The Coolest Places to Stay in Nova Scotia

I spent a week exploring the Northumberland and Eastern Shores of Nova Scotia, and stayed in five wildly different places – a luxury dome, a real caboose, a vineyard yurt, a cliffside resort, and a quirky seaside motel. Each spot brought its own vibe and set of experiences, and each felt like a little travel story on its own. If you’re planning to travel to Nova Scotia and want stays that double as an experience rather than just a bed, check out these options.

Why choose unusual places to stay?

There’s something about staying somewhere unusual that amplifies a trip. It turns routine travel into an adventure and gives you a built-in conversation starter. Even in terms of LGBTQ travellers, this extra layer of personality can often mean safer, more welcoming hosts or environments that celebrate individuality. I of course can’t say every unconventional stay is automatically LGBTQ travel-friendly, but these kinds of properties often cater to people looking for authenticity, good service, and thoughtful details. I’ll point out what felt inclusive, what felt special, and what practical things to check before you book.

1. Gravity Luxury Domes (Maitland)

Glamping with a river view

If you like plenty of daylight, nature views, and a little bit of glam in your camping, then the Gravity Luxury Domes are a great pick. The dome I stayed in had a full bathroom, a proper kitchen with a full-size fridge, a dining table that doubles as a workspace, and a sleeping area with a sweeping view of the backyard. The windows flood the place with natural light, but can be darkened when you want privacy.

Outside there’s a barbecue, a fire pit and a hot tub. Those are the kinds of extras that turn a chill evening into a highlight. The location is ideal for exploring the Bay of Fundy – think tidal bore rafting and mud sliding nearby if you’re up for a tidal adventure.

Practical notes for LGBTQ travel: the domes felt private and relaxing. If you want a low-key, cozy stay where you’re left to your own space, this is a solid choice. It’s also great for couples or solo travelers who want to balance nature with comfort.

• Best for: Couples, glampers, small groups
• Top perk: Hot tub + private outdoor space
• Tip: Book early since there there are only 4

2. Train Station Inn (Tatamagouche)

Sleeping in a real caboose

This one is for people who love something quirky and nostalgic. The Train Station Inn in Tatamagouche has repurposed vintage Canadian-built cabooses and boxcars into private deluxe suites. On the outside they still look like classic rail cars, but inside they’re redesigned for comfort and style.

I stayed in one at the back of the line called Caboose Carol. It was surprisingly spacious – enough room to bring some friends or family. It has air conditioning and its own bathroom, and a little balcony type area at the back. Check-in happens in a restored 19th century station that also houses a pretty eclectic gift shop and a coffee bar.

For LGBTQ travel, these kinds of properties often attract people drawn to unique stays and local culture. The Train Station Inn felt welcoming and low-judgment. If you enjoy design, history, and quirky accommodation, this ticks a lot of boxes.

• Best for: History buffs, design lovers, groups
• Top perk: Authentic railcar experience with modern comforts
• Tip: There is a restaurant in one of the boxcars with great pie

3. Yurt in a Vineyard (Guysborough)

Glamping among grapevines

If vineyard vibes and a relaxed outdoor setting appeal to you, a Canadian-made Yurt in a Vineyard is a dreamy option. Mine had a comfy bed, rustic charm, and all the glamping energy without feeling like a tent. Picture waking up to rows of grapevines and having the option to soak in your own hot tub.

The property also offers a sauna and the chance to take a kayak out on nearby water. Because it’s in Guysborough and surrounded by water, the balance of adventure and relaxation is perfect – sip, paddle, sauna, repeat.

For LGBTQ travel, accommodations like vineyard yurts are often run by smaller operators who focus on hospitality. That can result in a warmer, more personal stay. If you value quiet, private time and nature plus a touch of luxe, this is a great pick.

