There’s so much more to Nova Scotia than “the big city”, and there’s so much more to the South Shore than Peggy’s Cove. While we love and adore both truly madly deeply, if you don’t make your way further South of Nova Scotia you’re truly missing out.

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DISCLAIMER: This post is in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia; however, all opinions expressed are my own. I feel so unbelievably grateful to work with my province for the #CreatorCoastNS along side so many of my fellow influencers to share our genuine love and appreciation for our home with each and every one of you.

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Located in Lunenburg County, and situated on a peninsula at the head of Mahone Bay along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, Chester is about an hour out of the city. As a proud East Coaster and ever on a quest for adventure I have of course been to Chester, but I’m embarrassed to admit it was mostly for weddings so I’ve never truly had the time to explored it. However thanks to Tourism Nova Scotia and my recent South Shore assignment I’m SO glad I finally did because WOW.

A summer haven for many, Chester really does have it’s own individual vibe, you really do feel like you’ve been transported somewhere else when you arrive from your short trip from the city.

CHESTER VIDEO DIARY

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And in case you’re still not convinced I give you …

1. CLOSE TO THE CITY

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Located about an hour outside the city Chester is an amazing staycation or weekend getaway option because you can pack up after work, and arrive without fatigue with plenty of daylight to enjoy your evening!!

Chester is also really close to many other amazing areas located along the South Shore, so it’s also a great pit stop on the way to making your way further south (and it’s also close enough that you can just visit for the day).

2. THE SALTY DOG CHESTER HOMES TOUR

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Chester is so rich in history, and what better way to learn than out on the water where you can see it all for yourself?? We had the BEST time on the Salty Dog Home Tour with Captain Tony (such a great guy) I can’t praise this experience enough we absolutely LOVED every second of it.

Fetch your boat the Chester Yacht Club located at: 21 South St, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

For more information be sure to visit the Salty Dogs Boat Tours website or click here.

3. SENSEA NORDIC SPA

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If you’re looking for some major rest and relaxation look no further than Sensea Nordic Spa located in the heart of Chester it’s about an hour outside of the city making it the perfect day trip or pit stop during your stay in Chester or before making your way to any of the surrounding areas in the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Walking distance from the hub of Chester you most like could walk to Sensea (and enjoy a few bevys on site).

I have been to many Nordic spas in Canada (my goal is to visit them all eventually), but Sensea absolutely holds it’s own.

From thermal pools, saunas, essential oil scented hammam, luxurious salts and scrubs and even guided outdoor yoga, massage as well as several other body treatments: there’s no shortage of ways to relax at Sensea.

While timing is completely individual and you can totally choose your own adventure be sure to give yourself at least a few hours because you’re definitely going to want to soak up everything this place offers (and you won’t want to leave).

A few FYI’s…

Flip flops and robes are available for purchase to use during your visit or you can bring your own.

Towels are also available on site (no charge). Be sure to do the pools in sequence so starting with the hottest pool, and then slowly making your way to the cold plunge this is the pool with the waterfall (this sequence is SOOOO good for you). Give yourself 15 and repeat again.

Because y’all are probably wondering there are lockers in the change room which connect to your bracelet, so you can leave your valuables tucked away. They also have a lotion bar, and bags for your swimsuits for when you’re finished they really do think of everything.

Make sure you bring your mask as they mandatory in the change room and inside the food and beverage area.

Photos are permitted on site however they do ask that you respect other guests, it’s important to be mindful that not everyone wants their photos taken please be respectful. On that note there are silent areas on site, as well as whispering it’s easy to get carried away chatting with your friends or other guests so just be mindful of your volume so others can truly enjoy their spa time.

I’m so excited for you to visit and I’m just so so happy to see something like this available in Nova Scotia and so close to the city. I loved it so much I actually paid to come back a second time with my friend before returning to the city, and I’m already making plans to bring more friends very soon. It’s absolutely stunning and the staff are so lovely it’s an absolute MUST.

LOCATION: 40 Sensëa Rd, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

For more information or to book please visit the Sensea website or click here.

