I didn’t appreciate the treat I was in for when I booked a one night stay in the lightkeeper’s cottage – a stone’s throw away from the Cape D’or Lighthouse near Advocate Harbour in Nova Scotia.
I’d left accommodation arrangements until the last minute – but sometimes the planets align and everything falls into place. This was one of those times.
Cape d’Or Lighthouse location
The Cape d’Or Lighthouse is about 6 km away from Advocate Harbour, a small community near Cape Chignecto, accessible via a well signed gravel road. From Halifax it’s a 2.5 – 3 hour drive.
Once you arrive at the parking lot it’s a hike down on a steep, boulder strewn hill to get to the lighthouse. Should you be unable to hike up or down the hill, Darcy the owner, will drive up and get you. At the end of your meal – should you eat there – the hike back up is a great way to burn off some calories.
Many people come just to see the lighthouse and the surrounding landscape. Others come for lunch or dinner and some like me come for a night or two.
The restaurant has been included for years in the book Where to Eat in Canada – and would have been again this year except that Darcy didn’t even think he’d be open so he asked to have his listing removed.
Dining at the Cape d’Or Lighthouse
On the night I was there for dinner there were just two other tables filled – but it was mid-week. My meal was superb from start to finish – and for $30 a bargain considering it included three courses – all of which were outstanding.
The view from the table is amazing and would make a great place to watch a storm; I settled for watching the tide roll in.
After dinner I had a bit of time to check out the scenery before the light faded. Ideally I would want to spend a whole day in the area exploring the cave and walking the beach.
The Lightkeeper’s Cottage
The accommodation in the lightkeeper’s cottage is simple but clean. It would be the ideal place to go to as a family as there are three bedrooms, a small kitchen and a living room. I shared it with one other couple but I had my own bathroom.
Darcy had contemplated closing a few years ago. He’s been running the place for a while and is contemplating a change – so go now – because this isn’t the sort of place you want to miss if you’re visiting Nova Scotia.
2023 update: The place is very much a going concern.
Visit the Cape d’Or Lighthouse website for more information and to book.
Rooms are $155 per night plus taxes (2024 prices) – with four rooms in total. It is possible to rent the whole cottage at a savings. Bring cash as plastic isn’t accepted. They are open from June until November.
Further reading on things to do in Nova Scotia
- Lobster and Beaches in Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia
- A 3 Day Hike on the Coastal Trail in Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
- Brier Island, Nova Scotia Guide
- Best Things to Do in and Near Shelburne, Nova Scotia
- One of Nova Scotia’s Great Day Hikes: The Hike to Cape Split
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