help you explore the island, making this truly a space for anyone who loves the outdoors, but who also enjoys the creature comforts of home. You only need to explore the resort’s website and read the reviews to fully understand how loved Kirribilli EcoRetreat - Pictou Island Yurts has become. It’s because of the attention to detail, care, and most importantly time, that the Law family has put into growing Kirribilli EcoRe- treat & Pictou Island Yurts, making this retreat like nothing else in Nova Scotia or the world. What started as a sister’s ambitious dream to create a place to nurture the human spirit on a tiny coastal island in the Northumberland Strait, has transformed into a lifestyle business and a truly unique destination that has captured the hearts, minds, and souls of visitors from all over the world. If you get a chance to spend time at Kirribilli EcoRetreat - Pictou Island Yurts, one thing is for certain, you will leave the island, with a different perspective and a brighter smile, than when you first arrived.
“One unique feature on the western end of the island at West End Beach, that you can’t really find very well on the east coast is an ocean sunset.”
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MAY/JUNE 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MAY/JUNE 2022
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