East Coast Elegance: The Best Luxury Resorts in Nova Scotia

Photo courtesy Keltic Lodge at the Highlands  

Canada’s East Coast is fast becoming one of the world’s must-visit travel destinations. It’s also making a name for itself in the luxury travel sector, too. Contributor Gina Baksa shares our list of the top luxury resorts in Nova Scotia.

Updated Feb 25, 202s / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate partner links

Nova Scotia is rightly considered the jewel of Eastern Canada with its 13,000 km of pristine coastline, tranquil lakes, magic forests, hidden coves, and delightful seaside towns. And let’s not forget the buzzing metropolis of its capital city, Halifax.

A paradise for nature lovers, hikers and watersports fans, the region is also home to many distilleries and vineyards, with many towns hosting their own farmer’s markets. The seafood here is out of this world: lobsters and oysters feature highly on many Nova Scotia luxury resort menus. Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges, rustic country cottages and log cabins to holiday villas, many of which feature world-class golf courses.

To help, here are some of our favourite luxury resorts in Nova Scotia.

The Top Luxury Resorts in Nova Scotia

Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, Cape Breton Island

Are you looking for a peaceful Nova Scotia vacation, in a sublime forest and lakes location? Then make a reservation at The Keltic Lodge at Cape Breton.

Strategically located on Middle Head Peninsula, this historic hotel offers guests a variety of luxury accommodation, including rooms and suites in the Main House and the Courtyard Suites, alongside rustic oceanside cottages, all beautifully appointed.

Enjoy sailing, hiking and, for the less active, abundant sunbathing. Keltic Lodge is close to the Cape Breton Highlands Links golf course so while the boys test the links, head to the Keltic Spa on the shores of Ingonish Beach, for revitalising body and face treatments.

Fine cuisine is the order of the day at the Purple Thistle Room or at Stanley’s Grill at the golf course.

(*) Learn more about this exquisite Riley Recommended East Coast resort by reading our feature story, Keltic Lodge – Nova Scotia’s Magical Retreat.

Argyler Lodge & Restaurant, Glenwood

You can’t beat the stunning location of the Argyler Lodge & Restaurant with its gloriously relaxing position on the former fishing wharf at Lobster Bay. A truly exclusive Novia Scotia hotel, the Argyler offers million-dollar views from its dining room overlooking Camp Cove.

Savour the freshest catch of the day inside or enjoy your meal outside on the deck. Six individually furnished rooms – all with sea-faring names – offer guests the ultimate in luxury with fine linens, queen-sized beds and plump pillows. We love the Captain’s Quarters with its dreamy oceanfront vistas that makes the most of this Novia Scotia Inn’s fabulous location.

An idyllic wedding venue, the Argyler arranges kayak tours, Lobster Bay Tusket Island tours, and a mouth-watering Lobster Bay culinary experience.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Argyler Lodge

Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa, Digby  

Digby Pines Golf resort & Spa has been creating memorable vacations since 1929, and offers couples and families an unbeatable location overlooking Annapolis Basin.  Surrounded by fragrant pines and sweeping lawns that lead down to the lake, the main attractions here are the heritage 18-hole golf course and the Aveda concept salon and spa.

Treatments include plant-based facial and body therapies, designed to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy the outdoor heated pool, or take advantage of the many on-site biking and hiking trails, before dining at renowned Churchill’s Restaurant with its breakfast, lunch and supper menus.

The rooms, suites and cottages are gorgeous: reserve the signature suite with its own whirlpool, or an executive three-bed cottage with its own private deck.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa  

Fox Harb’r Golf Resort, Wallace

One of the top Novia Scotia resorts, Fox Harbr’ Golf Resort is blessed with a 10 km pristine private Northumberland shoreline alongside an 18-hole championship golf course and a shorter par 3 course.

If golf isn’t quite your thing then head to the spa with its indoor pool, hot tub and whirlpool for some pampering before dinner at the award-winning Cape Cliff Restaurant. The seasonally inspired menu here is curated by Executive ChefShane Robbilliard who insists on local provenance.

Fox Harb’r accommodations vary from spacious town homes with generous living and entertaining areas, a large master suite and two further bedrooms, to marina landing villas and golf rooms and suites. 

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details of one of the top luxury resorts in Nova Scotia, visit Fox Harb’r Resort

Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, western Shore

Imagine waking up to gorgeous coastal Atlantic views, invigorating sea air, and a fabulous marina your backdrop to luxury accommodation and amenities. Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre is a true luxury resort in Novia Scotia offering exquisite guestrooms, unique chalets and luxurious seaside villas.

