Five ISLAND STAYS in Nova Scotia You Probably Didn’t Know About
Thousands of coastal islands surround Nova Scotia. While some are huge, like Cape Breton, most are tiny, dotting the entire coastline. Coastal islands offer a lot to offer - day trips to explore. Here are five coastal island places to stay.
Gifford Island Glamping: South Shore - Lunenburg
About 30 minutes outside of Mahone Bay is a tiny island with a twist - a luxurious tent is ready for you! Gifford Island is a private unspoiled island accessible only by boat. A glamping tent for 2 (you can add two more with additional fees), breakfast and pick-up by boat from the mainland are all included. You can choose to cook for yourself or order meals from them. Activities include mackerel fishing and kayaking; you can organize a sailing tour. Interestingly the main house dates back to 1867 and has a cozy outdoor fireplace.
The Island Cottage in Port Medway provides a perfect escape 1.5 hours away from Halifax. Cross the causeway and drive up to your very own private island. Enjoy endless ocean views from, or grab a kayak or canoe for a water perspective. It is serene, peaceful and a great reprieve from your busy life. Sit by the fire with your favourite drink in the evening. A separate sleeping bunkie allows for a relaxed morning for those who love to sleep longer. The reviews on this place say it all.
This Nordic Hut overlooks the 100 newly protected Wild Islands* only an hour outside of Halifax. You will need to bring your bedding, including pillows. There’s a double mattress in the hut. Bring your good hiking boots to explore the coastal trails looking for seals, porpoises and shore birds. BBQ, drinking water and a heated bathroom with a shower on site. In the evenings, relax by the campfire and prepare for the fantastic show of stars. You can ask about different camping sites if you wish to bring your tent or additional friends with tents.
Wilderness camping overlooking the 100 Wild Islands along the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. Norse Cove Camping sites for tents, camper-vans pop-ups and small campers. Amenities include showers, toilets, power, BBQ, cooking shelters, campfire rings, picnic tables, and ocean access.
*The Nova Scotia Nature Trust Fund is working diligently to protect as many natural islands as possible. A long stretch of islands between Clam Harbour Beach and Taylor Head - they are called the 100 Wild Islands. It is one of the last remaining intact and ecologically rich island groups of its size in all of North America. This group of islands has been undisturbed since the last ice age. In the 100 wild islands wilderness, there are sheltered coves, untouched white sand beaches, unique coastal rainforests, bogs and barrens - untouched by humans for over 10,000 years.
Clairestone Inn: Cape Breton - Isle Madame
The Clairestone Inn is located on an island off an island. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Truro. It is a newly renovated 17-room boutique hotel in Arichat on Cape Breton Island. On Isle Madame, you can listen to ocean sounds, view the night sky, kayak coves, cycle along the fishing villages and chat with friendly locals. You can enjoy the campfire at the backyard fire pit or play a tune on the piano in the guest lounge. Each room has a private ensuite bath, quality linens and comfy beds. Some of the hidden treasures of Isle Madame include - a bakery, a neighbourhood restaurant and picture-perfect sunset views.
Kirribilli EcoRetreat - Pictou Island Yurts: Northumberland Shore - Pictou Island
Kirribilli EcoRetreat is on an off-grid coastal island between Nova Scotia and PEI. It is a 45-minute drive from Truro to Caribou to catch a passenger ferry directly to Pictou Island (45-minute ride). The island is a paradise for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers - prime opportunities for bird watching, star gazing, ocean sunsets, beach-combing, and everything nature-inspired. They have a stunning beach pavilion and four finely appointed yurts to sleep in - all set on a pristine private sandy beach. The four yurts can sleep 12 people. The yurts are well-appointed with quality bedding - sheets, comfy duvets, and lots of pillows & throws. The pavilion is a great gathering space with a large covered deck perfect for relaxing & spending time together. The Outdoor Kitchen is well-equipped to prep and serve meals. The Bathhouse is spacious with a walk-in hot shower (propane-fired hot water) & indoor toilet (composting). The pavilion & bathhouse have a small solar grid for the water pump, cell phone charging and lights. Transportation to/from the island dock is included. There are beaches to explore, sandbars to walk and hiking & biking trails.
