Nova Scotia is the land of lobster cookouts, stunning ocean views, and some of the friendliest accommodations you could ask for. Whether you’re heading east for the Halifax Jazz Festival, Peggy’s Cove Festival of the Arts, the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition, or just a quiet retreat, the locals are sure to make you feel at home.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider one of these affordable rentals. All six are within a few hours drive of Halifax and offer nearby beaches, extensive hiking trails, and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of local wildlife, including whales, eagles, and seals.
Photo by Phil/VRBO
Photo by Phil/VRBO
Photo by Phil/VRBO
Photo by Phil/VRBO
Photo by Phil/VRBO
Photo by Phil/VRBO
One of eight properties on Owls Head Island, this four-bedroom, Nova Scotian cottage offers breathtaking views of St. Margaret’s Bay. Start your day wildlife watching with a coffee on the cottage deck.
Location: Owls Head Island, N.S.
Price: Averages $242 per night
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 4
Notes:
- Oceanfront property
- Laundry on site
- Firepit
- Internet additional cost
- No unregistered guests
Click here to book
Photo by Pam Knickle/VRBO
Photo by Pam Knickle/VRBO
Photo by Pam Knickle/VRBO
Photo by Pam Knickle/VRBO
Photo by Pam Knickle/VRBO
Photo by Pam Knickle/VRBO
A luxurious couple’s getaway, take advantage of this one-bedroom cottage’s proximity to Mahone Bay harbour with a stroll along the waterfront or head to the nearby Settlers Museum and Lunenburg Art Gallery to soak in some Nova Scotian culture.
Location: Mahone Bay, N.S.
Price: Averages $158 per night
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Notes:
- Laundry on site
- Internet included
- No children
- No pets
Click here to book
Photo by Sheila and Bill Bean/VRBO
Photo by Sheila and Bill Bean/VRBO
Photo by Sheila and Bill Bean/VRBO
Photo by Sheila and Bill Bean/VRBO
Photo by Sheila and Bill Bean/VRBO
Photo by Sheila and Bill Bean/VRBO
Overlooking St. Margaret’s Bay, this Nova Scotia cottage has 60 feet of oceanfront along with a dock and boathouse. Take the kayak or snorkeling gear out to explore the surrounding waters, or relax dockside with a drink in one hand and a fishing rod in the other.
Location: Hacketts Cove, N.S.
Price: Averages $238 per night
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Notes:
- Oceanfront property
- 35 minutes from Halifax
- Internet included
- Kayaks and paddle board available for use
- Six minutes away you can buy fresh lobster from Ryer Seafood Ltd.
Click here to book
Photo by Jacqui and Andy Wilcox/VRBO
Photo by Jacqui and Andy Wilcox/VRBO
Photo by Jacqui and Andy Wilcox/VRBO
Photo by Jacqui and Andy Wilcox/VRBO
Photo by Jacqui and Andy Wilcox/VRBO
Photo by Jacqui and Andy Wilcox/VRBO
Inspired by traditional fishing stages, this Nova Scotian cottage has a 500-sq. ft. upper deck and a 300-sq. ft. lower deck. Relax in the upper deck’s daybed overlooking Creaser Cove, or rinse off beneath a blue sky in the cottage’s outdoor shower.
Location: Lower LaHave, N.S.
Price: Averages $216 per night
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Notes:
- Oceanfront property
- Private beach
- Internet included
- Fire pit
- Outdoor shower
- Pets welcome
- No children
Click here to book
Photo by Stewart Applegath/VRBO
Photo by Stewart Applegath/VRBO
Photo by Stewart Applegath/VRBO
Photo by Stewart Applegath/VRBO
Photo by Stewart Applegath/VRBO
Photo by Stewart Applegath/VRBO
This seven-acre property, hand-built by the owner, features a cathedral ceiling, pine beams, and cedar shingles finished in classic Cape Breton style. Surrounded by walking trails and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the cottage is two minutes from Chimney Corner Beach.
Location: Chimney Corner, N.S.
Price: Averages $328 per night
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
Notes:
- Oceanfront property
- Two ponds on property
- Internet included
- Five minutes from the Cabot Trail
Click here to book
Photo by Randy and Arlene Duggan/VRBO
Photo by Randy and Arlene Duggan/VRBO
Photo by Randy and Arlene Duggan/VRBO
Photo by Randy and Arlene Duggan/VRBO
Photo by Randy and Arlene Duggan/VRBO
Photo by Randy and Arlene Duggan/VRBO
With a beach across the road, this Nova Scotian cottage offers the perfect vantage point to catch a glimpse of porpoise, seals, or even a Minke whale. And if you want to try your hand at cooking, the owners are willing to provide an outdoor lobster pot.
Location: Black Point, N.S.
Price: Averages $149 per night
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1
Notes:
- Oceanfront property
- 40 minutes from Halifax
- Air conditioning
- Laundry on site
- Snorkel gear available for use
Click here to book