Our next province in the Love Where You Live series is Nova Scotia. I have been lucky enough to have been to this beautiful province and over the next several weeks we will be talking about all things Nova Scotia. I can’t wait to share with you my experiences and new found knowledge of this province. The pictures in this post are from my visit and will provide you with a sense of what Nova Scotia has to offer.
As I write this, we are still in the midst of the COVID pandemic and any non-essential travel is restricted for all Canadians. We do not know when this will be lifted or when we will be able to visit Nova Scotia but as we have said all along, there are no restrictions on dreaming about or starting to plan for that future trip. For the most updated information regarding Nova Scotia and COVID restrictions, click here.
I like to start a new province or territory off by sharing some unique things that you may or may not know about it. Nova Scotia, also known as Canada’s Ocean Playground is surrounded by four major bodies of water, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the north, the Bay of Fundy to the west, the Gulf of Maine to the southwest and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. But there are many more interesting facts about Nova Scotia, let’s take a look at a few:
This week we will focus on unique accommodations throughout Nova Scotia. I have not stayed at these locations because during my trip to Nova Scotia we stayed in a tent at campgrounds. Although I can say with all honestly that I would not hesitate to stay at any of these listed accommodations.
Keep in mind that due to COVID these accommodations may not be open and Ombi Travel cannot verify the future status of these unique accommodations at this time.
Let’s dive in!
Located in the historic village of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, you will find these century-old train stations and railway. Restored in the 1980's with furnishings reflecting its railway past, the station itself and its spacious cabooses & boxcars offer a unique boutique hotel, dining & shopping experience.
While your there you can also explore:
Regarded as one of the premier resorts to stay at in the Maritimes, Keltic Lodge is a great place for golf lovers and has received many awards. In 2019 it was ranked #7 Best Public Golf Courses in Canada by SCOREGolf.
The spa at Keltic sounds so idyllic, “The Spa at Keltic, is built on the edge of the cliffs of Middle Head Peninsula. Featuring panoramic views of Cape Smokey and the sandy shores of Ingonish Beach, our serene setting will calm and nourish your spirit” Couldn’t we all use some calm and nourishment right now?
The House by the Sea is a vacation home found in Cape Breton that is surrounded by nature and the ocean. If you are interested in art, it should be noted that this house was previously used as a spiritual sanctuary and art studio for artist John Beardman from NYC. The house was designed with Feng Shui principles and offers a romantic, unique and magical vacation for you. This vacation home will make you feel at home and relaxed, while it rejuvenates and inspires you.
A place to connect with nature and to connect with people is what Cabot Shores strives to do. They offer lodging, food, outdoor & cultural adventures, wellness services, meeting & conference facilities and various types of retreats in an eco-friendly environment.
With eight unique lodgings that are set up to help guests get away from the hustle and bustle of life, this resort offers relaxation in a spacious ocean & mountain view setting. With unique options for everyone, you can choose to stay in a Mongolian or Cedar Yurt, a Wooden Chalet, Tiny House, Treetop Dome, Studio Loft, Lodge Room, Traditional Farm House or Campsite.
So many options, which one do you choose?
I added this location because I think it would be so cool to stay in a lighthouse. The guest house is the old Lightkeeper's residence with four unique rooms, each with an ocean view and a private bathroom. You have to share a common area, which can help you meet new people or can be used to meet up with your group to relax and catch up.
There is a restaurant on location as well and it offers casual dining with home cooked meals that are made with locally sourced food when possible. Perhaps the most important thing to note is that they are fully licensed; because if you are like me, I do enjoy a little vacation drink now and then.
A niche rental property found in Baddeck, the tourist hub of Cape Breton Island. Vicar’s View is a project of passion for Norm and Mary Campbell, a couple that retired to Cape Breton.
“Our dream of providing a unique stay to visitors to Cape Breton Island began with the plan and design. We tried to incorporate some of the comforts and amenities we looked for and appreciated when we were travelling.”
