Nova Scotia's 3,800+ Coastal Islands
ISLAND STATISTICS:
• Total Islands: 3,800+
• Inhabited Islands: ~30
• Largest: Cape Breton Island (10,311 km²)
• Most Populated: Cape Breton Island (132,010 residents)
• Ferry-Accessible: 15+ islands with regular service
Major Inhabited Islands
CAPE BRETON ISLAND
• Size: 10,311 km² (3,981 sq miles)
• Population: 132,010
• Connection: Canso Causeway (permanent bridge)
• Features: Sydney, Louisbourg, Cabot Trail, Celtic culture
• Economy: Tourism, steel, coal mining heritage
BIG TANCOOK ISLAND
• Size: 4.7 km²
• Population: ~100
• Ferry: Chester to Big Tancook (year-round)
• Features: Sauerkraut production, lighthouse, hiking trails
• Activities: Bird watching, kayaking, historic sites
BRIER ISLAND
• Size: 25 km²
• Population: ~200
• Ferry: Free ferry from Long Island
• Features: World-class whale watching, Balancing Rock
• Economy: Fishing, whale watching tourism
LONG ISLAND
• Size: 45 km²
• Population: ~400
• Ferry: Digby to Long Island, then to Brier Island
• Features: Fishing communities, coastal hiking
• Connection: Bridge to mainland at Digby Neck
Island Groups & Regions
MAHONE BAY ISLANDS (365 islands)
• Oak Island - Money Pit mystery
• Big Tancook Island - Ferry accessible
• Little Tancook Island - Smaller community
• Treasure Island - Private island resort
• Bell Island - Seasonal cottages
EASTERN SHORE ISLANDS
• Country Island - Lighthouse
• Devil's Island - Historic quarantine station
• McNabs Island - Halifax Harbour, fort ruins
• Lawlor Island - Immigration station history
• Georges Island - Halifax Harbour fort
BAY OF FUNDY ISLANDS
• Brier Island - Whale watching capital
• Long Island - Ferry connection
• Pond Island - Seabird sanctuary
• Peter Island - Lighthouse station
• Five Islands area - Tidal formations
Island Activities
FERRY TOURS: Regular ferry service to 15+ islands
WHALE WATCHING: Best from Brier Island and Cape Breton
ISLAND HOPPING: Multi-day tours available
FISHING: Deep sea and coastal fishing charters
KAYAKING: Explore uninhabited islands safely
BIRD WATCHING: Seabird colonies and migration routes
LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: 50+ lighthouse sites on islands
Ferry Schedules & Access
YEAR-ROUND FERRIES:
• Chester - Big Tancook Island (daily)
• Digby - Long Island - Brier Island (daily)
• Halifax - McNabs Island (seasonal)
• Halifax - Georges Island (seasonal tours)
SEASONAL ACCESS:
• Many smaller islands by private boat only
• Water taxi services available
• Kayak tours to uninhabited islands
• Helicopter tours for aerial views
Island Conservation
PROTECTED AREAS: 200+ islands with conservation status
SEABIRD SANCTUARIES: Critical nesting sites protected
MARINE RESERVES: Surrounding waters protected
CULTURAL SITES: Mi'kmaq historical sites preserved