This summer, 2023, was the first year that tourism could really be back in Nova Scotia since the pandemic began. However no thanks to the wildfires and recent flooding tourism in Nova Scotia has taken a hit once again. Now more than ever tourism operators in our gorgeous province need our help. We need visitors to keep their bookings and come explore! We also need locals to get out and visit new to them spots too. Planning a trip? Start with my list of favourite places to stay in Nova Scotia.
I have been lucky enough over the past couple of years to travel around this gorgeous province and now I am sharing some of my favourite spots with you. I previously wrote about my favourite things in Nova Scotia in 2022. However this post is a great list of my favourite places I would recommend you stay in Nova Scotia for the summer / fall of 2023. That is if they aren’t booked up already!
For ideas of things to see and do in Nova Scotia check out my 101 BEST things to do in Nova Scotia list. Or check out my perfect Nova Scotia Road trip itinerary.
In no particular order, here are my favourite places to stay in Nova Scotia for summer / fall 2023.
Table of Contents
Seek Wilderness Accommodations
Seek Wilderness Accommodations is one of the newest glamping destinations in the province. I recently stayed here and enjoyed their two storey converted shipping container Hemlock cabin as well as their Pine yurt. The Hemlock and other shipping container cabins on property have full bathrooms, air conditioning, kitchenettes and a few also have hot tubs. The yurts have shared bathroom facilities but include your own mini fridge, electricity and fire pit area.
The property is located in Truro, Nova Scotia right on Victoria Park. Directly from the property you have access to hiking and biking trails and the Railyard Mountain Bike Park. Victoria park is famous for its waterfalls that you can walk to or drive around to the far side of the park for more leisurely access to them. Seek is also a quick five minute drive to downtown Truro and some of the best shops and restaurants. If you are looking for a cheaper option they also offer tent sites as well for camping.
Valley Sky Glamping
One of the first Geodesic Dome properties on mainland Nova Scotia, Valley Sky Glamping has been a favourite of mine for a long time. Perfectly located just seconds away from Nova Scotia’s wine country in the Annapolis Valley. Valley Sky is the ideal destination for wine lovers and those that want to get away. On site they currently have two geodesic domes as well as a fully accessible cabin, all featuring hot tubs and full kitchens. At Valley Sky they also offer private chef dining experience packages that you can add on to your stay. You can also arrange for private wine tour operators to pick you up and drop you off right at their domes as well like Vintage Vino Wine Tours.
Edelweiss Inn Nova Scotia
A German style inn, in the middle of Nova Scotia, located between Wolfville and Annapolis Royal. Edelweiss Inn is the ideal stopping place while traveling down the 101 highway along the Bay of Fundy and through the Annapolis Valley. Especially with the Wolfville area becoming increasingly popular it is still a close enough accommodation while remaining quite affordable. On site there are nine rooms as well as a chalet. Not only is breakfast included in the sunroom each morning but the property also has a delicious German restaurant. If you are craving schnitzel, black forest cake, a great Erdinger beer or another German treat then this is the place to visit. The Edelweiss German restaurant is one of the best German restaurants in the province, you won’t regret it.
Lake Pleasant Glamping
Another new geodesic dome glamping property that opened in Nova Scotia in 2023 is Lake Pleasant Glamping. These domes are on Lake Pleasant just a few minutes from New Germany, Nova Scotia. Located on a quiet and large private property right on the lake. There are currently three domes that sleep two to four people with a pull out couch. Each dome has it’s own hot tub and there is a nice large dock down to the lake as well as water toys for all to enjoy.
If you are looking for peace and quiet then these domes are you for you as they are quite far from any towns or amenities. Because of that be sure to stock up on food, snacks and drinks before you arrive. Also be sure to stop in to the Cake by the Maples en route. A cute fridge full of delicious treats in New Germany with a honour system for payments serving up the most delicious treats, cakes and more.
Rodd Grand Yarmouth Hotel
The CAT Ferry is a popular adventure to or from Nova Scotia this summer. Whether you are arriving in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia or departing on the CAT Ferry, the Rodd Grand Yarmouth Hotel is the best place for you to stay before or after. The hotel is only a two minute drive (12min walk) from the ferry terminal and with early morning arrivals and late night departures it is your best place to stay in combination with the ferry. They also offer 10% off discounts for guests that are taking the CAT ferry. Located right in the middle of downtown Yarmouth, it has great views, an indoor pool and you can enjoy tasty local eats in the hotel restaurant, Gale’s Eatery.
Another great option is also the Tru by Hilton hotel Yarmouth however it is a bit further out of the downtown area.
Trailside Accommodations and Outdoor Adventures
If you are looking for a tiny cute cabin getaway then Trailside Accommodations and Outdoor Adventures along the Cabot Trail is for you. Originally known as the Shoreline Adventure Centre & Cottages these small cottages are located in Wreck Cove, Cape Breton. The cottages sleep 2-4 people and are basically made up of one L shaped room and a bathroom area. Each cottage has a full kitchen, and outside they have their own BBQs. On the property you have access to 3km of groomed multi purpose and mountain bike trails and you are only a 10 minute drive from Cape Smokey. Since the Trailside Accommodations are located along the Cabot Trail its also a great spot to stay while driving around the island.