• Best for: Couples, wellness seekers, nature lovers
• Top perk: A sauna and kayaking in a vineyard setting
• Tip: Bathrooms are separate and shared so plan accordingly

4. Fox Harb’r Resort (Fox Harbour)

High-end for golf (or spa) lovers

If you want to treat yourself, Fox Harb’r Resort is the splurge. Its Cliffside Golf Course is legitimately one of Canada’s most scenic courses, but you don’t have to golf to enjoy what the resort offers. Rooms, suites, and cottages come with modern comforts and ocean views, and the food is locally sourced fine dining that feels thoughtful and elevated.

Amenities include a fitness center, a huge swimming pool, a hot tub and multiple relaxation areas. This was the high-end choice of the five places I stayed – the kind of place where you’ll feel like you’re being pampered

Fox Harb’r is especially relevant for LGBTQ travellers who want discretion, service, and top-tier facilities. Luxury resorts often have staff trained in hospitality that aims to make every guest comfortable and respected. It’s a good pick for celebrations, anniversaries, or just a restorative break.

• Best for: Luxury seekers, special occasions, groups wanting amenities
• Top perk: A huge swimming pool, a hot tub, and a Himalayan salt wall
• Tip: Have dinner at The Willard, open seasonally from April through November

5. Marmalade Motel (Port Dufferin)

Quirky, colourful seaside comfort

Not everyone wants a resort! Enter the Marmalade Motel – a fully renovated roadside motel with personality to spare. Each room is bright and bold, with a balcony. There’s a hot tub onsite and a cozy backyard area to lounge in or walk down to the water.

The Marmalade Motel feels like a happy middle ground: affordable, quirky, and right on the ocean. It’s the kind of place that gives you local flavour and easy access to beaches and small-town charm.

For LGBTQ travel, motels can be hit or miss, but renovated places with strong branding and good reviews are often safe bets. The Marmalade felt energetic and creative, which tends to attract a friendly, open-minded crowd.

• Best for: Budget-minded travelers, solo explorers, creative types
• Top perk: Bold design + ocean access at a lower cost
• Tip: The hot tub has reserved slots so book a time in advance

Local highlights near these stays

The Northumberland Shore and Eastern Shore are full of beaches and outdoor options, along with some indoor things to do as well. I spent a week driving around Nova Scotia while staying at the places listed here and these are some of my favourite stops along the way:

• Shubie River Wranglers (Tidal Bore Rafting and Mud Sliding)
• Fundy Tital Interpretive Centre (closes at 5pm)
• Frieze & Roy General Store (oldest in Canada)
• Masstown Market & Creamery (lighthouse museum)
• Fundy Discovery Site (watch the tides change)
• Creamery Square Heritage Centre (museum)
• Chowder House on Main & Appleton Chocolates (lunch & dessert)
• Seafoam Lavender Company & Gardens (photo ops & store)
• Museum of Industry (closes at 4:30pm)
• Cast Away Cafe (hot drinks & sandwiches)
• Old Court House Museum (historic building and contents)
• Sherbrooke Village museum (costumed interpreters)
• Sober Island Oyster Stout (tasty beer)
• Memory Lane Heritage Village (living history village)
• Martinique Beach Provincial Park (longest sandy beach in NS)

These activities pair well with a relaxed pace. If you want both quiet time and options for adventure, this region balances both.

Final thoughts on choosing where to stay

Unusual accommodations give texture to a trip. For LGBTQ travellers, they can also add comfort, privacy, or a sense of celebration. Whether you want a quiet dome to soak in a hot tub, the novelty of sleeping in a caboose, vineyard serenity in a yurt, full-service pampering at a resort, or the charm of a revamped seaside motel, Nova Scotia’s Northumberland and Eastern Shores have options that stand out.

If you’re part of the LGBTQ community and looking for to do a trip with personality, you might want to aim for one or two signature stays and mix in practical options for balance. That way you get the experience without burning out on logistics. No matter how you do it though I’m sure you’ll love this part of Nova Scotia. Happy travels and safe adventures on the coast!

This trip was done in collaboration with Tourism Nova Scotia and this article contains affiliate links.