The best safari tent rentals in Nova Scotia

Almost entirely surrounded by water, Nova Scotia is central to Canada’s maritime region. Ocean inlets sneak tendrils into the province’s forested interior, while seafront restaurants dole out fresh fish, lighthouses beckon ships to shore, and beach bonfires dot the coast. The region shines in summer, when most Nova Scotia campgrounds open and gulf currents warm the Atlantic for swimming and boating. Autumn’s crisp temperatures and colorful foliage are perfect for hikes through the Cape Breton highlands or a drive on the Cabot Trail, and winter snow lays a smooth foundation for cross-country skiing.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is ideal for camping in summer and hiking year-round, with old-growth boreal forests, river canyons, and plenty of sandy beaches. Campers can also consider taking a road trip along the coast and across the highlands on the scenic Cabot Trail highway. Further south, the saltwater Bras d’Or Lake is a sailing and swimming hotspot.

Here, you can experience the world’s most dramatic ocean tides in Fundy National Park, comb the beaches of Five Islands Provincial Park, or canoe through Kejimkujik National Park. Catch a glimpse of humpback and right whales during their summer migration—then, venture inland for fresh local produce and wine tastings at Annapolis Valley vineyards.

Head to Larencetown and Martinque beaches outside Halifax for some of the best cold-water surfing on Canada’s east coast. Visit the region’s authentic fishing communities on the way, then take a boat out to the 100 Wild Islands archipelago, where you can hike and camp in secluded coves and boreal rainforests.

Plenty of warm-water beaches lie along the sheltered Northumberland Strait, as does a thriving local wine scene and Gaelic culture in Pictou, known as “the Birthplace of New Scotland." The region’s fishing industry also brings fresh lobster to area restaurants.

The South Shore of Nova Scotia offers opportunities to dive into maritime history at colorful Old Town Lunenburg (home of the Bluenose II schooner), snap a picture of the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, or get off the grid for a camping trip in one of the region’s wilderness areas—many of which feature thick canopied forests and white-sand beaches.

67% (11)

Top-rated campgrounds

Almost entirely surrounded by water, Nova Scotia is central to Canada’s maritime region. Ocean inlets sneak tendrils into the province’s forested interior, while seafront restaurants dole out fresh fish, lighthouses beckon ships to shore, and beach bonfires dot the coast. The region shines in summer, when most Nova Scotia campgrounds open and gulf currents warm the Atlantic for swimming and boating. Autumn’s crisp temperatures and colorful foliage are perfect for hikes through the Cape Breton highlands or a drive on the Cabot Trail, and winter snow lays a smooth foundation for cross-country skiing.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is ideal for camping in summer and hiking year-round, with old-growth boreal forests, river canyons, and plenty of sandy beaches. Campers can also consider taking a road trip along the coast and across the highlands on the scenic Cabot Trail highway. Further south, the saltwater Bras d’Or Lake is a sailing and swimming hotspot.

Here, you can experience the world’s most dramatic ocean tides in Fundy National Park, comb the beaches of Five Islands Provincial Park, or canoe through Kejimkujik National Park. Catch a glimpse of humpback and right whales during their summer migration—then, venture inland for fresh local produce and wine tastings at Annapolis Valley vineyards.

Head to Larencetown and Martinque beaches outside Halifax for some of the best cold-water surfing on Canada’s east coast. Visit the region’s authentic fishing communities on the way, then take a boat out to the 100 Wild Islands archipelago, where you can hike and camp in secluded coves and boreal rainforests.

Plenty of warm-water beaches lie along the sheltered Northumberland Strait, as does a thriving local wine scene and Gaelic culture in Pictou, known as “the Birthplace of New Scotland." The region’s fishing industry also brings fresh lobster to area restaurants.

The South Shore of Nova Scotia offers opportunities to dive into maritime history at colorful Old Town Lunenburg (home of the Bluenose II schooner), snap a picture of the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, or get off the grid for a camping trip in one of the region’s wilderness areas—many of which feature thick canopied forests and white-sand beaches.