4. THE LIDO POOL (PUBLIC OUTDOOR POOL)

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With our ever present struggles as we navigate traveling during Covid the Lido Pool offers a great outdoor public pool space making social distancing actually possible. With restrictions on times, and volume be sure to check the online schedule before you visit, but it’s a great way to cool off on a hot day, chat with the locals, and take in the beautiful surrounding scenery. Great for kids as its pretty shallow, but located on the lake the views are also quite lovely so it’s a win/win really. Lifeguard is on duty at specific times be sure to check the Lido Pool Schedule or click here.

5. THE RELAXED VIBES

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I’m not sure if it’s all the water, or the fact that so many people have chosen Chester as their summer home, but wow the vibes here are pure V A C A Y! There’s an ease to everyone you meet, to the scenery and surroundings it’s tricky to pin point exactly but I LOVE IT and I think it’s reason enough to visit.

6. THE FOOD SCENE

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From pizza to brunch to lobster rolls a plenty of all the places we ate over the course of a few days we honestly didn’t have a bad meal! Here’s a list of the places we went and I would recommend all of them!

• Il Ferrmenta – we got a bunch of slices, and enjoyed an outdoor picnic it was lovely
• Kiwi Cafe – Order the lobster eggs benny and a brownie to go you wont be disappointed
• The Rope Loft – One of the oldest pubs in NS and the food was great also great view on their patio
• Stretch Diner – While slightly unassuming from the outside this food was served pipping hot and cooked to perfection would highly recommend
• Not pictured here I also grabbed a breakfast sandwich from the Kiwi Cafe on the morning we left which was also amazing! I gobbled it up before realizing I didn’t take a photo y’all will just have to take my word for it: it was amazing.
• Another option which we unfortunately didn’t get to but is classic NS is the Shore Club, also check out Tanner Brewing for some great bevys!
  

7. PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES

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From kayaking to boating, to paddling to swimming (in the ocean or pool): there’s so many water activities to do in Chester!! You can really choose your own adventure! And don’t forget the biking!!

7. THE VIEWS / LANDSCAPE

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Every corner you turn in Chester is super cute whether it’s the ocean or the adorable fences full of flowers there’s not a bad view around. Everything is so beautifully maintained and there’s just something about being near the ocean that just makes my heart sing, and instantly puts me at ease. Chester absolutely pulls out all the stops!!

Breathe a sigh of relief when you arrive: it’s vacation time. Don’t forget your camera, and cue your Instagram husband because you’re going to want to take photos here.

8. PREMIUM ACCOMMODATIONS

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We stayed in the most beautiful Air BNB wow this spot was amazing with big beautiful windows that faced the water, to the coziest bed and softest sheets in town: this place was a win a million times over. I’ll leave the link for you below as well White Gate BNB is also another great option for accommodations right in Chester.

Located above the cutest little glass shop, and directly next to Il Ferrmenta and Tanner brewing, and a quick stroll from the Kiwi Cafe, the Yacht Club and Lido pool (with an Ice Cream shop along the way) it’s honestly the perfect location, and styled to perfection. OH EM GEE those brown chairs facing the window I may need to inquire where they are from because they were SO comfortable. Y’all need to experience it for yourself seriously a gem.

To book visit the AirBnB website or click here.

 

10. EVERYTHING IS WALKING DISTANCE

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One of my favorite things about Chester is that everything is so cute, and condensed that you rarely need to drive anywhere making it easy peasy to get around and explore not to mention it’s a great way to get to know the locals (which are SO super friendly). It’s compulsory to walk along the water in Chester (and maybe grab an ice cream cone or two).

 

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Special thanks to Tourism Nova Scotia for inviting me to cover the South Shore stay tuned for my adventures in Liverpool coming soon! Also shout out to my handy dandy photographer @Tmacrae for the snaps of me and drone footage 🙂

Sail ya later my friends ! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @shortpresents on any of your Chester / South Shore adventures I love seeing what y’all are up to! And if I missed anything be sure to comment below so I can check it out next time.

xx

Kayla

 

 

 

 

 

*This post was sponsored by Tourism Nova Scotia; however all opinions expressed are my own. Thank your for supporting my sponsors that make this content possible.