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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. - Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area (Indian Harbour)
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. - Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area (Indian Harbour)
A room with a large window overlooking a sunset over the ocean. - Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area (Indian Harbour)
Two red Adirondack chairs facing a rocky shoreline with a view of the ocean and a clear sky. - Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area (Indian Harbour)
A cozy room with a large window, a wooden coffee table, two sofas, and a decorative ceiling light. - Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area (Indian Harbour)
Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area provides amenities like a firepit and a garden. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

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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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About the neighborhood

Located in Indian Harbour, this vacation home is in the city center 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 ecotours and hiking/biking trails. Visit our Indian Harbour travel guide
View more Vacation Homes in Indian Harbour
Map
Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia

What's nearby

  • A person standing on a large rock formation with sparse vegetation.
    West Dover Provincial Park
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • A coastal landscape with a lighthouse, rocky terrain, and a road leading to the sea.
    Peggy's Point Lighthouse
    4 min drive - 5.0 km
  • A docked sailboat with people on it, a pier, and a building in the background.
    Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
    44 min drive - 62.6 km
  • A river with a bridge, surrounded by trees and buildings.
    Dartmouth Crossing
    50 min drive - 70.5 km
  • Swissair Flight 111 Memorial
    11 min walk - 1.0 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 50 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Onsite 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?

Check-out 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 vacation 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 mi (3 km).

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Reviews

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

9.8

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities
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

Reviews

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
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

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

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
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
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
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

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

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
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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nothing fancy..but youre not here for that. The look, feel and views are as represented in photos. If weather allows, open the bedroom window at night and fall asleep to waves breaking on granite waterfront. Find the right trails to hike the rocks and grottos down on pollys cove where there is an actual bit of sand to enter cold water if you dare. The rock strewn fir/juniper preservation area is a view i wont forget. Halifax for Citadel tour and lunch at The Black sheep was an easy 10:30-3 excursion..we were back by 4pm). Rhubarb restrnt was good.Shaws is a deep fried joint...ok if youre not looking for more.Lunenberg was a bit of a tourist trap.Difficult to park (in late July) and not too many surprises gallery to gallery.Road contruction in Mahone bay kept us from stopping to get a closer look.The owners to do list is easy to consider...but its his not yours so dont sweat the maintenance required and just enjoy the panoramic views.Dont expect to see whales or frankly much wildlife of any kind....its a place to hike, read and chill.Narrow shoulders and winding roads discourage walking and biking though possible.Owner host was attentive and available but we didnt require a visit.We were very happy with our visit to Indian Harbor.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025