There are so many beautiful places to see in the world that it can be hard to know where to start. But what if I told you some of the most simple, unspoiled beauty you’ll find might be in your backyard?
Discovering Nova Scotia’s hidden (and not so hidden) gems continues to make me fall deeper in love with this province—and restless when I don’t have an upcoming adventure to look forward to. Brett and I have made weekend getaways exploring Nova Scotia a year-round “thing” and have found some wonderful places to stay along the way. We get asked all the time about our favourite spots to stay in Nova Scotia, so I’ve rounded up the places we’d most recommend based on our experiences—including homes, cottages, and cabins for rent. I’ve ordered this list from the most luxurious finds to the most rustic, so there’s something for every budget and mood!
Homes & Cottages for Rent in Nova Scotia
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Harbour Mist Chateau
Location: Hubbards
This spectacular chateau looks like it could be located in the South of France, but instead, is nestled on over 190 feet of private oceanfront on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. It features working fireplaces in many rooms, 2 master bedrooms, a private beach, and is overall the most beautiful and truly unique place I have ever stayed in Nova Scotia! Perfect for:
- Year round
- A luxe group getaway (it sleeps 8-10 people)
- A romantic getaway
- A special event like a wedding, birthday, or anniversary
Get rental details from Over Sea.
Over Sea does fabulous Nova Scotia vacation rentals! We’ve just stayed at this spot, but their entire portfolio is stunning, and features some really special places all over Nova Scotia.
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House with Ocean View & Pool
Location: Port Hood, Cape Breton
This house overlooks the ocean, has a sunset view, a pool, a big beautiful terrace, and a screened in patio sitting area. Perfect for:
- Year round, although summer would let you get max use of the pool and terrace
- A group getaway (sleeps 8 people)
Get rental details from the host on Airbnb.
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Haute Route Ski Chalet
Location: Wentworth
This adorable a-frame cabin features a hot tub (perfect to unwind after a long day of adventures), a wood stove to make a cozy fire, and a loft master bedroom. Perfect for:
- Winter or autumn (in winter if you ski the hill is nearby, and the Wentworth West Hiking Trails I’ve written about before are great for snowshoeing and would have spectacular views of foliage in autumn)
- A romantic getaway; the place sleeps up to 6 but the bottom bedroom which sleeps 4 would be tight quarters
Get rental details from the host on Airbnb.
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Hillside Cabins at Glenora Inn
Location: Glenville, Cape Breton
Cabins are tucked into the hillside of Glenora’s whisky distillery. The one bedroom cabins feature a jacuzzi tub and wood stove which make for a cozy stay. There is a pub and higher end restaurant on site, as well. Be sure to do a whisky tasting while you’re there! Perfect for:
- Autumn (sure, you could stay in summer, but seeing the foliage and enjoying the jacuzzi and wood stove are a must!)
- A romantic getaway
Get booking details from Glenora.
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Cottage on the River
Location: Guysborough
This cottage is located right on a river and offers privacy, a canoe you can use to explore the river, a spacious patio, and has a fire pit outside. Perfect for:
- Spring, summer, or autumn
- A romantic getaway
- A getaway with friends (sleeps up to 6)
Get booking details from the Airbnb host.
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ZzzzMoose Luxury Camping Cabins
Location: Birch Plain, Cape Breton
Next to the Dancing Moose Cafe are four adorable camping cabins which look out to the ocean. The larger cabin, #4, features a loft bedroom with a small a-frame window which provides a view of the ocean from where you sleep. Perfect for:
- Year round
- A camping-style getaway (the cabins have electric heat but do not feature plumbing, a kitchen, etc.; there is a private locked washroom assigned to your unit)
Get booking details from the Airbnb host.
I hope this roundup of our favourite places to stay in Nova Scotia has been helpful, and that you get to experience some of these gems!