Eco-accommodations along the Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley

Experience the tranquility of this wellness and educational nature retreat on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. As travel writer Jay Kana describes it, “a magical slice of serenity.” Guests can stay in cozy accommodations, from charming boathouses to glamping tents, while exploring the natural beauty of five private islands and coastal landscapes. The retreat offers workshops on herbal medicine, wellness, and holistic practices. With a wood-fired sauna overlooking the ocean, this unique getaway is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. 

Eco-Practices:  

• Outdoor Shower
• Outhouse for bathroom needs (no indoor plumbing) 
• Solar-powered cabin 
• Kayak and canoe rentals  
• Two-floor cabin made entirely of wood  

With a variety of custom-designed, low-impact, and eco-friendly cabins, chalets, domes, safari tents, and campsites, all of Porters Peak’s accommodations offer an immersive connection to nature, inviting you to unwind and escape the everyday. In addition to its serene setting, Porters Peak provides a range of amenities and activities to enhance your stay, including a Communal Games Area, paddleboarding adventures, thrilling ATV tours, and more. 

Eco-Practices: 

• Off-grid cabins and chalets
• Paddleboard rentals
• Locally sourced coffee and tea blends 
• Solar string lighting 
• Solar-powered amenities in the domes 
• Personal porta-potties outside the domes 

*Only for larger groups   

Stay at the Deanery Project, a unique environmental and arts learning center that offers immersive programs focused on energy, climate, forests, health, active transportation, and rural living. Rooted in community building, the Deanery invites you to connect with nature and creativity in meaningful ways. Accommodations include The Bunkies, located within the Main Hall, featuring three cozy, dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds that can sleep up to eighteen guests. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, tenting sites are also available, allowing you to fully embrace the natural surroundings. 

Eco-Practices:  

• Use of non-carbon-based energy sources  
• Solar roof panels  
• Solar wood-drying kiln  
• Sustainable, environmentally responsible building materials  
• Low environmental impact design and construction with high energy efficiency  
• Low carbon footprint in the transportation and disposal of building materials  

Just 40 minutes from Downtown Halifax lies Nalu Retreat, featuring three luxury eco-glamping homes. These distinctive, four-season geodesic domes, perched on the edge of a cliff, offer an extraordinary and unforgettable glamping experience. Guests can immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts and amenities of a boutique hotel. 

Eco-Practices:  

• Solar-operated outdoor showers   
• Solar-powered ceiling fans for optimal circulation  
• Wood-burning fireplaces  
• Energy-efficient appliances and lighting  
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures  
• Use of sustainable and recyclable materials in construction  
• Environmentally conscious waste management practices  
• All-inclusive packages and spa offerings featuring farm-to-table meal options  

Just 30 minutes from Halifax Airport and 45 minutes from downtown Halifax, this unique and magical destination offers the perfect retreat to relax in style while enjoying the beauty of Canadian nature. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including Geodesic Domes, a Farmhouse, and the FolwEdge A-Frame, each featuring its distinctive offerings and charm. Dalene and Pete Heck of Hecktic Travels had a wonderful experience at FlowEdge, noting: “We’ve stayed in domes before, but never quite with this level of luxury! A wood-fired hot tub, silky soft sheets, heated floors in the bathroom—we could go on and on. The getaway is Indigenous-owned and has several kilometres of trails right on the property. All we needed was to bring our cat, Rafa; we might never have left.” 

Eco-Practices:  

• Wood-fired hot tub  
• Charging stations for electric vehicles  

Experience the charm of Moose River Cottage or stay at the scenic campgrounds of Lindsay Lake Farms, where nature, adventure, and inspiration await you. Hosted by the Teerling Family, this working farm near Halifax lets you fully experience farm life. Relax by a private lake, observe the majestic bison herd, and participate in workshops that spark creativity. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or connection with like-minded guests, this place promises a unique experience. This farm is a source of inspiration, so get ready to leave feeling recharged and with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.   

Eco-Practices:  

• Low-impact land management   
• Protection of wildlife habitats  
• Farm-to-table dining   

This charming 8-room modern BoHo motel, nestled along the picturesque Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, is far from your typical motel experience. Each room is uniquely designed, offering a private balcony that showcases beautiful ocean views. Just a short 90-minute drive from Halifax, the Marmalade Motel is the ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat to rest and relax.  

Eco-Practices:  

• Refillable amenities (soaps and shampoo)  
• Glasses and ceramic mugs instead of disposable cups  
• On-demand propane hot water heater 
• Phosphate-free laundry soaps    

Overlooking Fisher Lake on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, this chalet-style cabin is a labour of love, designed and hand-built by its owners. It provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting you to embrace the freedom of having nowhere else to be. Treat yourself to the joys of nature and savour life’s simple pleasures in this serene and private retreat. 

Eco-Practices:  

• Indoor wood stove  
• Well water conservation practices and suggestions   
• Propane barbecue for cooking