Fall is actually a great time to get away in Nova Scotia. The cooler weather brings many new activities, cozy nights, and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
Whether you’re heading up to Cape Breton or down to Yarmouth, you’ll find places to stay that allow you to enjoy the best of Nova Scotia’s fall offerings. These locations were chosen partly based on the amenities offered onsite and partly on their proximity to fall-related activities.
1. Argyler Lodge
I love that this place is on Ye Old Argyle Road, which certainly brings in some old-world charm. The Argyler Lodge is 25 minutes outside of Yarmouth and is close to several other points of interest, including the Deep Sky Eye Observatory and La Village Historique Acadien.
The lodge itself has a beautiful dining room and the option for guests to participate in a Lobster Bay Culinary Experience, which takes you from the garden picking herbs to eating your lobster on the beach. They have a few beautiful rooms, each with its own aesthetic, or you can park your RV at one of their sites so you can enjoy the lodge’s beautiful ambiance.
Phone: 1-902-643-2500 or 1-866-774-0400
Address: 52 Ye Old Argyle Road, Lower Argyle
Website
2. Big Intervale Fishing Lodge
If you want a gorgeous fishing getaway, you’ve got to check out Big Intervale Fishing Lodge. Set by the Margaree River, the property consists of small cabins clustered around the main lodge.
The Cape Breton fall colours are in full effect here as the lodge is surrounded by trees and sits in the valley, so there are large hills rising up around it. The main fishing here is fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout, and it runs all the way to Halloween so you can organize your fall trip at your convenience. Their dining room has a creative and delicious menu, and you’ll often dine with the owners of the property, making this a friendly fishing getaway.
Phone: 1-902-248-2275
Address: 3719 Big Intervale Road, Margaree Valley
Website
3. Blomidon Inn
Wolfville is a fantastic destination in the fall (though I’d recommend avoiding the first week of September since that’s when the students come back and the town will be a bit busier).
The Blomidon Inn allows you to stay in the heart of town so you can head out on culinary adventures, nature adventures, shopping adventures, or just adventures. The Inn has rooms ranging from regular to the Perth Cottage, and they serve breakfast and dinner. Best of all (in my eyes), they have a library dining room combination, and that’s just awesome.
Phone: 1-902-542-2291 or 1-800565-2291
Address: 195 Main Street, Wolfville
Website
4. Cabot Links Resort
Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs are two of the most beautiful and well-designed courses in Canada, and are internationally recognized for their architecture. If your ideal fall getaway includes playing golf, you should visit these courses, and staying at the Cabot Links Resort allows you to be steps away from golfing at all times.
The lodge has a modern design that fits perfectly into the landscape, there are three restaurants to choose from, and you can stay either in the lodge itself or rent one of their private golf villas. With plenty of ways to customize your stay, Cabot Links Resort offers a truly luxurious golf getaway experience.
Phone: 1-902-258-4653 or 1-855-728-6886
Address: 18 Cabot Lane, Inverness
Website
5. Cambra Sands
If you need salty breezes and soft sand to calm your mind, Cambra Sands will make you feel at ease. The property is made up of several small cottages and overlooks the sea.
The luxury cottages all have their own name and look inside, but they present a coherent picture of small blue houses on the outside. You can simply stay in and enjoy some peace and quiet, or if you want to go exploring, you’ll find several places close by, including Northumberland Links, several parks and hiking trails, museums, and even a spa.
Phone: 1-902-257-2006 or 1-866-559-0705
Address: 97 Cambra Lane, Malagash
Website
6. Digby Pines
The Digby Pines is a resort that gives you the option to golf, explore the Bay of Fundy, have a spa day, and shop local artisan shops. Its beautiful buildings are nestled between the pines, but there are also other kinds of trees, giving you evergreen framed with fall colours.
You can head off the property to explore, or you can stay right where you are for spa, golf, croquet, shuffleboard, and a giant chess board, because why not? You can choose between rooms, suites, and cottages, so whatever your group size, you’ll find a great place to stay and enjoy the Digby Pines experience.
Phone: 1-800-667-4637
Address: 103 Shore Road, Digby
Website
7. Fox Harb’r Resort
Fox Harb’r Resort has everything you could ever want for a luxury fall getaway. There’s a gorgeous golf course, a spa that pampers you from head to toe, and two lovely dining rooms, one for casual dining and one that’s the first sustainable seafood restaurant in all of Nova Scotia.
Fox Harb’r has lots of different kinds of accommodations and packages on offer, so you can pick whichever floats your boat. You can even stay in your room and have deluxe room service all day, which sounds like the perfect way to spend vacation with me!
Phone: 1-866-257-1801
Address: 1337 Fox Harbour Road, Fox Harbour
Website
8. Glamping Off the Beaton Path
Glamping is a great way to experience the fun parts of camping without most of the tricky parts. Even glamping can be complicated in the fall, but no fear, Glamping Off the Beaton Path is here! Bring your sleeping bag and enjoy the wooden tents. It’s in a beautiful isolated area and the views are incredible. Inverness County is full of activities to do in the fall, so your days will be full and your nights will be restful.
