Perched on Digby Neck, The Gardener's Cottage offers a serene retreat with stunning ocean views of St Mary's Bay. Imagine sipping pre-dinner drinks on the extensive deck, or exploring nearby Kejimkujik National Park for canoeing and hiking trails. With ultra-fast fibre internet and comfortable bedrooms, this home is perfect for relaxation.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 693 sq m
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor Space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Home from Home - Cosy Cottage in Whale Watching Country
Located on Digby Neck, The Gardener's Cottage sits in the tranquil village of Little River between Digby and Long/Briar Islands. Our home enjoys an elevated position with views of the ocean at St Mary's Bay to the South/East. This turn of the century home has been fully renovated and includes a large oak dining Kitchen, spacious Living area, contemporary Bathroom, generous Master Bedroom with bed, 2nd bedroom (twin beds) and an extensive Deck with stunning views over open country and St Mary's Bay. Imagine relaxing on your deck enjoying pre-dinner drinks and taking in the scenery - Truly Wonderful!! New for 2022 is unlimited, ultra-fast fibre internet allowing you to stay connected at all times. We're easy to get to; Halifax International Airport is only 168 miles away and the Bay Ferry terminal in Digby is less than a 30 minute drive. All towels and linens are provided and our Cottage is equipped with everything you need to make your holiday memorable and enjoyable.
Please note that The Cottage has two bedrooms upstairs. The master bedroom has a super comfy queen size bed, there are twin beds in the second bedroom. We have two, superb quality, air mattresses to accommodate additional guests if required. Whale Watching: Digby Neck is arguably the Whale Watching Capital of the World and guests to The Gardener's Cottage are spoilt for choice when it comes to Whale watching operators. The exciting Ocean Exploration Zodiac Whale Cruises, www.oceanexplorations.ca, describe themselves as 'Nova Scotia's most exciting and popular whale/sea bird cruises!' As repeat customers of Ocean Explorations we can vouch for their excellence, the Zodiac ride on it's own is a worthwhile experience! Tom Goodwin, the Tour Director, is a Marine Biologist and his knowledge and experience further will certainly enhance the enjoyment of your Whale Watching adventure There are, of course, other operators who depart from within a few miles of The Gardener's Cottage and,whilst the boat ride may not be as 'fast and furious, the sheer magnificence of these wonderful marine mammals is not diminished.
The Town of Digby: Digby is 20 miles or so from The Gardener's Cottage and is situated on the picturesque shores of The Annapolis Basin. The town, which has a population of 2,311, has a wonderfully quaint atmosphere, the residents are extremely friendly and welcoming and we’re sure you will enjoy visiting the restaurants, cafes and shops. The Harbour is home to a working fishing fleet and Digby is famous, rightly so, for the delicious scallops harvested from the clean and clear local waters. Visitors to The Gardener's Cottage should make it a priority to try some Digby Scallops in one of the many local restaurants - they are world famous for a reason! In 1997 Canadian Living Magazine asked readers to nominate their home towns as the 'Best In Canada'. After reviewing all nominations the magazine announced Digby as the most romantic place in Canada! We'll leave you to make up your own mind about that, but one thing's for sure, you'll enjoy a relaxing, energising break at The Gardener's Cottage.
Kejimkujik National Park: Kejimkujik National Park is the only inland park in Canada. Situated in the Maritimes this park is easily accessible to visitors of The Gardener's Cottage. Kejimkujik (or Keji for short!) features abundant lakes and rivers ideal for canoeing. The lush woodlands and rolling landscape are home to a variety of wildlife and visitors may enjoy historic canoe routes including portages as well as many beautiful hiking trails. Parks Canada say that Kejimkujik provides the best canoeing country in Nova Scotia. You don't have to be an experienced canoe handler to enjoy the quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers as guided canoe outings are given throughout the summer by park interpreters. This is also an ideal place for first time canoers or children to learn how to pilot these vessels. Cyclists may use their own bikes or rent one and then enjoy the 5 multi purpose trails in the park. For those that prefer the security of their own two feet, Keji offers a trail for everyone.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Car required
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
1 accessible parking space
Handrails in stairways
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Stair-free path to entrance
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
Near a hospital
Near the sea
On a lake
Things to do
Optional golf privileges
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number STR2526D4054
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located in Little River, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. Boar's Head Lighthouse and Church Point Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Tiddville Nature Reserve and Lake Midway Provincial Park. Sailing and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and mountain biking nearby. Visit our Little River travel guide
Is Home from Home - Cosy Cottage in Whale Watching Country pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Home from Home - Cosy Cottage in Whale Watching Country?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Home from Home - Cosy Cottage in Whale Watching Country?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Home from Home - Cosy Cottage in Whale Watching Country located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Tiddville Nature Reserve and within 6 mi (10 km) of Sandy Cove Beach and Boar's Head Lighthouse. Islands Museum and Tourist Bureau and Lake Midway Provincial Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).
