Most people driving through Caribou on their way to the Northumberland Ferries for Prince Edward Island don't realize there's a smaller, slower ferry nearby that goes somewhere much less visited.
The seasonal passenger ferry to Pictou Island departs from the small craft fishing harbour adjacent to the Northumberland Ferries terminal. The island sits in the Northumberland Strait, roughly equidistant between Nova Scotia and PEI, and it has never been bridged, extensively developed, or placed on any tourist trail of note. This is its main attraction.
What's on the Island
Pictou Island is small enough to explore in a day but holds more variety than its size suggests. Pristine sandy beaches line sections of the coast. The interior has enough elevation change for mountain bike trails — rentals are available. Local guides offer excursions around the perimeter and through the island's woodland interior. A wood-fired sauna near the water is available for guests staying overnight.
Staying Over
The Wooden Tents Campground offers yurts with mattresses, bedding, and pillows — the kind of set-up where you sleep comfortably without having carried a tent across the strait. A communal pavilion has an outdoor kitchen, and a bathhouse provides for basic hygiene. A shuttle from the dock carries guests and their gear.
For those wanting more privacy, Beach House and Cape Cod Cottage are fully equipped rental properties on the island.
Practical Notes
The ferry operates from approximately May through November. There is no bridge, no grocery store, and no consistent cell signal on the island — carry what you need, including food if staying overnight. The isolation, for many visitors, is the entire point. The island rewards people who are willing to detach for a day or two and experience the Northumberland Strait from its quietest vantage point.