Wind whipped and buffeted dramatically by the Atlantic, Nova Scotia is a province of bright green fields and beautiful cliffs. Its long peninsula is connected to New Brunswick by a thin strip of land and just offshore is Cape Breton Island. Halifax is the capital but if you’re looking for the serenity and dramatic views this place is known for, then the best places to stay in Nova Scotia are much more rural. Our recommendation is to choose a quintessential log cabin, complete with roaring fires, for that real back to nature feel.

The name, which you might have guessed is Latin for ‘New Scotland’, gives you a hint about the culture here as well as the landscape. Typically friendly and resourceful, the population enjoy brief summers, spectacular springs and autumns and long, beautiful white winters, making this a real year round destination.

Nova Scotia is small by Canadian standards and fairly densely populated. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure you might want to travel the whole length of it, from Yarmouth in the southwest to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which is one of the most spectacular national parks on Canada’s Atlantic coast in the northeast.

Halifax is a major port and a great place to come to delve into the history of Nova Scotia. It’s where you’ll find the Citadel Hill National Historic Site, a huge fort built in the 18th century on top of Halifax’s central hill, the fascinating Canadian Museum of Immigration and a great Maritime Museum.

Nova Scotia also has an exceptional collection of great lighthouses and light stations, some seriously good destination wineries and breweries and some extremely rugged trails running through the interior and all along the spectacular coastline.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Nova Scotia include a gorgeous lodge which allows you to enjoy this stunning province in the lap of luxury, charming character-filled B&Bs and a handful of traditional inns.

The Best Places to Stay in Nova Scotia

For rustic chic

• The Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia is an upscale log lodge, nestled between the Tucket and Napier rivers. There are 12 rustic chic rooms with handcrafted furniture and open fires. There’s also an elegant dining room serving fixed four course banquets. Obviously, the fishing is good, but this is also a wonderful spot for hikers.

For Halifax

• The Halliburton is a charming option in a converted heritage townhouse. Come here for smart, traditional interiors and great central location.
• The Lord Nelson is Halfax's original Grand Dame. Built in 1927, it offers a refined stay with classically styled rooms overlooking a large park, plus there's a fine dining restaurant and you're close to the city highlights.
• For something more up-to-the-minute book the Cambridge Suites Hotel with its spacious contemporary studio-style rooms and great onsite facilities.

For a B&B

• Gingerbread House Inn B&B in Wolfville is as charming and whimsical as its name suggests. Individually designed rooms have a warm homely feel and there are two suites with private hot tubs.
• Louisbourg Harbour Inn offers an intimate and historic stay, plus epic ocean views. It's a great base for anyone wanting to explore the Eastern end of Nova Scotia with much to do in the surrounding area from great walks to lively music.

For an apartment or cabin

• If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner Booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel information

• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the main airport in the province, with services from other parts of Canada, the United States and Europe.
• By train, Via Rail Canada's Ocean travels from Montreal, Charny (Quebec City) and eastern New Brunswick to Nova Scotia.
• The best time to visit is the summer and autumn months (May - October) when the weather is pleasant. During the winter months (November to February) conditions are very cold but ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Nova Scotia.
• Expand your search to incorporate neighbouring state New Brunswick.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Nova Scotia