21 Best Hotels in South Shore and Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Swimming, paddling, hiking, and bedtime bonfires fill the agenda at this 375-acre wilderness resort 5 km (3 miles) north of Kejimkujik National Park. Accommodations include a water-view log lodge, chalets nestled in dense forest, or, for closer encounters with nature, in tipis by the shore of Lake Harry. Since the spot prides itself on being "barrier free," all are linked by a 2-km (1-mile) wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, and activities like kayaking are open to guests with physical challenges, too.

A large and spectacular log building houses this remarkable wilderness eco-resort, where guests can get away from it all without sacrificing luxury, excellent food, or top-notch amenities. The three-story lodge—think a log cabin on steroids—sits beside the wooded banks of a picturesque river on the fringe of a protected wilderness. Rooms balance rusticity and elegance, pairing handmade log and twig furnishings with luxe linens and Tiffany-style lamps. Canoeing, kayaking, guided fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching are among the activities, and after dark the resident astronomer guides guests through the glories of the night sky (it's within a dark-sky preserve) and assists with astro-photography via impressive telescopes on a tree-top platform. The cuisine is superlative: guests gush over the two on-site restaurants, and classes are available at the cooking school.

Resembling a traditional seaside hamlet, Oceanstone's cluster of buildings sits picturesquely on the shore of St. Margaret's Bay. The attractive interiors are accented with antique pine, barn board, and other salvaged materials. In addition to the lovely rooms in the main inn, private cottage rentals are available. Tranquillity is the draw here—guests watch buoys bob, comb the small beach, and stroll the woodland path on the 18-acre property. On-site restaurant Rhubarb is exceptional, with a large patio and serving wonderful brunches.

A few minutes' drive from the ferry terminal, this friendly inn has a variety of accommodations, all with a water view. There's a restaurant with the same panoramic view of the bay. A C$5 voucher per room is given toward the cost of breakfast.

Teak and mahogany furnishings, marble fireplaces, Victorian-style wallpaper, and a painted ceiling mural all add to the ambience at this 1887 sea captain's mansion. It's a family affair: the owners' sons are the chef and sommelier. Intimate meals are served in the dining room, where Atlantic salmon is a specialty. In warm weather, lunch and dinner can be taken on the terrace, and afterward, you can wander the beautiful 3-acre gardens. 

Atop a bluff at Nova Scotia's most westerly point, this three-building complex commands a panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy. Rooms are comfortable enough and most overlook the water, but you'll likely spend the bulk of your time outside. Whale- and bird-watching and hiking are the top activities; closer to home there are hens, goats, sheep, and some friendly dogs to delight children. Seafood is a specialty in the attractive restaurant.

Beautifully restored, this grand Victorian mansion sits on the ocean side of the Evangeline Trail and offers large and sunny rooms furnished with antiques. All have private bathrooms, some contain two double beds, and two rooms can be converted into a family suite. Many have sea views. Public areas are equally grand, including a double sitting room with cozy sofas, and a stately dining room where breakfasts are served around a single antique table. Outside, there's seating on the front, side porches, and an ocean-view deck.

A distinctive 1894 building with original features houses this appealing inn on the Evangeline Trail that offers a range of services and room styles. The largest accommodation, a third-floor suite popular with honeymooners, contains a large, jetted tub under a window—perfect for stargazing. The charming sitting room has a guest computer, DVDs, and games; outside are a porch with rocking chairs, a patio, and beautiful gardens. The owners live next door, making for more privacy than in many bed-and-breakfasts.

Built in 1784 and variously occupied by mariners, merchants, and the barrel maker (aka the cooper) for whom it is named, the inn is known for hospitality and comfortable and attractive guest rooms. The Harbour Suite, occupying the whole third floor and with a separate entrance, has two bedrooms, a full galley kitchen, large dining table, and a washer and dryer, making it ideal for families.

Complete with walking trails, lavish gardens, and Annapolis Basin views, this casually elegant 300-acre property offers myriad comforts. Lodgings are in a Norman chateau–style hotel or cottages nestled around the property, and all have either a queen- or king-size bed. Local seafood is served in the on-site restaurant, and the lounge is perfect for quiet relaxation. Adults will appreciate the full-service spa and 18-hole Stanley Thompson golf course. Kids, meanwhile, can hit the playground or try out old-school games like croquet and shuffleboard. The resort has a beautiful heated outdoor pool. 

