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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 white cottage with a grey roof, a yellow door, and a small porch. A large rock with a sign reading "Welcome" is in front.
180 degree views of St. Margaret's Bay/Atlantic Ocean
A white house with a yellow door, a chimney, and a small porch.
Two red Adirondack chairs facing a rocky shoreline with a view of the ocean and a clear sky.
A window with a view of a rocky coastline and the sea during sunset.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • 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

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View in a 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

Rooms & beds

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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Ocean front cottage, relax and enjoy the sunset over St. Margaret's Bay!

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 cycling 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

  • ‪The Finer Diner - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Shaw's Landing - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sou'Wester Gift & Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Whale's Back - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Espresso On Deck Coffee Shop - ‬3 min drive

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. 114 out of 128 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 128 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 128 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 128 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 128 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

10/10 Excellent

Donna B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Ellen C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Zhenyuan

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

10/10 Excellent

Andreas W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location

Cozy cottage with wonderful views.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Craig M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Julie P.

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

10/10 Excellent

Don M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Hayley T.

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

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Darrylin S.

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul C.

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
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

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 Apr, 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

10/10 Excellent

Karen M. R.

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

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

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

10/10 Excellent

James P.

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

10/10 Excellent

Dineen Z.

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen E.

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

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth B.

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 Sept, 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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Marcia V.

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

8/10 Good

matthew g.

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Nancy M.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jul, 2023
Thank you Nancy. Glad you enjoyed the views and scenery. Also want to thank you for your comments though there are a few I'd like to clarify. Whalesback is a 100+ year old cape cod with eclectic decorations and charm offering an authentic local village experience. The cottage has undergone many improvements over the past couple years and the current state is much better than the photos show. Most guests are actually surprised by how nice it is when they arrive. The kitchen features a brand new fridge and other appliances all function perfectly. There is a brand new Weber BBQ. The master bedroom features Casper Mattress with luxury linens and a live edge wooden bed. There are indeed toilet tissue holders in each bathroom, along with new toilets, handheld shower and towel warmer. Though there isn't a ceiling fan, there are two brand new heat pumps that can be set to your desired comfort (heat/cool/dehumidify), just need to close the windows (per the provided guide). I would have been more than happy to answer any questions or concerns during your stay to make the most of your visit. Thank you again for the constructive critique, and hope you have a great rest of your travels.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second time at Whalesback! It is a peaceful place to recharge. Looking forward to when we can come back again!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2026

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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