The Best Hotels to Book for Stargazing in Nova Scotia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.