PICTOU ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA
Nestled in the Northumberland Strait between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island lies a hidden jewel of Nova Scotia located 7.5 kms (4.7 mi) from the mainland called Pictou Island. Getting to Pictou Island is usually done by pas- senger 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. Visitors need to remember the island is completely off-grid and access to supplies is very limited so pack accordingly. The 45-minute ferry ride to Pictou Island is subsi- dized by the government of Nova Scotia but you also have the more expensive option to charter your own boat if you wish. If you want to take your island adventure to the next level, you can charter a plane for your trip to the island or you
can even share the 4-passenger Cessna airplane with mail and supplies that will touchdown on the main road of the island. It is an amazing experi- ence 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, but the ferry ride is not too shabby either. 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 breakwa- ter protecting 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 and the small year- round population spread throughout the island. If you are looking for accommodations while on the island, Kirribilli EcoRetreat - Pictou Island Yurts offers the feeling of truly getting away without leaving the province plus has a full slate of accommodations and amenities for guests
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VOL 23 ISSUE 1 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 1
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