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

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

A window with a view of a rocky coastline and the sea during sunset.
A white cottage with a grey roof, a yellow door, and a small porch. A large rock with a sign reading "Welcome" is in front.
Two red Adirondack chairs facing a rocky shoreline with a view of the ocean and a clear sky.
A room with a large window overlooking a sunset over the ocean.
A cozy room with a large window, a wooden coffee table, two sofas, and a decorative ceiling light.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia
  • Place, West Dover Provincial Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Swissair Flight 111 Memorial
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Peggy's Point Lighthouse
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Indian Harbour

This vacation home places you next to West Dover Provincial Park and within a 15-minute walk of Swissair Flight 111 Memorial. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
View more Vacation Homes in Indian HarbourOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • West Dover Provincial Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Swissair Flight 111 Memorial - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Peggy's Point Lighthouse - 4 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk - 44 min drive - 38.9 miles
  • Dartmouth Crossing - 50 min drive - 43.8 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Sou'Wester Gift & Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Shaw's Landing - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Finer Diner - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪HunkyDory - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪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.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a fireplace, a coffee maker, and an ironing board. Change of towels is available on request.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 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
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

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
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the city center
  • 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
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Composting
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Local artist showcase
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

No smoking. Please treat the house like your own home.

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 20
Property Registration Number STR2627A1381

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Whalesback Cottage Ocean Access Peggys Cove Preservation Area

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do near this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Indian Harbour, just steps from West Dover Provincial Park. You'll also find William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument and DeGarthe Gallery within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area?

Yes, there is an electric car charging station available.

Is this vacation home associated with a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this waterfront vacation home include a fireplace and a kitchen in each house, and some feature ocean view.

Are there hot tubs at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area?

Yes, every house at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area comes with a balcony and some offer ocean views.

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 123 out of 138 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 138 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 138 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 138 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 138 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This picture sums it up
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The views and the privacy of this location was spectacular
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location

Cozy cottage with wonderful views.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A beautiful spot, beautiful setting. We enjoyed every moment of our staying. Highly recommended!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of the most special places we've discovered in our lifetimes (married 35 years)
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of the world’s special locations. A perfect place for walks in the fog with your dog. Hosts very nice people.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful vacation at Whaleback Cottage

We loved Whaleback Cottage! It was very comfortable and clean with incredible views! Tom and Donna were great hosts! We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection

Idyllic, serene, gracious hosts. Just so lovely and about an hour from Halifax. A very short drive to Peggy’s Cove, which is perfect because staying in Peggy’s Cove might be annoying with the number of people constantly traipsing through.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This places lives up to all the 10/10 reviews. Top of the list is the setting, a perfect coastal location and the cottage, especially the sun room, is situated to take maximum advantage of the location and the views. Whaleback is the perfect definition of a seaside cottage. The owner should be proud, and we felt blessed to find the place. D&J, Sept 2025 stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I throughly enjoyed my stay at Whaleback Cottage. Tom (TJ) and his father Tom were very nice people whom I enjoyed talking with about the area. Tom’s father Tom taught me the best way how to cook my own lobster! The 3 large window sunroom was absolutely gorgeous. I spent a good deal of my time there. The view of the ocean and the rocks from there was incredible! I walked out on the rocks many mornings, The decor in the cottage was very nautical and extremely pleasant to look at. I loved that the upstairs master bedroom had a large deck with a gorgeous view. The outside of the property was very nice too. Chairs to sit on in front for the view and chairs outback with a fire pit near a lovely lily pond to enjoy. The lounge chairs near the the house with outside lights was very nice as well. The stars at night and the sunsets were gorgeous! I very much loved all the lavender around the whole property. I was treated each night to deer including a baby fawn come very close on the property. Thanks once again to Tom and Tom for being gracious hosts……I’ll be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Perfect seaside getaway

This rustic cottage close to Peggy's Cove has a large plot of land and is adjacent to a long stretch of protected coast stretching almost to Peggy's cove. We spent a few days just staring out the windows at the waves and lobster boats and walking along the water. Absolutely beautiful spot. The cottage was comfortable and Tom (manager) was extremely helpful with everything we needed during our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Whalesback Cottage was one of the loveliest places I’ve ever stayed. Perched right on the ocean, it provided the perfect home base for exploring Nova Scotia’s South Shore while also being a destination in itself.Even with a few rainy and cloudy days, we loved every minute. We spent hours walking along the rocky shoreline, watching the waves, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the coast. The location was ideal - close to Peggy’s Cove, a Nordic spa, and easy day trips to Lunenburg, Hirtle’s Beach, and other nearby destinations.The cottage itself is charming and incredibly comfortable. The sunroom was an absolute delight. We could have spent all day there watching the ocean, reading, playing French Scrabble, and enjoying a cup of coffee. The kitchen was well-appointed and had everything we needed for our stay.TJ was a wonderful host: responsive, helpful, and communicative throughout the process. The yummy tea biscuits waiting for us upon arrival were such a thoughtful touch and made us feel immediately welcome.If you’re looking for a peaceful coastal retreat with stunning views and easy access to some of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful destinations, I highly recommend Whalesback Cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cottage is straight out of a movie. Situated in a quaint fishing village on a private property overlooking the rocky coast, it was exactly what I imagined it would be. It is pretty typical to be a little let down once you arrive at a vacation rental because the pictures usually make it look more impressive than it actually is. That was not our experience with the Whalesback cottage. The pictures included in the VRBO listing are an accurate representation of this property.The cottage was clean, cozy, and had everything we needed. We loved sitting in the room with the panoramic views while our daughters ran around on the grass outside in their beer feet. There were fresh melt-in-your-mouth biscuits left for us on the table when we arrived and they were such a treat. We loved walking on the rocks along the water as the sun was setting and took approximately 200 photos. The cottage is only about an hour from Halifax so we spent an afternoon wondering the waterfront and eating ice cream. We also did a trip to Lunenburg for some shopping and to see the Bluenose, which made for a lovely day.We will never forgot this incredible property!Thank you Tom for being such a wonderful host!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

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