Best places to wake up next to the ocean in Nova Scotia

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With 13,300 kilometres of stunning seacoast, Nova Scotia truly is an ocean playground. Fill your days with ocean activities like coastal hiking, surfing, kayaking or relaxing at the beach. But don’t let your ocean fun end with the setting sun. Book a room, cottage or that perfect campsite along the coast and let the sounds of the ocean lull you to sleep and the rising sun herald a new adventure.

Ranging from high-end resorts to humble 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.

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 ocean-front cottages. As the day slips into night, beachcombing turns into stargazing along the one-kilometre 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 lodgings will make for a truly one-of-a-kind getaway.

Oceanstone Resort

This gem of a resort is located just 40 minutes outside of Halifax near iconic Peggy’s Cove. Pay a visit to Oceanstone Resort’s Hydrothermal Nordic Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage and facial treatments in addition to their restorative hydrothermal journey. As darkness descends, light up the night as you settle around a bonfire pit and listen to the waves crashing on the beach. Be sure to keep an eye out for the opening of the brand new Watermark Restaurant for a delicious array of dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Nova Glamping

Discover Nova Glamping, an exclusive off-grid retreat on a private island, where nature and luxury come together effortlessly. Wake up to breathtaking ocean views from your cozy queen bed, enjoy a fully equipped kitchen and refresh in your private bathroom. Step outside to your spacious deck and soak in a private wood-fired tub or cedar sauna as the sun rises or sets. Here, tranquility and adventure go hand in hand, just 10 minutes from Peggy’s Cove.

Argyler Lodge

This restaurant and country inn overlooks 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.

Meat Cove Campground

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 served, or you can call ahead to book one of their rustic cabins or the Chalet Guesthouse.

Sidanna Retreat

Escape to one of Sidanna Retreat’s breathtaking coastal properties. Whether you’re spending time on the South Shore, Cape Breton Island, the Eastern Shore or Northumberland Shore, each location has its own unique architectural charm and thoughtful amenities to make you feel right at home. Some retreats feature spacious decks, hot tubs, pools, saunas, fire pits or BBQ grills –but no matter which one you choose, you’ll always have stunning water views to enjoy.

Quarterdeck Beachside Villas and Grill

Situated on a beautiful, quiet stretch of white sandy beach, the Quarterdeck’s stunning architecture and tasteful beach motif design will immediately put you into relaxation mode any time of year. The Grill has earned a reputation as the South Shore’s finest destination for fresh, locally caught seafood.

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Driftwood by the Bay

Enjoy magnificent sunsets and epic stargazing over St. Mary’s Bay/Baie Ste-Marie when you stay at Driftwood by the Bay. Take in the stars from the hot tub on your private deck and through the stargazer skylight above your bed, then fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves lapping the nearby shore.

LaHave Islands Glamping Adventure

Foodies will love this guided glamping adventure with everything provided when they venture out with Cape LaHave Adventures. Island hop by kayak along a pristine coastline to colourful fishing communities. Indulge in fresh seafood and local flavours, prepared for you on the beach by a wilderness chef, then try yoga on stand-up paddleboards and glamp under the stars.

Cabot Cape Breton

Calling all golfers! Nestled along the breathtaking shoreline of Cape Breton, Cabot Links and sister course Cabot Cliffs are both listed on both 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 provide visitors with endless views of rolling seaside dunes and spectacular coastal panoramas to take in beautiful sunsets over the Northumberland Strait.

Keltic Lodge at the Highlands

Situated on the rugged Cape Breton coast within the borders of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the resort offers a restaurant, spa and heated pool onsite. It’s conveniently located near many sought after Cape Breton activities like the Highlands Links Golf Course, hiking trails, whale watching and Ingonish Beach and Freshwater Lake.

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North Star*

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 views of the ocean and the famous Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

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Fox Harb’r Resort

From golf and incredible dining to spa services and horseback riding, this 5-star resort offers elegance and an abundance of on-site activities along the shores of the Northumberland Strait.

Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre

Choose from nautically inspired guest rooms, oceanside chalets or a seaside villa when staying at Oak Island Resort, open year-round. Guests can take advantage of onsite amenities including a pool, a tennis court and bike rentals, or set off on a tour exploring the Mystery of Oak Island with Salty Dog Sea Tours.

The Marmalade Motel

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.

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Glamping in Guysborough: Authentic Seacoast Yurts

Get away from it all at this scenic coastal location in Guysborough Harbour, an idyllic spot nestled in the stunning peninsula on Chedabucto Bay, 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. Visit Authentic Seacoast Distillery, just a short walk up the hill, to sip on a cocktail on the patio or fireside.

Downtown Halifax Hotels

Many Halifax hotels offer rooms and suites overlooking the bustling, picturesque Halifax Harbour, including the refined Muir Hotel located on the waterfront in the heart of the new Queen’s Marque district. Watch the city by the sea awaken for the day from the comfort of your room before setting out on your urban adventure. From ferries, cargo ships, yachts and cruise ships to fishing vessels, boat tours and jet skis, there is lot of action in this busy harbour year-round.

Norse Cove Camping

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 up the sounds of the ocean and stunning vistas along the coast. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, book an overnight winter camping adventure.

Beach Cottage Rentals

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.

Looking for more options? Click here to see more accommodations near the ocean in Nova Scotia.

Advertising feature provided by Tourism Nova Scotia. The Globe and Mail’s editorial department was not involved.