In a pleasant shipbuilding village amid lovely countryside, this 1860 B&B is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Many of its cozy rooms are equipped with a two-person whirlpool tub, a propane fireplace, or both. After a sustaining two-course breakfast—think yogurt parfait with homemade granola, followed by Canadian bacon and free-range eggs—the owner can suggest worthwhile day trips in the area.

Within easy reach of both Pointe de l'Église and Yarmouth, this low-rise lodging along the Evangeline Trail has sea views and modern, good-size rooms. Some have Jacuzzi tubs, and some have fireplaces. One room is wheelchair-accessible, and the Captain's Suite has a double Jacuzzi and sitting area. There are hardwood floors throughout the inn, further enhanced by local antiques and art. In fine weather you can sit on an outside deck.

A very distinctive former mansion is at the heart of this property, and contains four bed-and-breakfast rooms, with additional motel-style rooms in two attached wings. The very friendly owner is obliging enough to stay open until ferry passengers from Maine have checked in, regardless of arrival time. A full breakfast is included for B&B guests and a continental breakfast is included for motel room guests (who can upgrade to the hot breakfast for C$10).

It's rare to find hotel-style amenities in small-town heritage properties, but this place has them, including a full-service spa. Guest rooms are fully equipped with flatscreen-TVs players, plush robes, and other conveniences. Pull-out couches in some rooms, plus a pair of two-story loft suites, make this property family-friendly. Back rooms on the fourth floor have postcard-worthy harbor views.

This luxurious lodging has rooms that are spacious and furnished with antiques. Both suites have a microwave and a refrigerator, and whirlpool tubs. The main-floor parlor, filled with books, adjoins the bright dining room, and a sunny veranda allows for outdoor lounging. 

Nautical touches abound in this heritage B&B at the top of one of Chester's main streets. Shipwrights constructed the building, and its inviting double-decker porch is hung with signal flags. The bright rooms (all with private bath) are named for islands in Mahone Bay, and most have a sea view. Each has country-style antiques and beds with pillow-top mattresses, Frette linens, and local quilts. The innkeeper trained at Cordon Bleu, so breakfasts are sublime.

Close to downtown, with a veranda overlooking Lunenburg Harbour, this circa-1906 sea captain's home is decorated in homey, country style. The large, airy rooms, all with original wood floors, are outfitted with pine furniture and lots of wicker and quilts, and one room has its own deck. There's a cozy sitting room, full of antiques and original art, with books, games, and the daily newspaper. Breakfast is served at separate tables in the sunny dining room, or out on the deck on warm mornings.

Built just above the high-water mark on the edge of the Summerville Beach Provincial Park, the accommodations here include quality villas, each with a furnished deck and propane fireplaces, and many with full kitchens. The modern Beach Loft apartments with private terraces range from studios to two-bedroom suites, and a smaller, more secluded cottage is also available as well as a range of other accommodation options. The lawns leading down to the beach invite lounging. The resort's grill is known for its seafood dishes.

A beautiful Victorian building that's rimmed with gardens may not be out of the ordinary in Annapolis Royal, but what really distinguishes this inn is the consistent quality of the guest rooms, all generously proportioned and handsomely decorated. It also defies the B&B stereotype by being very family-friendly, thanks to a pair of charming two-story suites in the carriage house behind. A complimentary three-course hot breakfast is served in the dining room.

Amid large gardens, this inn has an interesting history and many exceptional features, including the delightful conservatory, where delicious breakfasts are served. Tattingstone was once the home of the architect of Wolfville's imposing university building; his coach-house studio now contains guest rooms. Toad Hall, also separate from the main house, is a perfect choice for families with a pull-out couch in the downstairs living room. Rooms in the main building are elegant and comfortable.

An 8-foot stained-glass window imported from Britain more than a century ago sets the decorative mood at this elegant 1893 mansion. Richly carved Nova Scotian furniture and original Victorian finishes further enhance the atmosphere. Rooms are spacious, and those in the separate Carriage House have double whirlpool tubs and private entrances. The complimentary breakfast celebrates the bounty of the Annapolis Valley.