Cape D’Or Lighthouse – What a Stay Looks Like
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.
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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.
2025 update: The place is very much a going concern.
Visit the Cape d’Or Lighthouse website for more information and to book.
Rooms are $165 per night plus taxes (2025 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
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
I have this thing about lighthouses – though I’ve never stayed in one. Got Virginia Woolf to thank for that I think. You didn’t btw get the recipe for that delish looking rhubarb crumble, did you?
@Mette Unfortunately no recipe but just by looking at it maybe you can make a best guess.
This is one lighthouse I’d definitely want to stay in. Another great find, Leigh. A gem!
@Marica It makes me want to stay in more – partially because of their locations – usually desolate and anything by the sea is always nice for me.
Wow! What a great find! I love lighthouses.
@Billie I feel very lucky to have got a room and a meal.
Never stayed in a lighthouse, but I’d love to stay at Darcy’s. Everything looks and sounds so appealing. What a value and the food pics have my mouth watering.
@Cathy Prices in that part of Nova Scotia are very attractive for the tourist. I had another truly outstanding meal in a little town after my 3 day backpacking trip for all of $20.
Lightkeeper’s cottage seems like a nice place to stay without the hustle bustle of the city. Great place to relax.
@Salika I couldn’t agree more. I loved the relaxed vibe.
You know, staying at a lighthouse is an idea that I’ve long thought about. A farm stay also sounds sublime!
@Dana I had always wanted to stay in a lighthouse too so I feel like the stars aligned to make it possible.
That haddock looks superb – worth $30 by itself I would say. The food is extremely affordable and as you say it would be lovely watching a storm brew through the windows. It would be nice to settle in with a coffee and watch it all happen. I understand the need for a change, but I hope it stays open.
How cool!! I’d love to stay in a lighthouse!
@Jill I don’t think there are very many that you can stay in and the ones you can often book quickly.
It looks ideal from these beautiful scenes… and the food!
@Andrew It was ideal – nothing fancy room wise but so much character.
Every time I see a picture of Nova Scotia it makes me want to run (not walk) straight to the airport and get myself there. So very pretty!
@Amy I recently spent two weeks in Nova Scotia – chiefly along the coastline – and everywhere I went was glorious. Really. The Cape Chignecto area was new to me – and somewhat off the beaten path – which lends that desolate feel to the place. Joggins – A UNESCO world heritage site would be about an hour away.
We live in Windsor, Nova Scotia and there are so many beautiful places here and all around us, once you get out of the Halifax area. You also can’t beat the home prices in and around Windsor. A nice 120 year old victorian home is less than $200K.
Ah, the history and romance of a lighthouse combined with interesting areas to explore, comfortable lodging, and great food – it sounds perfect. I hope he stays open.
@Cindy It was definitely the perfect combo. I was the only person for breakfast – but he took the time to do a great presentation.
To date I’ve never stayed in a lighthouse but would love to! This part of Nova Scotia looks stunning. I think sitting out a storm there would be really interesting too!
@Debbie I would love to visit during a huge storm – as long as I was warm & safe inside.
beautiful place and coastline and the dinners look really inviting also!
I’m inviting you to come and link up with us for Travel Photo Mondays also for a photo carnival starting on Monday for the whole week!
@Noel Dinner was superb – a great Caesar salad to start too.
I would love t link when I have more time – perhaps in late September but having a hard time just trying to keep the blog going while I travel.
I’ve not stayed in a lighthouse before, but I definitely want to and this looks like the perfect location. Your stay sounds wonderful and relaxing.
@Tonya The only thing that would have made it better is my husband;s company and another night.
What a spot! Light houses always evoke feelings of isolation, and the power and beauty of nature, for me. Just finished reading a novel set in one! Such an amazing position.
@Lisa A few years ago we camped near an abandoned lighthouse out in Lake Superior – and again a desolate place with a fantastic view.
I so want to stay here! How neat to stay next to a lighthouse and quite a bargain too with the view and scenery. Looks like you had this beautiful place all to yourself, Leigh. The food looks delicious! This is one of those ideal places to really get away from it all.
@Mary I thought the price was right too and the food was tasty – and presented beautifully. I think your family would love it.
I’ve always wanted to stay at a lighthouse keeper’s cottage. This one looks like quite a find with prices that can’t be beat. I wasn’t expecting something as exotic as bokchoy on the menu.
@Michele It was quite something that Darcy is able to source all these great foods considering where he’s located. You don’t have much choice on the menu but sometimes that’s OK.
Oh I have always longed to stay at a lighthouse! It has a feel of a romantic past about it – although I know that life in the past for light house keepers was far from romantic. Many died from lead poisoning I believe.
After reading your post and seeing your wonderful pics I am going to have to check out what lighthouses we have here where people can stay.
Have a wonderful week, and thank you for stopping by my blog.
The rate for your stay at the lighthouse is much cheaper than the Raffles!
@Jill I would have to think there must be some lighthouses you could stay in – in Australia. And agreed about the rate. I also didn’t have to meet a dress code. Raffles would probably turn me away at the door.
The beach and the cliffs look so beautiful – would love to explore the area! Staying in a lighthouse is definitely a bucket list item for me – hopefully this one doesn’t close – it looks perfect for my family!
@Lisa The lighthouse would be the ideal place go a family t hang out for a couple of days. I hope he doesn’t decide to close it in the fall.
What a fabulous looking (and tasting!) place this appears to be. I love the photos (what else is new, right?) and you’ve certainly tempted both the taste bud and travel bug with this one, Leigh.
@Jackie Although the cottage was simple I still felt like I’d won the lottery discovering the place.