Onsite parking is available at the property.

Whalesback Cottage, on the ocean with access to Peggys Cove Preservation Area Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026

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 50 lbs 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 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).

10/10 Excellent

Donald H.

Aug 29, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Andreas W.

Jun 30, 2025

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

Amazing location

Cozy cottage with wonderful views.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig M.

Jul 13, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Hayley T., Midland, Georgia

Oct 21, 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.

Aug 13, 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

Bill M.

Sep 5, 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

Darrylin S.

Sep 30, 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

Jun 11, 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

Apr 18, 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.

Sep 12, 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.

Aug 20, 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.

Jul 3, 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.

Sep 23, 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.

Jul 30, 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

Marcia V.

Aug 3, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth B., Hendersonville, NC USA

Sep 1, 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.

Oct 22, 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.

Jul 11, 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

Aug 23, 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

Julie P.

Aug 1, 2025

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

8/10 Good

matthew g.

Jul 28, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Peter C., Port Moody, BC

Oct 16, 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.

Oct 13, 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

Sep 27, 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.

Sep 19, 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

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