You will discover that Nova Scotia is sorely lacking in public transit options outside the Halifax area. Bus routes are being cut and of course, the rails have been lifted years ago. If you are able to get to a ride, here are some good tips about getting to Briar Island. (They came from one of whale watching sites.) I hope you enjoy your stopover. Come back to NS when you have more time!
DIRECTIONS
Westport, Brier Island is a comfortable 90-minute drive from Digby, on Highway 217, down Digby Neck, including two short ferry hops. The ferries run once an hour, 24 hours a day, and cost $5 round trip.
The first ferry at East Ferry leaves every hour on the HALF hour (7:30, 8:30 etc.) and the second ferry at Freeport leaves every hour on the HOUR (8:00, 9:00 etc..).
IMPORTANT:
The ferries are timed so that if you continue driving from the first ferry you will automatically connect with the second one. YOU DO NOT HAVE TIME TO STOP. If you wish to stop on Long Island, you should do so on your return trip. It is about a 45-minute drive from Digby to the first ferry.
Time your departure from Digby so you can catch it on time. For example, if you are booked on a 1:30 whale watch, you must leave Digby by 11:45 at the latest to catch the first ferry at 12:30 and the next ferry at 1:00, arriving at Brier Island at 1:10. However, it is advisable to arrive an hour earlier to make sure you catch the trip. This will give you time to check into the office and take a driving tour of our island.
