For my most recent update of the Moon Atlantic Canada guidebook (publication in 2024) it was great to see a new wave of lodgings in the region, especially in Nova Scotia. As recently as a decade ago, choices were limited to familiar city hotels, roadside motels, bed and breakfasts, and older resort-style lodges, but this has changed for the better.
Here are a few I came across on my most recent research trip:
Moxy Halifax: On the north side of downtown Halifax, the Moxy is part of a worldwide Marriott brand that offers a social hotel experience for younger travelers. Check in is at the bar (where you get a free drink with your room key), the rooms are sleek and practical, and amenities include a library, games room, fitness room, and lounge/restaurant.
Tru by Hilton Yarmouth: On the south end of the South Shore, Yarmouth is not renowned for its lodging, but this brand new mid-range hotel represents a Hilton brand known for its vibrant, mid-century modern
Tru by Hilton Yarmouth
vibe. It features compact, well-designed rooms that have the latest in-room entertainment and practical bathrooms while the lobby invites hanging out and rates include a hot breakfast with healthy options.
Breeze Motel: On the Fundy Coast near Grand Pre, an old waterfront motel was transformed in 2023 into something that looks like it should be featured in a glossy interior design magazine, with a distinctive Coastal look that includes comfortable beds, luxurious bathrooms, and attention to detail throughout. Outside, picnic tables, a firepit, and beachfront chairs encourage guests to soak up the surrounding beauty. You can follow the owners’ renovation and motel operation journey on Instagram.
Yurts in the Vineyard: At the far northern end of the Eastern Shore north of Halifax is the small village of Guysborough. Here you’ll find upscale glamping tents outfitted with a comfortable bed and a deck with wood-fired hot tub. Each has its own unique outlook, including one on a private peninsula with sweeping ocean views. Guests can wander through the vineyard, tour the onsite distillery, bike, and kayak, then cook up a seafood feast on the barbeques
Lakeside Luxury Domes: Overlooking the southern reaches of Bras d’Or Lakes, away from the touristy area near Baddeck, you’ll find geodesic domes, some with an absolute beachfront setting. Each dome has a large window facing the water, a separate bedroom, kitchenette, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, and a patio with a hot tub and barbeque. Guests can rent kayaks and paddleboards.
The Lodge at Cabot Links: It’s all about the golfing at Cabot Links on Cape Breton Island, but the onsite accommodations are also world-class. The lodge was built a few years ago, but has really come into its own post-pandemic. Marketed as Cabot Cape Breton, the resort is renowned by golfers the world over for its two courses that are both regularly included on lists of the world’s top 50 courses. Overlooking the original course is the resort’s stunning centerpiece, The Lodge at Cabot Links, which features modern hotel-style rooms in five configurations, as well as chalets, a restaurant and lounge.