The beautiful Canadian Maritime Atlantic province of Nova Scotia offers a lot for travelers who will find everything from seaside villages and idyllic beaches to soaring mountains and vineyards. Of course, with so much coastline, fresh seafood, including mouthwatering lobster, is a given. To make the most of it all, consider a stay in one of these fabulous Airbnbs.
Private Nordic Spa Lakefront Treetop Retreat, Hampstead Parish
A blissful, secluded space ideal for couples looking for a romantic retreat, this cabin in the trees includes hammocks, a wood-fired hot tub, and an infrared sauna, aimed at providing the ultimate detox, complete with incredible sunrises and sunsets along the river. There’s an outdoor firepit for cozying up together under the stars, which can also be enjoyed from your bed under huge skylights. The open-concept space was designed for two but can accommodate up to four, and also includes an outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, a 40″ HDTV with Amazon Prime Video and Roku, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer.
Fox Point Lake House, Luxury Lakefront Rental, Hubbards
A beautiful lake house for up to eight guests on Fox Point Lake, just 30 minutes from Halifax, here you can enjoy your own private beach and a floating dock, take advantage of the complimentary canoes to paddle around the water and walk the trails nearby. Afterward, come back and soak in the soothing saltwater hot tub with a view of the lake, and enjoy cookouts on the grill. There’s an outdoor fire pit for gathering under the stars too. Inside, you’ll have all the comforts of home and then some, including a fireplace to cozy up to, a fully equipped kitchen, a washer/dryer, a 75″ Smart TV and a Nintendo 64.
Newly-Constructed Riverfront Chalet, Durham
A three-bedroom rental for up to seven guests, this riverfront chalet offers a private setting in the forest along the banks of the West River of Pictou. It’s just a 20-minute drive from sandy beaches popular for summer swimming in the Northumberland Strait known for the warmest water in Eastern Canada. From the deck of the chalet, you can watch for bald eagles, relax in the hot tub, and warm up next to the propane fire pit. There’s a staircase that leads to the river where you can fish for your dinner and watch for abundant wildlife, including seals, otters, and beavers too. Inside, you’ll have a 55″ TV with streaming services, a full kitchen with extras like a waffle maker, popcorn machine, blender and Keurig coffeemaker.
Cedar Peak 2 Bedroom Barrier-Free Chalet, Grand Etang
This unique and beautifully designed A-frame is near the famous Cabot Trail and offers magnificent views of Cape Breton Highlands National Park while nestled in a lush valley between the ocean and the Highlands. It accommodates up to four in two bedrooms and has a huge 13-foot window where you can watch the sunrise over the Highlands while sipping your coffee. At the end of the day, the patio is the perfect place to unwind while watching the sunset over the Atlantic. You’ll have a full kitchen, a home theater, and a piano along with many other desirable amenities too.
The Lake House, Bucklaw
The three-bedroom Lake House accommodates up to eight guests with seven beds. It boasts a huge wall of glass that provides a spectacular view of Brad d’Or lake while surrounded by lush Cape Breton forest. The main space is has an open concept layout with a well equipped kitchen that includes a dishwasher, a dining room table that comfortably seats 10, a lounging area with a fireplace and a large, comfy sectional couch. Guests also have access to a private dock and three kayaks, a double, single and one for a child. There’s a propane BBQ for grilling and a fire pit with wood supplied, a fabulous spot to gather with the family after dark.
Dominion Seaside, Dominion
This two-bedroom house in Dominion accommodates up to six and offers a fabulous ocean view along with a great outdoor space that includes a large patio and firepit with firewood. There are huge windows where you can watch for hawks, eagles and the occasional fox or deer, with binoculars and a spotting scope included. There’s a modern kitchen with everything you need to cook up your own meals, a dining table seating six comfortably, and laundry facilities too.