Nalu Retreat
Nalu Retreat is probably best described as the king of all glamping destinations in Nova Scotia. Located in Porter’s Lake, Nova Scotia which is technically part of Halifax, it’s only a 45minute drive from downtown. However saying all of that it is the most expensive glamping property to stay at as well. On site they currently have three geodesic domes with two having stunning views over Porter’s Lake. The domes are quite large and have high quality amenities. On site they are also building a Nordic Spa and currently offer spa services like massages right in your own dome. If you are feeling fancy, want some rest and relaxation and have some money to spend then Nalu Retreat is the place for you.
The Cottages at Cambra Sands
The Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia is home to some of the warmest waters and beaches in the province in the summer months. One of the best places to stay to enjoy these warmer waters of the Northumberland strait are the cottages at Cambra Sands in Wallace, Nova Scotia. The water along the Northumberland Strait here also tends to be calmer than the Atlantic side of the province. There are nine fully appointed cottages on property that can sleep anywhere from 2-8 people. Cambra Sands has it’s own private beach, a playground, laundry house, and hot tub, however it is shared by all cottages. They are also conveniently located just a 6 minute drive to Jost Vineyards.
The Starboard Inn
If you are looking for a place to stay in Barrington, Nova Scotia there are a couple options but one of my favourites is the Starboard Inn. They are located right in the middle of town and are just a quick drive to Cape Sable Island. The Starboard Inn has motel rooms, however I prefer the newer chalets. There are two large chalets with various rooms available and most recently a new Chalet Suite with hot tub. The chalets have kitchenettes with stoves, and sleep up to 4 people each. On site they also have the Portside Lounge, a great spot for breakfast and lunch.
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
I am very much a glamper and not a camper. I prefer sleeping in comfy beds with air conditioning instead of sinking airmatresses on the ground while dousing myself in bug spray. However how can I not enjoy one of the best National Parks in all of Canada, especially when it’s less than two hours from my home. Especially with it being a dark sky preserve and the best spot in the whole province for star gazing.
At Kejimkujik they have a bunch of camping sites with and without power. You can stay in tents, RVs, campers, etc. On site there are also rustic cabins, oTENTiks and Oasis pods that you can rent to stay in where you just need to bring our own sleeping gear. Each site has its own picnic table and fire pit with wood and ice available for purchase. Also during the pandemic they took the time to fully revamp their washroom facilities. The bathrooms and showers are updated and quite nice now and there is also a large sink area for washing dishes, pots and pans, etc.
There is also backcountry camping at Keji and those sites are definitely for the more experienced camper. They are of course harder to get to and there is no flushing water or power at the sites. However you prefer to camp, you definitely need to stay at Keji at least just to check it out.
Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
I have only had the chance to stay at the Sutton Place Hotel Halifax once so far. However I have been hearing lots of others choosing to stay there, and that they often can have some good deals. My room was gorgeously decorated, had views of the Halifax Citadel, cozy robes and a surprisingly large bathroom. You also can’t beat the location of this hotel. Right in the middle of downtown Halifax as part of the new Halifax World Trade and Convention Centre. If you are traveling to Halifax for a conference this is the best hotel to stay in. If you are traveling to Halifax and want to eat amazing food or hit the bars, this is the best location for it. Also in 2023 the Sutton Place Halifax Hotel was listed as one of the best hotels in Canada.
Cabane D’horizon
A luxury airbnb that is one of my favourite places to stay in Nova Scotia is the Cabane D’horizon. Converted shipping container tiny homes in Saulnierville, Nova Scotia. Owned and operated by Chef Shane Robichaud, the containers are located right in front of his family restaurant La Cuisine Robichaud and his food truck Le Petit Robichaud. The containers overlook Baie Saint Marie on the Atlantic Ocean and have stunning sunsets. Each cabin sleeps up to four with a Queen bed and pull out couch. A couple also have private hot tubs. They are gorgeously decorated and have everything you need including a kitchenette, full bathroom, BBQ and fire table.
I also prefer this kind of airbnb over people renting homes and apartments in areas where affordable housing is desperately needed.
As the River Bends Retreat
Yes, another Glamping Geodesic Dome. I might be obsessed with them but they are just so cool and lovely. The domes at As the River Bends are located along the Halfway river in Hantsport, NS. Just a quick 20 minute drive to Wolfville. The domes are nestled amongst the forest on a quiet and peaceful property. Aside from enjoying the river there is also a mindfulness garden, yoga area and more. Their domes also have hot tubs with projection screens so you can watch Netflix as you soak. What I’m most excited about at the As the River Bends Retreat though is their soon to open treehouse! It looks spectacular and I will be sure to share about it on Facebook and Instagram when I can.
For more about my favourite glamping domes check out my Best Guide to Glamping in Nova Scotia.
Silver Lining Inn & Motel
Cheticamp, Nova Scotia is one of the main stopping points before or after driving around Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail. It is also a great spot to base yourself if you are wanting to spend time exploring the trail and hiking the popular Skyline trail. There are lots of accommodation options in this small Acadian town however the Silver Lining Inn & Motel is where I often stay. Silver Lining has 7 motel rooms and 5 suites in the main house. The rooms are modern, have A/C, and mini fridges, they offer continental breakfast, and there is a pet friendly room as well. Located in the middle of town they are just a quick walk away from cafes and restaurants and a 22 minute drive to the Skyline trail.
There are thousands of accommodation options available in Nova Scotia. I have yet to stay in them in all, but these ones in particular I have stayed in and personally recommend.
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