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Home from Home - Cosy Cottage in Whale Watching Country Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Although everything necessary worked well enough the property needs some upkeep - bandaids and tape were used for repairs and the windows didnt operate as they should. We enjoyed exploring the area and the location was convenient,
sally m.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
H. D.
22 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Cozy, but needs help
Property was clean & cozy. Unfortunately, most of the windows did not open (1 was taped shut) & grew warm during the day, outlet was taped to wall, & lacked communication with management. Google maps location was incorrect & had to seek help from neighbor to where cottage was; owner said they sent email 2 weeks prior with instructions to contact local mgr to get key. Called & left voicemails with local manager about windows & after no response, emailed owner (in England per local mgmt). Was told windows were expected to be replaced & local mgmt indicated other items were supposed to be fixed when workers were available. Local manager (woman) finally came "stoming" in about 8pm the night of the voicemails stating she couldn't call me back because she kept getting notice that she couldn't make overseas calls, which made me wonder if she couldn't call me back how could she help me find the cottage the day I went looking for it. Grass needs cut & local mgr said she couldn't because owner broke her mower & it was in for repairs. Communication needed help & both owner & mgr could have been more gracious. I would stay here again when things have been improved.
This cottage had everything we needed to make our stay perfect! Loved the deck, the well-equipped kitchen, internet access, roomy comfort! Host was terrific and even made us a pie!
We had a fantastic stay, especially the support from Diane where to find what was terrific, great tips friendly, simply incomparable. The owner had a good hand for good staff on site. We were completely satisfied with the cleanliness and everything, there is nothing to complain about! We would be happy to stay again, we can only recommend it!!!
It's a great place to stay while exploring the Digby area as well as Long Island and Brier Island. The house itself was larger than expected, which is always a pleasant surprise.
A good place for a change of pace. Diane makes a great apple pie.
Chantelle T.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Yoshi T.
7 July 2018
We enjoyed our stay at the cottage
The place is clean and had everything we needed. Very quite and great view from the house. Diane brought as a welcome pie which was great! She was very helpful.
The cottage was close to all popular attractions. We would definitely return as it was very affordable, and the house had everything we needed.
We also enjoyed the homemade pies upon our arrival.
The only thing we were missing was a fire pit.
We stayed four days as a base for whale watching at Brier Island. The property is clean, well kept and competitively priced. The exceptionally well equipped kitchen allows you to save a ton of money if you stop in Digby on your way in for groceries. Peter, the host, is easy to work with and Diane, the property manager, is beyond amazing and also bakes the best apple pie we have had in years.
Good loaction close to Whale watching and hiking trails.
We had a nice time at the Gardner's Cottage. Diane the property manager stopped by to welcome us. She provided us with lots of information on local attrations and things to do. Kodos to her for keeping the Cottage well maintained. Thank you.
Everything was exactly as advertised. Peter was very responsive and helpful. The place was very clean and Diane, the property manager was so lovely. We got in late and she left a fresh apple pie waiting for us. She offered us a very warm welcome and recommended some wonderful local spots, which we loved. We definitely plan to return. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful property with us!
Jennifer M.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Jeff T.
11 July 2025
Liked: Location
Location was amazing. Perfect area to take day trips. A few things need updating....Windows without screens. We taped some in the best we could to get breeezes at night as no A/C.BBQ did not have a propane tank.Toilet tank would not refill with water. Property manager got it repaired the following evening.
Jeff T.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Matthew H.
9 September 2013
Clean, spacious and comfortable with good views
The location is excellent for several rough walks, which we located by looking at Google satellite images, for the outstanding fresh fish in the local harbour, the excellent whale watching trips and the proximity to Brier Island, which is fantastic for coastal walks and local history. Joshua Slocum grew up on Brier Island and you can still see the workshop and smell the smells that eventually drove him out to sea on his epic voyages.