Phone: 902-258-2907
Address: 942 Broad Cove Marsh Road, Inverness
Website
9. Keltic Lodge
The Keltic Lodge is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Ingonish. Seated atop a cliff, the lodge has its own golf course, spa, three restaurants, and a nice walking trail. The Lodge is within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, so you can use it as a base as you explore all the park has to offer.
With fantastic ocean and forest views, the Keltic Lodge is perfect for all kinds of vacations in the fall.
Phone: 1-800-565-0444
Address: 383 Keltic In Road, Middle Head Peninsula, Ingonish Beach
Website
10. Lunenburg Arms Hotel and Spa
Lunenburg is full of history, beauty, and peace, and the Lunenburg Arms is a wonderful example of these traditions. It’s a hotel with a maritime theme in the rooms, everything from standard rooms to lofts. They also have their own spa, with massages, manicures, pedicures, and more, with special offerings for couples and for men.
Lunenburg Arms is situated in the middle of historic Lunenburg, so it’s perfect if you want to explore this UNESCO heritage site fully and conveniently.
Phone: 1-902-640-4040 or 1-800-679-4950
Address: 94 Pelham Street, Lunenburg
Website
11. Mersey River Chalets and Nature Retreat
Retreating into nature is the perfect way to absorb the beauty of the fall and to give you a chance to step away from stress. Mersey River Chalets is designed for precisely this purpose. Their accommodations range from small chalets to a log house that holds up to 11 guests so that you can retreat alone or with all your favourite people.
Mersey is close to Kejimkujik National Park, and you could spend an entire vacation exploring the park by day and then returning to the retreat to play basketball, tennis, or lawn games as the sun sinks down.
Phone: 1-877-667-2583
Address: 315 Mersey River Chalets Road, Maitland Bridge
Website
12. Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre
Ah, Oak Island is home to one of the oldest mysteries in Nova Scotia (which might very well be solved sometime in the next couple of decades). This resort is just across the way from the island, and if there’s a tour on, I recommend you go and learn the full story of the mysterious treasure.
Even if there’s no tour though, you’ll be busy on the resort with dozens of activities on the grounds. There’s also a spa, a restaurant, and a bar, as well as Osprey Ridge Golf Course nearby.
Phone: 1-902-627-2600 or 1-800-565-5075
Address: 36 Treasure Drive, Western Shore
Website
13. Oceanstone Resort
Oceanstone is beautiful on sunny days or in the middle of a fog bank (I know this from personal experience). Made up of an inn with a restaurant downstairs and then several unique shapes and sizes of cabins, this resort is quiet and peaceful from the moment you step onto the grounds.
It’s a short walk and even shorter drive to Peggy’s Cove, and there are several trails close by so you can walk further if you wish. There are games available to borrow, a beach to walk, and plenty of quiet to enjoy.
Phone: 1-866-823-2160
Address: 8650 Peggy’s Cove Road, Indian Harbour
Website
14. Old Orchard Inn & Spa
If you’re interested in staying in the Annapolis Valley, but you don’t want to stay within Wolfville, the Old Orchard Inn & Spa is a great choice. They have accessible rooms in the main inn (which is three stories tall), as well as 29 seasonal cottages. They have all the amenities you could want: a splendid restaurant with a couple of dining rooms and a spa complete with pool, sauna, and hot tub. It’s close to many Valley activities, so you can plan your day to take in all the fall beauty and then return to the Inn ready to relax and unwind.
Phone: 1-902-542-5751 or 1-800561-8090
Address: 153 Greenwich Road South, Greenwich
Website
15. The Pebble Bed & Breakfast
Named for a short story, the Pebble Bed & Breakfast offers a great blend of past and present in its suites. Overlooking the Northwest Arm, it’s in a quiet part of the HRM, and yet, you can get right into the heart of Halifax with just a ten-minute drive.
The owner is delighted to host you and your small pets, and you’ll find the place ready for a lovely visit. If you’re planning a fall visit to Halifax and want a quieter locale than downtown, the Pebble is the place for you.
Phone: 1-902-423-3369 or 1-888-303-5056
Address: 1839 Armview Terrace, Halifax
Website
16. The Quarterdeck
The Quarterdeck calls itself one of ‘Nova Scotia’s Hidden Treasures,’ and that’s a decent description. It’s beloved by people who have been there and unknown to most others, and that’s a shame.
The Quarterdeck is a beautiful resort in Summerville with gorgeous accommodations, a recently renovated restaurant with lots of great local food options, and a great beach to walk on. You’ll find plenty of natural destinations around the resort, as well as the towns of Liverpool and Port Mouton.
Phone: 1-902-683-2998 or 1-800-565-1119
Address: 5 Willow Lane, Summerville Centre
Website
17. River Nest Wilderness Cabins
Exploring the Cabot Trail is a spectacular experience all year around, and if you’re looking for a place to stay along the way, River Nest Wilderness Cabins is a uniquely natural area. The cabins are designed to blend into the woods, and there are only five (that can fit up to 4), so it’s private and quiet.
