The Best Hotels to Book for Stargazing in Nova Scotia

Trout Point Lodge leaves guests perfectly primed for hours of stargazing fun
Trout Point Lodge leaves guests perfectly primed for hours of stargazing fun | Courtesy of Trout Point Lodge / Expedia
Mandi Keighran

Nova Scotia in Canada is one of the world’s best destinations for witnessing the stars in all their splendor, with North America’s darkest skies and brightest stars. These are the most magical Nova Scotia hotels for stargazing, all bookable on Culture Trip.

Nova Scotia in Canada boasts some of North America’s most spectacular night skies. The Acadian Skies and Mi’kmaq Lands region in the southwest of the province is one of only four places in the world to have been awarded a Starlight Reserve and Destination designation by the International Starlight Foundation. From quaint inns in historic small towns to romantic wellness retreats, these are some of the best places to stay if you want to experience the beauty of Nova Scotia’s night skies.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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MacKinnon-Cann Inn

Hotel

Set on the shores of Yarmouth on the Evangeline Trail, this inn is ideal for couples in search of romantic small-town charm in one of the province’s best stargazing destinations. The interior is designed to take guests on a journey through history, with each of the seven suites themed to represent a different era. The 1900 Grand Victoria Queen Room features a rich burgundy palette and period furnishings, while the 1940s Mommy Dearest Queen Room evokes the glamour of 1940s Hollywood. Or, take a trip to the 60s in the 1960 Vandyke Queen Room, which boasts brick walls and earthy tones inspired by Danish Modernism and the set of The Dick Vandyke Show.

Farmhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast

Bed and Breakfast

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Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast / Expedia

This charming 1860s farmhouse in the historic town of Canning is perfectly located to explore the Bay of Fundy and the Annapolis Valley. One of the highlights here is the home-cooked, three-course Nova Scotian breakfast, which is served in the dining room surrounded by pressed tin ceilings and an original wide pine floor. Start with yogurt parfait with homemade granola and freshly cooked scones, followed by hot dishes such as the Nova Scotia Apple Delight, or fluffy eggs with local apples sprinkled with sugar and served with local maple syrup and blueberry sauce. Planning a longer stay? Book The Loft, an apartment with a private entrance and deck, as well as a kitchen and access to the shared fire pit and barbecue.

Auberge Thon Jaune

Hotel

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Courtesy of Auberge Thon Jaune / Expedia

Conveniently located close to the Wedgeport Starlight viewing platform and the Wedgeport Nature Trail, Auberge Thon Jaune is a picturesque white weatherboard home in the seaside town of Wedgeport, overlooking Chebeck Bay. There are two bedrooms – a queen suite and a king suite – which can be rented individually, or guests can choose to rent the entire home, which boasts a private sauna and spa. Alongside stargazing, Wedgeport is known as the Tuna Capital of the World, and there are plenty of opportunities for sports fishing and exploring the surrounding Tusket Islands.

Trout Point Lodge

Eco Hotel, Hotel, Lodge, Luxury

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Courtesy of Trout Point Lodge / Expedia

There’s no better way to experience Nova Scotia’s dark skies than immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty at Trout Point Lodge. Billed as Nova Scotia’s premier luxury wilderness resort and hotel, the lodge is nestled into a secluded location in the UNESCO Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve in the Tobeatic wilderness (40 minutes from Yarmouth). Every room, lodge and cottage boasts river views, and activities range from guided stargazing and cooking classes to a relaxing outdoor barrel sauna and wood-fired hot tub. Another highlight is the daily-changing gourmet four-course dinner, featuring dishes like New London mussels with white wine foam.

Mersey River Chalets & Nature Reserve

Cabin

Planning a family holiday to Nova Scotia? Mersey River Chalets & Nature Reserve offers a wide range of accommodation types to suit groups of all sizes, from a spacious log house overlooking Harry Lake that sleeps up to 11 guests, to a mix of small and large chalets. More adventurous guests will love the tipi village, a collection of three tipis and two wall tents that are furnished with comfy beds and have access to a shared kitchen or barbecue. The family-friendly destination is also set up with plenty of activities for kids, including kayaking, a playground, lawn games, and snowshoe trails.

Lighthouse Lane Cottages

Cottages

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Courtesy of Lighthouse Lane Cottages / Expedia

This collection of chic cottages is perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean at St Margaret’s Bay, just a three-minute drive to the renowned Peggy’s Cove lighthouse. Each pretty weatherboard cottage is furnished with a maritime theme – think starfish wall decorations, reclaimed oars, and cabin-style lighting – and most boast fully equipped kitchens and cozy fireplaces. Fancy exploring the waters? The cottages are just steps away from the pristine Clifty Cove, a sheltered inlet where you can set off on a kayaking adventure to explore the surrounding islands.

The Prince George Hotel Halifax

Hotel

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Courtesy of The Prince George Hotel Halifax / Expedia
Business travelers to Halifax can’t go wrong at The Prince George Hotel Halifax. There are 200 rooms and suites, as well as a business center, huge meeting spaces for events for up to 200 attendees, and a fitness center with an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, and cardio room. If you want to swap city lights for stars, head to one of the secluded beaches or parks scattered across the Eastern Shore, which offer optimal conditions for viewing the night skies. Martinique Beach is a particularly popular spot.

The Halliburton

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

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Courtesy of The Halliburton / Expedia
Swap the characterless city hotels for a room at this charming boutique hotel in downtown Halifax. Three heritage townhouses have been converted into 29 rooms and suites, each with a unique layout and furnishings. Some boast wood-burning fireplaces, while others have a private balcony overlooking the garden courtyard, where guests can enjoy a Tall Ship Ale from the local Garrison Brewery. The largest room is the impressive Grand Suite, which features a king-size bed, living room with fireplace, hidden outdoor patio, and large bathroom. In the evening, retire to Sir Brenton’s Library for a craft cocktail.

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites

Hotel, Boutique Hotel

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Courtesy of The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites / Expedia

Built in 1928, The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites has been welcoming visitors to downtown Halifax for more than 90 years – and the elegant interiors pay tribute to the glamour of a bygone era with sparkling crystal chandeliers, intricate woodwork, plush carpets, and a grand piano. For the best views of the night sky, you’ll need to head away from the city lights. Make a day of it with a road trip along the Eastern Shore. Stop in at Lawrencetown Beach, stroll the boardwalk along Salt Marsh Trail, and then head to Martinique Beach to take in the skies. If you happen to be visiting in August, you might even be treated to the spectacle of the Perseids, a meteor shower that blazes across the sky.

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