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

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.
Two red Adirondack chairs facing a rocky shoreline with a view of the ocean and a clear sky.
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.
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
Located at the waterfront, this vacation home features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, accommodating 4 guests. Enjoy ocean views from the deck and patio while engaging in nearby snorkeling and kayaking adventures. It is pet-friendly and offers games for entertainment, along with proximity to West Dover Provincial Park and DeGarthe Gallery.

Highlights

  • Firepit available

    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.

  • Walkable and wonderful

    Guests love the walkable location for its easy access on foot.

  • Discover nearby landmarks

    Near West Dover Provincial Park
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Dog-friendly
  • Balcony
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Internet

Explore the area

View 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

Where you'll sleep

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 20

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR2627A1381
Property # 580605vb
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Indian Harbour

Located in Indian Harbour, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Hooked Rug Museum of North America and Hubbards Amphitheatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Shining Waters Marina and Black Harbour Distillers Inc.. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and rock climbing.
View more Holiday homes in Indian HarbourOpens in a new window
Map
Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia

What's nearby

  • West Dover Provincial Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Swissair Flight 111 Memorial - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Peggy's Point Lighthouse - 4 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk - 44 min drive - 62.6 km
  • Dartmouth Crossing - 50 min drive - 70.5 km

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

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. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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

Check-in begins at 4:00 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 within a 15-minute walk of West Dover Provincial Park and Swissair Flight 111 Memorial. William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument and DeGarthe Gallery are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 120 out of 135 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 135 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 135 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 135 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 135 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was just beyond our expectations! Excellent location, calm and quiet, with spectacular ocean view! There was also a deer family around every day!Property has everything that you need and TJ is very helpful and very easy to reach.Hoping to come back again one day!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our 5 night stay in the cottage. The view alone is worth the price of admission. We spent most of our time sitting in front of the windows and just looking out at the ocean. The location was a good base from which to take day trips to Halifax, Lunenburg, and other destinations. Communications with the host were excellent; he provided helpful tips about local attractions and was very responsive to any questions.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very special QUIET Nova Scotia oceanside retreat. 3rd stay and have already booked #4 for next summer. Near the end of our peaceful retreat - a car drove in - a woman got out and excitedly introduced herself - from IOWA - as someone who had stayed in the cottage TEN years ago after losing her husband. It was such a healing experience that she just HAD to bring her new husband to share the space for a moment. YES - it is that kind of peaceful, reflective, healing place.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
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

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

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
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
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

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
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
It was great having the Mullen's stay and celebrate his wife's birthday, walking their dog along the shore and enjoying our great lobster . It was a real break from city life. Glad you enjoyed the visit and please come again, Best regards, Tom Maguire, Manager Whaleback Cottage
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

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
Response from VrboOwner on 1 September 2022
Thanks Ken, Glad your back home after a long drive I wish we had more time together during your visit I hope we meet again Best regards, The Maguires

About the host

Hosted by Thomas Maguire

Host profile image

Residents of Indian Harbour for over 25 years.

Why they chose this property

The nicest natural, rugged oceanfront property in a small fishing village in Nova Scotia. The sunsets alone are worth the visit.

What makes this property unique

The wild setting, just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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