There’s kayaking just a thirty-second walk away, plenty of places to explore along the Cabot Trail, and St. Ann’s Loop is also close, with several artisan shops—everything from glasswork to sewing to ironworking.
Phone: 1-844-404-6378
Address: 644 Murray Road, North River Bridge
Website
18. Rosewood on the Cove Cottages
Hubbards is a small community with lots to offer, and Rosewood on the Cove is one of its finest attractions. The cottages are all different colours right on the oceanfront and only a few minutes walk from Hubbards Beach (which you can sometimes swim in at the end of September—after that, stick to beach walks).
They have a seaside gazebo, and there are walking trails nearby. It’s just down the way from the Shore Club, a restaurant recognized worldwide for its lobster suppers, and there’s a Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
You get to enjoy being part of Hubbards for your vacation and get some relaxation as you enjoy the beauty of autumn beaches.
Phone: 902-857-2001
Address: 187 Shore Club Road, Hubbards
Website
19. Rum Runner Inn
So you don’t have to run, drink rum, or run rum in order to stay here, but you can do the first two if you like! (Prohibition’s over, so rumrunning isn’t really a thing anymore. Overlooking Lunenburg Harbour, this inn’s rooms range from Studios to the Honeymoon King Room.
As it’s in Lunenburg, you’re steps away from exploring the town, and less than an hour from most landmarks in Lunenburg. The inn’s website is full of suggestions, and most of them are suitable for exploring and enjoying all year round.
Phone: 1-902-469-3333 or 1-902-634-9200 or 1-888-778-6786
Address: 66 Montague Street, Lunenburg
Website
20. The Silver Dart Lodge
Named for Alexander Graham Bell’s iconic plane, the Silver Dart Lodge is a great place to stay in Baddeck.
Overlooking the beautiful Bras D’Or Lakes, you can choose between the chalets or the lodge rooms, depending on what fits your fall vacation vision. The dining room is lovely, and there’s plenty to do onsite.
Since it’s just a few minutes walk from Baddeck proper, you have a host of activities at your fingertips…or you can stay on the property and enjoy the peace, quiet, and beautiful fall view of the Bras D’Or Lakes.
Phone: 1-800-565-8439
Address: 257 Shore Road, Baddeck
Website
21. Tidal River Ridge Retreat
If you want to bring your furry friends with you, rejoice—Tidal River Ridge Retreat is happy to welcome them! They have a beautiful collection of cottages and chalets to stay in, and they have specific fall activities too.
They have guided hiking tours and campfires, special activities for kids, and so much more.
There are also plenty of outdoor and indoor activities in the surrounding area, so you’ll have plenty to do.
Phone: 1-902-254-3333 or 1-800-806-8860
Address: 12 Tidal River Ridge Road, Lower Five Islands
Website
22. Trout Point Lodge
Located in the UNESCO Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve, also known as the Tobeatic Wilderness, Trout Point Lodge combines luxury and wilderness to create a truly memorable experience.
The accommodations are beautiful and blend into the nature around them, and the restaurant serves Nova Scotian food and wine. They offer plenty of ways to enjoy the Tobeatic, from forest bathing to star gazing.
Phone: 1-902-761-2142
Address: 189 Trout Point Road, East Kemptville
Website
23. The Villages of Mountain Gap Resort
I almost want to put on an old lady voice and say, “back in my day…” because my childhood is full of memories of the Mountain Gap. It’s not just “my day” though, but several generations, because the Resort is the oldest in Nova Scotia, open since 1915.
It’s a wonderful place to bring the kids because there are plenty of activities, from beach walks to bonfires to an awesome playground to a giant chess board (this appears to be a theme in Nova Scotian resorts…I wonder if Mountain Gap started it?).
The perfect base to enjoy all of Digby County, this is sure to become a family tradition.
Phone: 902-245-5841
Address: 217 Highway 1, Smith’s Cove
Website
24. The Westin Nova Scotian
If the Pebble (see above) isn’t quite your speed and you want to be in the heart of the action in Halifax, you should book a stay at the Westin!
Right on the Halifax Waterfront and close to the bus station, the Westin is a classic classy hotel. There’s lots to do in the fall in Halifax, and with the students coming back the city swings into full effect.
The Westin is downtown, affordable, and will give you a great base to do your exploring!
Phone: 1-902-421-1000 or 1-888-627-8553
Address: 1181 Hollis Street, Halifax
Website
25. White Point Beach Resort
White Point Beach Resort is only last on the list because I wanted to go alphabetical—it tops other lists of Nova Scotian resorts for good reason. They have a myriad of activities for guests of all ages all year round, so you can spend your entire vacation relaxing at the comfortable resort.
Enjoy the dining room, see how many bunnies you can spot, take a trip to the spa, or just sit and read a book in one of their insanely comfortable lodge chairs and people watch. There’s something for everyone at White Point!
Phone: 1-800-565-5068
Address: 75 White Point Beach Resort Road, White Point
Website
By: Adrienne Colborne