9 March Break Activities in Nova Scotia
If you have school-aged kids to keep busy during March Break and need inspiration for activities, look no further. These fun outings will help keep...
With 13,300 km of stunning seacoast, Nova Scotia truly is an ocean playground. Fill your days with ocean adventures like coastal hiking, surfing, kayaking or just relaxing at the beach. But don’t let your ocean fun end with the setting sun. Book a room, cottage or find that perfect campsite alongside the coast and let the sounds of the ocean lull you to sleep and the rising sun herald a new day for adventure.
Ranging from high-end resorts to humble yet stunning camping locations with million dollar views, below are just a few of the best places to wake up next to the ocean in Nova Scotia. Looking for more options – click here to see more accommodations near the ocean in Nova Scotia.
Named one of the top 10 coastal destinations in the world by National Geographic Traveller, White Point Beach Resort is open year round. You’ll find comfortable guest rooms and cozy ocean-front cottages. As the day slips into night, beachcombing turns into star-gazing along the 1km stretch of white sand beach. Check out their unique Oceanfront Treehouses and Glomes – glamourous camping domes! Private, luxurious, and mere feet from the Atlantic Ocean, these will make for a true one-of-a-kind getaway.
This gem of a resort is located just 40 minutes outside of Halifax near the iconic Peggy’s Cove. Oceanstone Resort is comfortable yet elegant cottages offer stunning ocean vistas year-round. As darkness descends, light up the night as you settle around a bonfire pit and listen to the waves crashing on the beach. Make sure to eat at rhubarb restaurant, their on-site restaurant offering a delicious array of dishes made from fresh locally-sourced ingredients.
If you like lighthouses paired with spectacular views, check out the rustic Lightkeeper’s Kitchen & Guest House at the Cape d’Or Lighthouse in Advocate Harbour on the Bay of Fundy. The old lighthouse keeper’s lodgings have been turned into comfortable accommodations and the on-site restaurant provides locally inspired menu items. Gaze out at the ocean and watch the ebb and flow of the world’s highest tides. Although a little off the beaten path, the view is worth every ounce of effort it takes to get you there!
This restaurant and country inn is situated overlooking Lobster Bay and is famous for its authentic lobster boils. Let the sea breeze tousle your hair as you sip a cool drink on their expansive deck while watching the sunset over the ocean and the hundreds of islands that dot Lobster Bay.
For a truly fresh sea air experience, pitch your tent at the Meat Cove Campground on Cape Breton Island. Snuggle up in your sleeping bag and watch for pods of whales, soaring eagles and stunning sunsets. Campsites are first come first serve, or call ahead to book one of their rustic cabins or the Chalet Guesthouse.
Situated on a beautiful, but quiet stretch of white sandy beach, the Quarterdeck’s stunning architecture and tasteful beach motif design will immediately put you into relaxation mode anytime of year. The Grill has earned a reputation as the South Shore’s finest destination for fresh locally caught seafood.
Enjoy magnificent sunsets and epic stargazing over St. Mary’s Bay/Baie Ste-Marie when you stay at Driftwood by the Bay. Gaze up at the stars from the hot tub on your private deck and from your bed as you stare up through the stargazer skylight as you fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves lapping the nearby shore.
Foodies will love this guided glamping adventure with everything provided when they venture out with Cape Lahave Adventures! Island hop by kayak to colourful fishing communities and along pristine coastline. Indulge in fresh seafood and local flavours prepared for you on the beach by a wilderness chef, try yoga on stand-up paddleboards, and glamp under the stars.
Calling all golfers! Nestled along the breathtaking shoreline of Cape Breton, Cabot Links and sister course Cabot Cliffs are both listed on both the Golf Digest World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses and Golf Magazine’s World Top 100. Once you are there it’s easy to see why. The golf courses, onsite restaurants and accommodations at Cabot Cape Breton all provide visitors with endless views of rolling seaside dunes and spectacular coastal panoramas to take in the breathtaking sunsets over the Northumberland Strait.
Situated on the rugged Cape Breton coast and within the borders of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the resort offers a restaurant, spa, and heated pool onsite and is conveniently located near many sought after Cape Breton activities like Highlands Links Golf Course, hiking trails, whale watching and Ingonish Beach and Freshwater Lake.
Situated on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Louisbourg Harbour, North Star* was remodeled in 2022 by Scottish TV designers Colin and Justin to create a range of suites and rooms that offer a unique connection to the wonders of this coastal region. Many of the rooms enjoy spectacular ocean views and vistas to the famous Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
From golf to incredible dining, spa services to horseback riding and beyond, this 5-star resort offers elegance and an abundance of on-site activities along the shores of the Northumberland Strait.
Choose from nautically inspired guest rooms, oceanside chalets or a seaside villa when staying at Oak Island Resort. Open year-round, take advantage of the onsite amenities like a pool, bike rentals and tennis court or set off on a tour exploring the Mystery of Oak Island with Salty Dog Sea Tours.
Located on the Eastern Shore and offering up views of the 100 Wild Islands, guests of this colourful yet cozy seaside motel will enjoy watching the sunset from their private balcony overlooking the water. Grab a snack or picnic box to go before exploring nearby trails, beaches and villages.
Looking out on Mussel Cove in Guysborough, escape from it all at this scenic coastal location, where you can glamp year-round. Enjoy the wood-fired hot tub, sauna, swimming and kayaking in the summer and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. At Authentic Seacoast Distillery, just a short walk up the hill, sip on a cocktail on the patio or fireside.
Many Halifax hotels offer rooms and suites overlooking the bustling and picturesque Halifax Harbour. Before setting out on your urban adventure, watch as the city by the sea wakes for the day from the comfort of your room. From ferries, cargo ships and cruise ships to fishing vessels, yachts, and boat tours and jet skis, there is lot of action in this busy harbour year-round!
For something a little more rustic and to help you get in touch with nature, look no further than Norse Cove Camping! Camp, park your RV or rent a Nordic Hut (micro-cabin) and soak in all of the coastal goodness available here. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, book an overnight winter camping adventure!
With so much coastline, Nova Scotia has abundant picturesque waterfront cottages, waterfront vacation homes and unique places to stay along the shore for rent. Book a week, a month or the whole summer somewhere and truly live the seaside dream of waking up next to the ocean every day of your vacation.