We're (7 adults) thinking of visiting NS in August 2006 for two weeks and will need a big cottage. We'd like a nice place with all 'mod cons' -- none of us is into roughing it -- 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fairly large living/dining areas. I've looked at Cottage Connections and like those places but wondered if there are any other websites I should look at. We think we want to be on the ocean but where's the best swimming? We're used to the warmish ocean of North Carolina! Some of us like seclusion but others like to have places to go & things to do. Advice?

I just looked at vrbo and saw at least one that is what you are looking for. If you go to vrbo.com and click on Canada - then Nova Scotia. As an example look at the one at Port Joli - 4 bedrooms on a sandy beach. Listing no 39703 I am sure there are others but that one caught my eye. By the way I don't think you are going to find much in the way of warm water in Nova Scotia. Good luck!!!

thanks, traveller69 -- we used VRBO with good results on a recent trip to Italy but I hadn't thought of it for this. Thanks for reminding me. Do you know the maritime provinces well? It doesn't have to be Nova Scotia. If you were us, where would you look?

Have you considered PEI? If its sandy beach and nice swimming, I think that may be your best bet. PEI is reputed to have the warmest water north of Virginia. I'm going this summer, so I can't offer any recommendations yet, but I found lots of house rentals at this website:http://www.peisland.com/

Thanks, China Cat, I'll look up that website. I hope you'll write a trip report when you get back.

You might also try looking at cottagesincanada.com I"ve rented, hqappily, a couple of houses I found on this site.

Thanks for all these excellent suggestions!