Enjoy the nautical-themed décor, spacious balconies and patios, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Pets are also welcome in some of the rooms. Regional cuisine is the order of the day at in-house restaurant Oak & Oar where guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the patio or inside the spacious dining room. The views here are spectacular, whatever the season, and children under five eat for free.

If you can drag yourself away, join a Salty Dog Sea Tour and explore the Greater Mahone Bay area.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre

The Lakes at Ben Eoin Golf Club & Resort, Ben Oin

Dreamy sun-filled views across the Bras d’Or Lakes await guests staying at the Ben Eoin Golf Club and Resort in the heart of Novia Scotia.

Stay in the premium clubhouse suites or the spacious two-bed MacPherson House, a luxury home from home that will easily house two families or group of friends: ideal for golfers and skiers seeking a peaceful, luxury Bras d’ors Lake resort.

In addition to superb accommodation, the golf links here are a main draw, offering dramatic elevated views over Cape Breton Island and designed by architect Graham Cooke.

Cuisine at the resort is, as you’d expect, first class, so reserve a table at Founders restaurant. Helmed by executive chef Ron MacNeil, he cooks up a storm using the finest and freshest local provenance in this modern twist on an iconic steakhouse vibe.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit The Lakes at Ben Eoin Golf Club & Resort

White Point Beach Resort, Hunts Point

Guests are guaranteed a luxury Nova Scotia vacation at the elegant White Point Beach Resort. This historic lodge residence in the province’s south west was built in the 1920s and was originally a hunting and fishing lodge.

Fast forward ninety decades and the rustic log cabin vibe has been upgraded to include all modern conveniences in well-appointed guest rooms, and a selection of oceanfront, river or ocean view cottages and vacation homes. Snuggle up in front of a real log fire, toasting marshmallows with loved ones after a day’s hiking, golf, or exploration of neighbouring fishing towns, parks, trails and of course the beautiful local beach.

There’s a pool here and spa, as well as a dedicated games room with table tennis and billiards. Elliot’s dining room boasts spectacular ocean views and is the perfect backdrop to a pristine white-sand beach. Choose from locally sourced surf and turf options grilled to perfection the Nova Scotia way.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit White Point Beach Resort

Old Orchard Inn & Spa, Wolfville                       

Beautiful Annapolis Valley is home to the family-owned Old Orchard Inn & Spa – popular with wedding parties and conferences, and for romantic weekend getaways. Explore local wineries, hike and mountain bike along the wooded trails, go whale watching, horse ride, or kayak on the Bay of Funday – these are just a few activities awaiting lucky guests.

Alternatively, take time out and relax and refresh in the Orchard Inn’s spa with a divine hot stone or couple’s massage. With a selection of 100 rooms, there’s a choice to suit everyone, including drive-up units.

Renowned for its home-from home hospitality, cuisine at the Old Orchard Inn comprises land and sea options accompanied by award-winning Nova Scotia wines, with stunning views over Cape Blomidon.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Old Orchard Inn & Spa

Trout Point Lodge, East Kemptville

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious wilderness resort in Nova Scotia, we recommend booking a room, suite, or a cottage at the acclaimed Trout Point Lodge. Located in a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, this Nova Scotia luxury resort offers guests unrivalled eco adventure and culinary experiences in a haven of solitude where mobile phones are not necessary – there’s no signal!

Enjoy gentle meanders among historic trails at this tranquil 100-acre estate, or take a packed lunch and hop on a kayak, experience gentle forest bathing, wild swimming and of course the essential wood-fired hot tub. Gastronomes with appreciate the farm-to-table cuisine and local wines on offer, and there’s even a Tesla charging station for your vehicle.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Trout Point Lodge

Inverary Resort, Baddeck 

No list of the top luxury resorts in Nova Scotia luxury would be complete without the renowned Inverary Resort. Boasting an enviable lakeside location on Cape Breton island, stand out features include its 11 acres of pristine shoreline, which is fun to explore on foot. Better still, rent a Jet Ski and sail out into the wide blue yonder.

We love the resort’s intimate cottage suites. Imagine watching the sun set from your own private deck before enjoying dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant. The menu here is proudly Nova Scotian with lobster, oysters, and mussels alongside meatier offerings, and locally produced craft beers.

After a busy day exploring, we recommend downtime in the Inverary Resort spa with its adjoining gym, indoor pool, hot tub and dry sauna.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit  Inverary Resort 

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Contributor Gina Baksa is looking forward to her next Canadian vacation. Read more of her travel writing at https://ginabaksa.journoportfolio.com