Entire home

Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area

Interior
Interior
Exterior
Fireplace
Beach

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Room options

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About the area

Map
Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia

What's nearby

  • DeGarthe Gallery - 3 min drive
  • Peggy's Point Lighthouse - 3 min drive
  • Indian Harbour Lighthouse - 5 min drive
  • Bayers Lake Business Park - 36 min drive
  • Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sou'Wester Gift & Restaurant Ltd - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Shaw's Landing - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Finer Diner - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Rhubarb Restaurant - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪The Whale's Back - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area

This two bedroom house with 1.5 bathrooms is the closest house to Peggy's Cove, adjacent to the Peggy's Cove Preservation Area. Panoramic views from the living room look west over St. Margaret's Bay's stunning sunsets. All that separates this house from Peggy's Cove is the beautiful Peggy's Cove Preservation Area, a nature lovers paradise. From this house you can walk along the rugged but beautiful coastline to Peggy's Cove. A few minutes walk in the other direction you can purchase fresh lobster from Ryer's Lobster Pound, shop at Whalesback General Store or dine at Cafe l'Acadie and Rhubarb Restaurant. The ultimate in privacy and views, a fantastic location for a retreat or wedding.

Property manager

Thomas Maguire

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 20

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number RYA-2023-24-05311733182498823-22

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Whalesback Cottage Ocean Access Peggys Cove Preservation Area

Frequently asked questions

Is Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area located?

Located in the heart of Indian Harbour, this holiday home is steps from West Dover Provincial Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument and DeGarthe Gallery. Peggy's Point Lighthouse and Indian Harbour Lighthouse are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 102 out of 115 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 115 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 115 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 115 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 115 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Donald H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Whalesback Cottage is a WOW!
Wow! Whalesback Cottage was the Nova Scotia oceanside escape that we were looking for. Our own private space – no traffic … no crowds … and the only sounds were the waves hitting the rocks. We spent countless pleasant hours watching the tides change the view … scanned the ocean with binoculars looking for the whales folks see occasionally. A few excited moments at dusk when we caught sight of several whales waaaaay out – okay, turned out be distant shoals but what fun! Enjoyed long walks … to Peggy’s Cove … and exploring Polly’s Cove. Exchanging smiles and waves with the locals made us feel right at home. And visiting with hosts Tom & Donna … after spending time with these cheerful folks we didn’t want our time in this one-of-a-kind special place to end!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darrylin S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent location
Perfect location and weather provided great opportunity to explore nearby area and relax. House is situated right on coast, providing solitude, rock climbing, beautiful sunsets and night skies without leaving “home”. Hosts were friendly and helpful. Peace and quiet was order of the day.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dineen Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic Isolation Must
Wonderful cottage for isolated getaway. Spent hours gazing at the shoreline. Will need to return to see a sunrise and sunset or two since our weather did not allow. Unfortunately Hurricane Lee sent us packing earlier than expected but got to see great waves crashing on rocks. Location is ideal for day trips. Tom is a great resource for history, local events, and questions!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen M. R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Majestic
Our recent stay was beyond our expectations. The cottage is well appointed, beautiful, and well cared for in every way. The surrounding area is serene, beautiful, and completely relaxing. Slept every night to the wonderful sounds of waves crashing along the rocks. A very special vacation, indeed. Thank you Tom !
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding property!!
Whalesback cottage (house) has everything to make the stay totally delightful! From the graciousness of Tom and Donna to the well equipped kitchen and incredible views, this place has it all! I highly recommend Whalesback!!
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Whaleback cottage is a dream
Peace and tranquillity, right on the ocean with the waves hitting the rocks, the outstanding view, all the amenities you need to cook with, a house that is almost 200 years old that has so much charm. If you need anything at all Tom is there for you, thank you Tom
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Couldn’t be better!1
The Whalesback is a fantastic place to stay! Everything I needed was right at hand and Tom and Donna are great hosts! I highly recommend at least a weeks stay! You won’t want to leave!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous and Peaceful
What a perfect litter house at Peggy's Cove. Literally feels like you have your own private Peggy's Cove. So nice to sit out and enjoy the view in one of the many seating options. The room inside with the three windows is spectacular especially when it is too windy. The hosts were so nice and available anytime you had a question. Definitely was a Maritime welcome. My son and I loved our week here and were sad to leave!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Nancy M.

Great Views and Poor interior Maintenance
The property’s location cannot be diminished over time. The views of the ocean are spectacular. But, when weather forces you inside for several days, you realize how little effort has been put forth to maintain the cottage. The bedrooms and sole full bath were esp. poor. Plastic taped windows and no screens. Cracked ceilings. Untaped drywall. No toilet paper holders.Sliding doors in the primary bedroom with no screens. No ceiling fans. Mismatched furniture and lamps. Pealing paint and rust on the exterior rear of the house. And a kitchen with 1980s appliances. The view was great. But, if you like upscale beds and baths - not here !
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

James P., St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Even Beautiful In the Rain and Fog
Spent 6 nights. Rain and fog every day. But that is part of the joy.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul C., Atlanta

