Cape Breton Island 
A quiet cottage in Waverley, Nova Scotia, has landed on Vrbo’s 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year list, standing out among more than two million listings worldwide. This annual list, now in its fourth year, highlights unique properties based on guest satisfaction, amenities, and host reliability.
Credit: VRBO/Waverly Cottage
What sets this Canadian pick apart? Per the news release, it’s surrounded by 800 feet of shoreline on Lake William, offering total privacy.
Waverly Cottage comfortably fits eight guests—or ten if you include the separate guesthouse—and features a basement setup with a bar and shuffleboard, adding some fun to the peaceful lake vibe. It’s earned a perfect 10/10 rating from guests, and it’s no surprise: rustic charm meets modern touches, with space to unwind solo or with a group.
The cottage is located approximately 25 km from Halifax.
VRBO finds that Nova Scotia tourism is clearly gaining attention, with Vrbo reporting a 45% spike in searches for the province.
This year’s Vrbo list spans several countries and includes everything from a restored 16th-century castle in Scotland to a villa near St. Tropez, a spa-equipped chalet in France, and a Moroccan retreat with its own pool and billiard room. Nightly rates for these homes range from $380 to $2,800.
The chosen rentals all tick a few key boxes: high guest ratings (9.8 or above), Premier Host status, multiple bedrooms, and standout features like hot tubs, game rooms, or stunning views.
For Waverley Cottage, it’s the combination of seclusion and simplicity that helped it make the cut. Not bad for a lakeside escape tucked away in Nova Scotia.
