The best places to wake up next to the ocean in Nova Scotia
This post was originally published on the Tourism Nova Scotia blog.
With 13,300 kilometres 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, stay in a cottage, or camp along 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, here are just a few of the best places to wake up next to the ocean in Nova Scotia.
White Point Beach Resort
Named one of the top 10 coastal destinations in the world by National Geographic Traveller, White Point Beach Resort is open year round. Here you'll find comfortable guest rooms and cozy oceanfront cottages overlooking an expansive beach. As the day slips into night, beachcombing turns into star-gazing along the one-kilometre stretch of white sand beach. For a truly awesome experience, check out their Stellar Beach Feast - and treat yourself to a sensory experience you'll never forget.
Oceanstone Resort
This gem of a resort is located just 40 minutes outside of Halifax near iconic Peggy's Cove and includes comfortable yet elegant cottages that offer stunning ocean vistas. 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, Oceanstone Resort's on-site restaurant, offering a delicious array of dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Cape d'Or Lighthouse
If you like lighthouses paired with spectacular views, check out the Cape D'Or Lighthouse overlooking the Bay of Fundy. What was once the lighthouse keeper's lodging, now has been turned into comfortable accommodations. 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!
Ye Olde Argyler Lodge
This country inn and restaurant 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 or down alongside the shoreline while watching the sun set over the many islands that dot the bay.
Meat Cove Campground
For a truly fresh sea air experience, set up camp at the Meat Cove Campground on the most northern tip of 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, and you can call ahead to book one of their rustic cabins.
The nearby Chowder Hut is famous for, you guessed it, chowder!
Quarterdeck Beachside Villas and Grill
Situated on beautiful Summerville Beach Provincial Park and its expansive stretch of silvery white sand, the Quarterdeck's stunning architecture and tasteful beach motif design will immediately put you into relaxation mode. The Grill has earned a reputation as one of the South Shore region's finest destinations for dishes featuring fresh, locally-caught seafood.
Your Own Island Adventure on the Bay of Fundy
This all-inclusive package sends you on a not-to-be-missed private island adventure. Spend the day on a fully-guided hiking and kayak tour on the Isle Haute, located in the Bay of Fundy, with Advocate Boat Tours. A zodiac will return you to the mainland to an ocean-front campground where you can fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves, exhausted but content from your day's exploration.
Cabot Links
Calling all golfers! Nestled along the breathtaking western shoreline of Cape Breton, Cabot Links is listed on both the Golf Digest World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses for 2016 and Golf Magazine's World Top 100. Once you're there it's easy to see why. The true links golf course and high-end accommodations provide visitors with endless views of rolling seaside dunes and spectacular coastal panoramas.
Pictou Lodge Beach Resort
Known for its seafood inspired dishes and famous Sunday brunch, Pictou Lodge Beach Resort offers beachside accommodations ranging from lodge rooms, suites, log cottages, and executive chalets, plus family recreation activities and private beaches situated on Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore.
Oceanside Camping in Provincial and National Park Campgrounds
Calling all camping enthusiasts! Looking to camp out under the stars and listen to the sound of the waves as you're lulled to sleep? Be sure to book early to get the most prized oceanside spots at Rissers Beach Provincial Park and Graves Island Provincial Park. In the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Corney Brook Campground with its 20 oceanside sites are among the most popular sites in the province.
Beach Cottage and Holiday Home Rentals
With so much coastline, Nova Scotia has abundant picturesque cottages and holiday homes for rent. Book a week, a month or the whole summer at an oceanside accommodations such as Eagle's Cliff by the Sea Oceanview Estate, Coastal Dream Vacation Rental, or Moments Oceanside Getaway, and truly live the seaside dream of waking up next to the ocean every day of your holiday.
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