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
Beautiful, well appointed cottage in a stunning location. We had more rain than we wanted, but it was comfortable to relax indoors. When we did venture out, it was an easy walk to the beautiful rocky coast, and a bit more adventurous scramble along the rocks all the way to Peggy's Cove.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter C., Port Moody, BC

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical place
We loved our time in this magical place listening to the waves crashing, walking along the rocks by the Atlantic, barbecuing oysters from the local lobster seller, hiking the many oceanside trails. The views from the bay windows provided orange sunsets, white tailed deer and other assorted wildlife. Tom and Donna are wonderfully kind and generous hosts. Highly recommended.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sean W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Calm after the storm
My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful, but shorter stay than planned due to Fiona. The location is perfect, and the house is very clean, and so charming. We will definitely return.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael and Susan C., Springfield, NH USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Whaleback
The cottage is on a stunning piece of property. The inside is quaint and beautifully decorated. We have no complaints other than hurricane Fiona shortened our stay!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather P.

Liked: Cleanliness
I started early, took my dog, And visited the sea
I started early, took my dog, And visited the sea The mermaids in the basement Came out to look at me (Emily Dickinson) Imagine spending time living in a rustic fishing village away from the tourists? With deer, monarch butterflies, turtles, hover bees, bald eagles all visiting. So many gorgeous places to hike close by; little beaches to swim at, quaint restaurants to visit. Home has all the comforts; large variety of cooking tools and pot for fresh lobster that can be purchased within walking distance. So many places to sit out with a drink or coffee in hand and just enjoy the most beautiful views of the sea crashing in. The hosts are lovely and unobtrusive. Thank you for sharing your blessing with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jay E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Truly Amazing
Nova Scotia is a magical place and this cottage is in the perfect location. Tom and Donna were wonderful hosts and provided many tips and places to go. The cottage was lovely and clean and had all we needed for the perfect get away. We are missing our morning coffee and evening wine on the two chairs overlooking the ocean...we are already talking about going back.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joel C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fifth Visit
This incredible place has been a regular escape for us. We enjoy the cottage and the amazing coastal views and star filled night sky. The sunset is beautiful every night. It is always a relaxing stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth B., Hendersonville, NC USA

Liked: Cleanliness
An amazing stay.
You couldn't ask for more considerate owners. Tom and his wife are delightful people. Everything you can think of is provided and if there is anything you need, they are quick to provide even down to wood for the fireplace. This was an unforgettable stay on many levels. You will be mesmerized by the view. Tom even went to the trouble of installing a 220V outlet to charge from, saving a considerable amount of time. If you bring an EV, BE SURE TO CHARGE BETWEEN 11PM AND 7AM. RATES AT THOSE TIMES ARE LESS THAN HALF OF DAYTIME. We will be back thanks again for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent Location
We thoroughly enjoyed staying here and would come again! The view is magnificent!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

michael b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeded expectations!
We had an amazing stay at this beautiful cottage July 2022. I writing this, the first review I written, because this house, location, setting and host exceeded every expectation that we had. The beautiful pictures we looked on this listing did not capture how amazing this place is! We kept saying to each other "wow!" throughout our stay. The owners seem to have thought of everything. I love cooking so I always bring a bunch of cooking equipment with me. I didn't need it. The first night was chilly and foggy and we found the firepit stocked with some kindling and firewood. I forgot to bring binoculars. the house had a beautiful set laid out. The shower was great, the Wi-Fi was terrific. There was coffee for our first morning. I could go on and on. Well done!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dave M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome
Beautiful location; excellent, well equipped cottage.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bruce R.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Perfect Place to Be!
This was our second visit to Whalesback Cottage. We're even considering a third. This time we were there early July. The first time was late October. Each has its advantages. Neither has any disadvantages. Anytime is the right time to stay at Whalesback Cottage. Right on the ocean, a view of the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, private, comfortable, an enchanting balance of old an new and hosts more than willing to share lots of stories with you if asked. And of course several fine dining choices within a few minutes drive. What more could you ask for!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gail F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Take time to breath it in & appreciate.
Whaleback is for you if you appreciate spectacular location, magical comfortable cottage, the best hosts, &, as always, incomparable Maritime hospitality.
Stayed 21 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cindy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely escape!
This cottage was lovely in every way. Beautiful grounds and accommodation. Away from the fast-paced world, we felt so relaxed. It’s almost unbelievable as far as location overlooking the water and rocky shore in all directions. Communication and assistance from our hosts was excellent. We highly recommend Whale’s Back Cottage to anyone who would like to have an escape to beautiful Peggy’s Cove!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot
The coastal view from the room with the three picture windows was spectacular and really made the stay extra special. Loved watching the water and open sky view from this room and the chaise lounges were so comfy. The house had everything we needed. It was private and relatively secluded yet close to great hikes and attractions and more beautiful scenery. Tom was a wonderful host. He offered great suggestions for restaurants. We enjoyed the food at L’Acadie, Rhubarb, Sou’wester, and had hoped to go to Shaw’s Landing which had a great vibe but had no available tables when we got there later in the pm. Tom and his artist wife live nearby which was reassuring if we needed anything but they did not intrude. His wife is a talented artist and we purchased a few of her floral themed prints from their gallery. The bed (we only used one bedroom) was comfy and everything we needed was there. Highly recommend this spot!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022