Nova Scotia, CA vacation rentals: Cottages & more

Find the best place to stay — Nova Scotia

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Destination guide

Natural grandeur and outdoor pursuits await in Nova Scotia

A picturesque province in eastern Canada, Nova Scotia is destination for outdoorsy types, wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Scattered across a peninsula and offshore islands, it's a haven of postcard-perfect coastal scenes, with its weathered cliffs, quaint old lighthouses and wild seals basking in the sun. The vacation rentals in Nova Scotia provide a basecamp for a wealth of outdoorsy adventures ranging from hiking to sea kayaking, while those in search of more relaxed pursuits will find them in abundance within the region's cities – such as the capital Halifax, known for its star-shaped citadel and buzzing waterfront.

Things to do

UNESCO historical treasures in Nova Scotia

One of Nova Scotia's star attractions is Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated beside a quaint harbor, the 18th-century settlement is known for its colorful historic houses, and is home to pretty shops, award-winning eateries and the legendary Bluenose II. A replica of the original ship launched here in 1921, the elegant vessel offers 2-hour cruises to visitors. Another of Nova Scotia's UNESCO sites is Joggins Fossil Cliffs. Situated on the breathtaking Bay of Fundy, the site encompasses 15 kilometers of exposed rugged rock formations, jam-packed with fossils that date back millions of years.

Activities

Whether you want exhilaration or calm, Nova Scotia caters

If there's one thing Nova Scotia doesn't lack, it's activities. A real treat for those who love the great outdoors, the province is a maritime playground for sea kayaking, white-knuckle tidal bore rafting, sportsfishing and year-round surfing. The province is also a hotspot for those wanting to tick whale watching off their bucket list. If you're more of a landlubber, though, the region's unspoiled natural scenery provides a picturesque backdrop for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife watching too, with cross-country skiing come winter. When it comes to taking it easy, the beaches, seaside wineries and quaint vacation rentals in Nova Scotia are just what the doctor ordered.

Weather

Comfy summers and cozy winters in Nova Scotia

Fringed by the sea, Nova Scotia's climate resembles a maritime one, with both winter and summer temperature extremes kept in check by the ocean. Winters, however, tend to reach freezing point, much more so than the inland areas to the west of the peninsula, and snow is common all round. Unless snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is your thing, it's probably better to visit Nova Scotia between June and October time, when the weather is comfortably warm, the water heats up and the skies are blue.

Natural features

Explore Nova Scotia's peaceful forests

The vacation rentals in Nova Scotia are scattered throughout the province's mainland peninsula, though it's not so big you can't venture around if you have a car. The unspoiled scenery that blankets the province is what makes it such a treasure, and ranges from rugged cliffs and flourishing forests, to gently lapping lakes and romantic coastline scenes straight from the pages of a novel. Rivers meander through the landscape, as they did when they provided waterways for the Mi'kmaq people centuries ago, and serene beaches boast views across the sea towards Nova Scotia's offshore islands – all beckoning to be explored.

Can I find a vacation rental around Nova Scotia?

Yes, our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 1,316 vacation rentals near Nova Scotia. From 392 Cottages to 632 Houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Nova Scotia for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in Nova Scotia?

There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Nova Scotia. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:

Halifax: 282 vacation rentals
Cape Breton Island: 332 vacation rentals
Lunenburg: 285 vacation rentals
Baddeck: 31 vacation rentals
Wolfville: 56 vacation rentals

And HomeAway offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in Nova Scotia! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in Nova Scotia?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Nova Scotia:

Halifax: 282 rentals
Lunenburg: 285 rentals
Baddeck: 31 rentals
Wolfville: 56 rentals
Mahone Bay: 275 rentals

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Can I find easy-access vacation rentals when traveling by plane to Nova Scotia?

Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of vacation rentals near airports. The airports with a large selection of vacation rentals in Nova Scotia are:

Halifax, NS (YWF-Downtown Waterfront Heliport): 256 vacation rentals
Halifax International Airport (YHZ): 200 vacation rentals
Port Hawkesbury, NS (YPS): 30 vacation rentals

For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in Nova Scotia?

HomeAway offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Nova Scotia. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

Lawrencetown Beach: 217 rentals
Martinique Beach Provincial Park: 38 rentals
Melmerby Beach Provincial Park: 34 rentals
Cabot Links: 78 rentals
Peggy's Point Lighthouse: 259 rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Nova Scotia listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.