Pictou Island
Pictou Island has just 19 full-time residents but many more visitors come here every summer to enjoy its beaches and picnic areas.
The island is tiny, just a few kilometers from end to end, but there are several swimming areas to enjoy. It’s also a great place to bring a bicycle. The roads are very quiet!
The landscape is a little like nearby Prince Edward Island, with red soil and sandstone bluffs.
Most people visit Pictou Island on a day trip by ferry. The boat runs between May and October, 3-4 times a week and costs $5 for the 40-minute journey. There’s no camping but it’s possible to rent a house by the week.
To make the most of your visit, be an early bird and get on the first boat out of Caribou at 7am or 8am.
See the Pictou Island Ferry website for full sailing schedules. Don’t forget to bring all the food you need – there are no shops on the island – and bottled water because there are no fresh water taps.
The Pictou Island website has more information about the island, including how to charter a boat.