67% (11)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Lobster Boat Inn

100%

(11)

3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Glen Road, NS

The Lobster Boat Inn is located on a hill in the woods in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It sits high and dry with no water in sight! You get the entire property to yourself. No barking dogs, loud music or annoying neighbours. No crowded RV or tent city here. Contact your host to adjust min. nights required. (standard 2 - 1 possible for a specific requested date.) Contact host David in advance. We provide visitors with a rustic, unique, "glamping" experience. The Boat is filled with lobster-themed items that will send you on an imaginary lobster pot-pulling adventure. Cook on the back deck as you drink in nature, then eat in an original ship's wheelhouse or outside at the picnic table by the fire pit. Our amenities also include: fishing rods, comfy beds, fresh drinking-water, refrigerator, 2 bathroom facilities, a hot outdoor shower, walking trails, microwave, and AC. The boat can sleep 5 guests, but a private raised glamping tent is provided for overflow if required. Off property you will find: auto race watching (at Riverside raceway), hiking, biking, ocean fishing, and shopping activities. Downtown Antigonish is but a ten minute drive. The famous Highland Games comes in July along with the Lobster Festival in New Glasgow. The Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition runs from Aug 27-31. Want to swim at St. FX University swimming pool? Day passes are sold at the university. Of course ocean swimming at one of the 19, nearby, beautiful area beaches is totally free for all, so get wet and splash in the sea! Sure, you can sit inside and watch one of our many DVD movies, but instead why not : explore nature, take a walk through the woods, talk to your wife, or friend, play with the kids, or throw a ball for your dog? If you want to relax, visit the golf course in town or just chill on the comfy deck. Do you want to ride, your bike on mountain trails, fish, visit a lighthouse or a petting farm? We have these close by too! Wide-open highways make for smooth, fast, travel to places like New Glasgow, Pictou, The Cabot Trail or the ferry to PEI. (now 1/2 price) All are within an hour's drive. At night, relax around the fire-pit after a long day of fun. Then have a sleep "extraordinaire” on board! (No waves to worry about with this boat!) NS Registration # STR 25/26 B7063

2. Lunenburg's Little Lake Campground

64 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Centre, NS

We are a small, family-owned business located just 5 minutes from the Town of Lunenburg. Our campground offers everything from full-service campsites to luxurious glamping domes, with all the essential facilities and amenities on-site. Gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment are just a few minutes away by car

3. Luxury Shanty near Keji Park N.S.

100%

(1)

1 site · Lodging · Digby, NS

8 Minutes From Kejimkujik (Keji) Park on the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia is Sharkbite Adventures; one Private Luxury Shanty high wall tent. Nestled on the waterfront of Lake Munroe is a private acreage filled with incredible dense bio diverse green space with spaces designed for the peace and privacy now near impossible to find in today's Provincial or Federal Campground. The Luxury Shanty is equipped with delicious drinking water, a large bed outfitted with linens layered to offer you the perfect nights sleep. You'll also have a space to store your clothes and bring-alongs, chairs, a pantry of tasty snacks to suit the surroundings and toiletries provided for everyday comfort. In your luxury highwall tent you'll also find a full size easel; just in case the artist in you is waiting to bust out :) paints and brushes are there for you to experiment and play. Quality cell service means you can dial in your data - and powered battery bank allows you to charge your cellphones and tablets so you can stay on grid at your own pace. You an also plug in the supplied kettle to make morning coffee a breeze. A treasure chest with compass and shark pendant are yours to take home compliments of Sharkbite Adventures. There is a very clean and maintained private toilet & foot-pump sink to wash up. The BBQ is always ready to fire up, and both fire rings are designed to aid in outdoor cooking. A "bug machine" keeps pests to a bare minimum ensuring your stay isn't hampered by the side of nature we prefer to avert so you can truly relax and enjoy your time among the ferns, woods and the lake. Your Luxury Shanty has exclusive lakefront enjoyment; lounge, share a bottle of wine as the blue water envelops your setting and the sun sets over your camp. Dishes, cookware, cutlery - it's all there. The tent site is exclusive, offering oversized private space away from any crowds. Spend the day at Keji Park, rent canoes or hike some of their beautiful trails and then take advantage of the peace and quiet of your private camping space just 8 minutes away. What do you need to bring? Just a cooler with your meal choices (and if you forget anything there are a few towns within a half hour. More photos added weekly (taken between bookings).

Stories from the community

View of the lake from the beautiful Adirondack chairs.

Maggie

June 2025

3 nights at Luxury Shanty near Keji Park N.S.

I was so fortunate to find this listing last minute as being near Keji was one of the reasons for our trip to NS. Patricia met us and showed us the site in person which was very helpful. It was way more luxurious than I expected! A foot pump sink to wash hands! Electric pump for 5 gal water jugs! A jackery type battery to charge things! The lake was right outside the door and there were sitting areas and fire pits as well as a grill. I wish we could have stayed longer as it was a bit rainy and we didn't have time to enjoy the lake. Everything was nicely organized and even in the 40s (fahrenheit) one night we had enough blankets. Would love to come back!