Little House in the Woods, Canning
Nestled in the woods on a 20-acre forested property just two-thirds of a mile from the famous Bay of Fundy, this adorable tiny home is the perfect place to escape the chaos of the “real world.” It’s a glamping-style retreat where many come to disconnect from electronics and reconnect with each other. That said, the off-grid installation does allow for lighting, cellphone, and laptop usage. While it comfortably sleeps two in one double-size bed, up to four are welcome by bringing additional bedding/sleeping bags. There is no running water with a compost toilet just steps from the door, with water from a spring used for washing dishes and sponge bathing.
Lighthouse on the Bay on Cabot Trail, Baddeck
This Airbnb offers a unique stay in a 1905 lighthouse that was a working lighthouse until 1962. It’s centrally located for enjoying beautiful Cape Breton, right along the scenic Cabot Trail. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of St. Ann’s Bay during the day and fantastic stargazing at night. It accommodates up to two guests in one bedroom, providing the perfect romantic retreat, and comes with a well-stocked kitchen that includes coffee, tea and complimentary treats, as well as a canoe and kayak for paddling out in the bay.
The Sleeping Moose, Birch Plain
The Sleeping Moose Cottage is located on Cape Breton Island’s north shore, providing beach access and from the deck, you can watch for whales and seals, lots of sea birds and a bald eagle who likes to fly around a couple of times a day. You can look forward to enjoying the view from the pebble beach, fantastic stargazing from the deck after dark, and cozying up to a fire in the woodstove. It includes free Wi-Fi, a TV and a full kitchen. You’ll be on the same property as the Dancing Moose Cafe for enjoying delicious breakfasts and lunches focused around Dutch Pannekoeken (stuffed pancakes) and other made-from-scratch items.
Cleveland Beach Cottage, Hubbards
This secluded three-bedroom cottage accommodating up to four guests, is located 40 minutes from Halifax and Peggy’s Cove, overlooking the ocean in St. Margaret’s Bay. There’s a white sandy beach just 250 yards away, and you can enjoy a full water view from the large windows in the great room. Enjoy the same view from the deck where you can relax with the sounds of the gentle waves and cozy up to the warmth of a firepit. Dog friendly, it includes free Wi-Fi, an indoor fireplace, full kitchen and washer/dryer. Your host can also prepare fine dining meals or a barbecue.
Explorer's Cottage: Waterfront on the Sea, Southside Boularderie
The Explorer’s Cottage sits across 150 wooded acres which include a private beach, a Japanese meditation garden, a park-like forest and a hiking path with great bird watching. Ideal for a large family or friends traveling together, it accommodates up to 10 guests in four bedrooms and comes with a canoe, paddleboard and fishing gear, along with three outdoor grills and two outdoor picnic tables. You’ll have free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette with a refrigerator, dishwasher, coffee beans and tea, and a separate washer and dryer.
Christie's Smokey Mountain Cottage, Ingonish Beach
This cozy three-bedroom cottage is located along the Cabot Trail providing beautiful views over Ingonish Harbour and lush, green mountains. You’ll be just over a half-mile from Cape Breton Highlands National Park where you can enjoy Ingonish Beach and endless scenic hiking trails along with a world-class golf course. From the large deck, watch the sailboats and lobster boats cruise in and out of the harbor, grill on the BBQ and gather around the firepit. A full kitchen, cable TV and free Wi-Fi is included a well.
Beach House, Beaver Cove
This two-bedroom cabin accommodates four guests, just steps from the waterfront on Bras d’Or Lake, an inland saltwater sea in the center of Cape Breton Island popular for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, with warmer water than what you’ll find in the Atlantic. You’ll have a beautiful view, your own private beach area and wrap-around deck. Inside there’s a full kitchen that includes a dishwasher, a washer/driver, SmartTV with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi.
Waterfront Home, Cheticamp
Located along a beautiful stretch of west coast on Cape Breton, this one-bedroom home accommodates up to five guests with three beds and has its own private deck that sits over a private dock along the waterfront. You’ll be within walking distance to the most popular restaurants and bars, and right on the boardwalk, ideal for a morning stroll. It includes a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, TV and washer/dryer.
