Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

Q: 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.

Q: 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).

10/10 Excellent

Hayley T., Midland, Georgia

21 Oct 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

13 Aug 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Darrylin S.

30 Sept 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul C., Atlanta

11 Jun 2023

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

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tim M., Halifax, Nova Scotia

18 Apr 2017

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen M. R.

12 Sept 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

20 Aug 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

James P.

3 Jul 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Dineen Z.

23 Sept 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen E.

30 Jul 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth B., Hendersonville, NC USA

1 Sept 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Donald H.

22 Oct 2023

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

6/10 Okay

Nancy M.

11 Jul 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Zhenyuan

23 Aug 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

5 Sept 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Peter C., Port Moody, BC

16 Oct 2022

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

Magical place

We loved our time in this magical place listening to the waves crashing, walking along the rocks by the Atlantic, barbecuing oysters from the local lobster seller, hiking the many oceanside trails. The views from the bay windows provided orange sunsets, white tailed deer and other assorted wildlife. Tom and Donna are wonderfully kind and generous hosts. Highly recommended.

Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sean W.

13 Oct 2022

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

Calm after the storm

My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful, but shorter stay than planned due to Fiona. The location is perfect, and the house is very clean, and so charming. We will definitely return.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael and Susan C., Springfield, NH USA

27 Sept 2022

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

Whaleback

The cottage is on a stunning piece of property. The inside is quaint and beautifully decorated. We have no complaints other than hurricane Fiona shortened our stay!!!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather P.

19 Sept 2022

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

I started early, took my dog, And visited the sea

I started early, took my dog, And visited the sea The mermaids in the basement Came out to look at me (Emily Dickinson) Imagine spending time living in a rustic fishing village away from the tourists? With deer, monarch butterflies, turtles, hover bees, bald eagles all visiting. So many gorgeous places to hike close by; little beaches to swim at, quaint restaurants to visit. Home has all the comforts; large variety of cooking tools and pot for fresh lobster that can be purchased within walking distance. So many places to sit out with a drink or coffee in hand and just enjoy the most beautiful views of the sea crashing in. The hosts are lovely and unobtrusive. Thank you for sharing your blessing with us.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jay E.

19 Sept 2022

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

Truly Amazing

Nova Scotia is a magical place and this cottage is in the perfect location. Tom and Donna were wonderful hosts and provided many tips and places to go. The cottage was lovely and clean and had all we needed for the perfect get away. We are missing our morning coffee and evening wine on the two chairs overlooking the ocean...we are already talking about going back.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joel C.

3 Sept 2022

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

Fifth Visit

This incredible place has been a regular escape for us. We enjoy the cottage and the amazing coastal views and star filled night sky. The sunset is beautiful every night. It is always a relaxing stay.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

20 Aug 2022

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

Excellent Location

We thoroughly enjoyed staying here and would come again! The view is magnificent!

Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

michael b.

1 Aug 2022

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

Exceeded expectations!

We had an amazing stay at this beautiful cottage July 2022. I writing this, the first review I written, because this house, location, setting and host exceeded every expectation that we had. The beautiful pictures we looked on this listing did not capture how amazing this place is! We kept saying to each other "wow!" throughout our stay. The owners seem to have thought of everything. I love cooking so I always bring a bunch of cooking equipment with me. I didn't need it. The first night was chilly and foggy and we found the firepit stocked with some kindling and firewood. I forgot to bring binoculars. the house had a beautiful set laid out. The shower was great, the Wi-Fi was terrific. There was coffee for our first morning. I could go on and on. Well done!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dave M.

30 Jul 2022

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

Awesome

Beautiful location; excellent, well equipped cottage.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bruce R.

25 Jul 2022

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

A Perfect Place to Be!

This was our second visit to Whalesback Cottage. We're even considering a third. This time we were there early July. The first time was late October. Each has its advantages. Neither has any disadvantages. Anytime is the right time to stay at Whalesback Cottage. Right on the ocean, a view of the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, private, comfortable, an enchanting balance of old an new and hosts more than willing to share lots of stories with you if asked. And of course several fine dining choices within a few minutes drive. What more could you ask for!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

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

Reviews

Entire home

Popular amenities

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place