Chester Visitor Information Centre

Similar to the transformation of the South Shore railroad to an active transit greenway, the Chester train station has been converted to a Visitors Information Centre (VIC) (@explorechester).

Nova Scotia’s VICs are invaluable resource centres for travelers, both local and from away. They offer brochures on places to eat, things to do and places to stay based on the province’s seven tourism regions, with an emphasis on whichever area you find yourself in. Staff members are knowledgeable on both these print materials, as well as other things they’ve learned from other visiting travelers and from their own research.

The Chester VIC offers complimentary water and coffee, as well as seasonal fresh berries. I was there in the middle of a 120km ride along the trail from Lunenburg to Halifax, so I was incredibly appreciative to be able to fill my water bottles.

This VIC takes advantage of its location along the railcut trail and near the water by offering bike and kayak rentals. By calling ahead, you can even get them to put your kayak in the water anywhere in the area.

Attached to the VIC is a free gallery featuring collections by local artists. In the next room is a museum featuring displays and relics from the nearby Oak Island Money Pit. One of North America’s greatest mysteries, Oak Island has been capturing the imaginations, and desires, of people for decades. Today the pit is flooded and privately owned, but you can learn all about its history at the Chester VIC.