Very nice quiet area. On the go every day to see the sights. Sister in law and granddaughter spent 5 days wit us. Fortunate to see plenty of whales xe. On our last day we lost power but we got by ok. Things like that happen. Diane was a good host and we were thankful for the pies. Very warm and fans would have really helped.
Merrill L.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Caroline W.
17 August 2011
Wonderful and Relaxing
Spent a week at this cottage in Little River on Digby Neck - the cottage is great - great living room and kitchen (eat-in) with everything you need to cook your own meals. Went down to the dock in Little River and got fresh Haddock to cook. The LR has great windows and a great outlook. A quick walk out back to a lane and trail to a hilltop outlook down to Little River (St. Mary's Bay view) and a trail leading to the Fundy Bay Beach (although don't go after a rain - the trail can also be a river!). Great little store with everything you need and easy travel to the ferries to Long Island and Brier Island for Whale Watching and more hiking. Had several rainy days in the cottage, reading and watching some TV.
Caroline W.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Peter S.
6 June 2019
Super Cottage
After an interesting and scenic drive down Digby Neck we arrived at this Cottage which stands on a small hill overlooking St Mary's Bay to the south. The Cottage was spotless when we arrived and a freshly baked pie was waiting for us!!
During our stay we found the Cottage very comfortable (especially the beds) and the Cottage was very well equipped with everything we needed even things we don't have at home and we found the locals very friendly and eager to help and answer our questions.
Diane who is the house keeper met us on arrival and was very knowledgeable and a mine of information about the local area.
The deck area at the back of The Cottage is new and we enjoyed sitting here watching the wildlife and the world go by - very relaxing. The Cottage is well placed for day trips out to see some of what this picturesque part of Canada is all about and we really enjoyed our stay.
Peter S.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
MICHELLE LAVIGNE L.
16 August 2016
July 2016
We had a wonderful stay at the Gardener's Cottage. Diane was there to greet us and answered any questions that we had. She also stopped by a few times during our stay to see how we were getting along. She gave us many suggestions on what to do and where to eat,
We did day tours to Digby, Annapolis Royal to the historical gardens, St. Mary's Bay and Yarmouth. We also took the ferries to Long Island and Brier Island, fabulous time. We spent the day at Sandy Cove beach which his 5 minutes from the house. The whale watching was the highlight, we used Petite Passage whale watching tours, say so many whales and got amazing pictures.
We ate at many restaurants, the seafood was delicious, the Digby scallops, the clams and the chowder were to die for. Again this was a great base for days trips, so much to see. Diane, thanks so much for your hospitality and the wonderful pies, cherry cheesecake and a coconut pie.
MICHELLE LAVIGNE L.
Stayed 18 nights in Jul 2016
Verified
8/10 Good
Allan and Flo V.
5 August 2018
Well maintained house on the Digby neck
A lovely, comfortable house with everything you could want for a peaceful, restful stay on the Digby Neck. We explored many roads on the neck as well as Long and Brier Island going to the farthest tip of Brier Island (Whipple Point). Took Peter's recommendation and used Ocean Explorations on Long Island and saw 7 humpback whales (one was a playful comical baby just goofing around and annoying its mother), Atlantic White Sided Dolphins, seals, puffins and a deer on the shore as we returned to the harbour. The zodiac ride in a "medium blow" as Captain Tom called it was quite a ride! The TV had died but Diane and Peter leaped into action and a replacement was put in place very quickly. Attended the Dibgy LobsterBash and saw the winner of the largest lobster contest .... 19lb3oz!!
Good memories ... loved it.
Allan and Flo V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Janet H.
18 July 2017
Tranquility with homemade pie
This is a lovely cottage in a great location to allow for access to Digby, Long Island, Brier Island, Annapolis Royal, the Acadian Shore, Yarmouth and other points on the Southern Shore of Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley. Fresh seafood abounds nearby, easy access to highways, hiking, balance rock formation, Lake Medway park, whale watching and all within a tranquil surrounding. Then, there is fabulous Diane - what a gem. She makes you feel right at home and greets everyone with an enormous awesome pie - the apple and blueberry are favorites. But she makes many others and offers great advice about local attractions. The Little River Trading Co is a well kept store with everything from meat to small hardward. A real general merchandise store. Sandy Cove beach is not to be missed and everyone is so friendly and helpful. The cottage offers great views with nice breezes. Diane is the hub that truly makes this a great place to stay. The kitchen is well stocked and the table beckons for coffee and "pie". What a great spot for a short visit or for a long retreat.