Vicar’s View offers you your own private two-level lighthouse with a small garage for a couple of motorcycles, a sports car or even a place for snowmobiles for the winter visitor.
The perfect location to drive around the trail!
Possibly the most unique accommodation on this list, is this one. Picture yourself glamping or camping on your own island on the Atlantic Ocean. You can choose to camp in a tent or stay in a yurt. This 2-acre island provides amazing views of Blue Rocks, nature and the ocean.
While you are there be sure to partake in the many offerings including kayaking, cycling, snorkeling, and canoeing. Don’t forget to enjoy your picnic as well.
With reviews such as "Worth a visit no matter what the season" from the New York Times, or "Intimate and secluded, spending time here feels like being let in on a wonderful and well-kept secret" from Forbes and National Geographic Society stating that the Lodge is among "ten of the most innovative, sustainable travel programs around the world", this is the place to stay while in Nova Scotia.
Trout Point Lodge is Nova Scotia's premier luxury wilderness resort and offers a great ecotourism vacation. They also lead in sustainable tourism practices that was recognized by the Parks Canada Sustainable Award. You can enjoy things like canoeing & kayaking, expert-guided star gazing, geo-tours, forest bathing, cooking classes, an outdoor barrel sauna & wood-fired hot tub, swimming in refreshing river water, hiking trails, & nature walks when staying at this magnificent lodge.
I have added this on the list because I have a fascination with tiny homes. I think I could live in one in the future and what a way to try it out then when on vacation.
Located on the Cabot Trail on the Margaree Harbour, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the world famous Margaree River, these tiny homes are hand-crafted in luxury. Owned by a family who fell in love with the Cabot Trail, these tiny homes are comfortable, but also offer you a chance to live large while on vacation.
A 5 Star, AAA 4-Diamond Award winning resort that sets the benchmark for excellence in the Canadian resort industry, Fox Harb’r is a haven for all that come to stay. Owned by Ron Joyce (co-founder of Tim Horton’s) this resort offers superb dining, spa services, suites and a championship golf course.
So what do you say, shall we grab a double-double and take a drive to Fox Harb’r?
Also located off the Cabot Trail, True North Destinations is Nova Scotia’s only 5 Star Housekeeping, Eco-Conscious, Luxury Geodesic Dome Experience! Offering mountainside lodging in a luxury dome sounds exceptional to me. There are many amazing experiences offered as well, such as:
Oh, and another tantalizing fact, each dome comes with its own private hot tub!
The story of how Kirribilli came to be is what drew me to this accommodation, but the whole experience and their philosophy is why it made it to this list. Be sure to click on the link and read the story of this wonderful place.
This Eco-Retreat experience is for those that love nature and want to feel rejuvenated after a vacation. It is also for those that are curious about living off-the-grid. It is a place to explore, seek solitude, refresh and re-connect.
Did you know that I always wanted to be an architect? That never worked out, but I did manage to go to school for Interior Design. Although I do not work in this field, I still have a love for all things related to architecture. That is perhaps the reason I have added this last location to the list.
With cottages designed by internationally celebrated architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, these contemporary buildings just called my name. While here, you have access to the 1.5-acre Shobac Farm which features many outdoor activities and shared amenities surrounded by rolling pastures, hiking trails, a few private homes and the Atlantic Ocean. Some amenities include:
Have a look at these unique accommodations and let me know if they aren’t calling your name too.
I had such a fantastic time reacquainting myself with Nova Scotia, I actually had to force myself to stop adding to this list. If you have never been to Nova Scotia, I hope we have opened your eyes to the possibilities. It is such a beautiful province and one that I believe every Canadian should visit.
Remember, if you like this post and want to be updated on future posts in the Love Where You Live Series, be sure to scroll down and subscribe to our newsletter. Until next week, stay safe, smile and know that we will get through this.
Ombi Travel
Sign up for our newsletter to learn about the latest product news and deals. Also receive exclusive offers, contest details and giveaways.