About Harbour Retreat

Harbour Retreat creates authentic coastal experiences inspired by Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.

From our waterfront property overlooking the East Petpeswick harbour, we invite visitors to slow down, learn something new, and experience the region through creativity, local culture, food, nature, and community. Whether you’re staying at Tackle Box Cottage, learning to weave with reclaimed lobster rope, or discovering handcrafted pieces from Rope & Tide, every experience is designed to help you connect with the people, places, and traditions that make the Eastern Shore unique.

Meet Wendy Hanlan

Hello experience seekers!

I’m Wendy, founder of Harbour Retreat. As an adult educator and retreat designer, I wanted to build a place where visitors could engage in Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore in a more personal and hands-on way. Harbour Retreat brings together my passion for education, creativity, and community through experiences that are welcoming, authentic, and rooted in place

Experience Harbour Retreat

🏡 Solo Retreat Stays

Escape to Tackle Box Cottage, a tiny house nestled in the forest with water views. Designed for quiet solo retreats and time to reconnect with yourself and nature.

🪢 Learn to Weave

Discover the stories behind reclaimed lobster rope while creating your own handcrafted coastal piece. Beginner-friendly workshops combine hands-on weaving with the history and traditions of East Petpeswick’s working waterfront.

🌊 Shop Rope & Tide

Browse our seasonal roadside studio featuring handcrafted baskets, home décor, gifts, and coastal pieces made from reclaimed lobster rope.

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Special Events

Little Schoolhouse on the Harbour

Occasionally we transform Tackle Box Cottage into a learning place for small-group experiences celebrating Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. From local flavour tastings and coastal photography walks to seasonal workshops, each event offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and experience the region in a new way.

Tackle Box Cottage

Your Waterfront Home Away From Home

Tackle Box Cottage is a thoughtfully designed waterfront tiny house overlooking the Petpeswick Inlet, offering peaceful midterm stays of one month or longer. Fully furnished and available year-round, it’s an ideal home away from home for remote workers, travelling professionals, visiting students, retirees, and anyone looking to enjoy a quieter pace of life by the ocean.

Whether you’re working remotely, exploring Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, or simply looking for a change of scenery, Tackle Box Cottage offers the comfort, privacy, and flexibility to settle in and make the space your own.

What’s Included

Designed for one guest
Fully furnished
High-speed Wi-Fi
Five-appliance kitchenette
Three-piece bathroom
Washing machine
Cozy single bed with under-bed storage
Reading chair, dresser, and wardrobe
Covered porch with outdoor seating
Parking
All utilities included
Smoke-free property
No pets

The Property

Your stay at Tackle Box Cottage includes access to the peaceful outdoor spaces that make Harbour Retreat unique.

During your stay, you’re welcome to enjoy:

Walking Labyrinth – A meditative path for solo reflection or small group mindfulness sessions, encouraging focus and gentle movement.
Yoga Perch – A little nook offers a private spot for self-guided yoga, meditation, stretching.
Star Gazing Platform – Our location offers dark skies illuminating wondrous twinkling stars, the moon, and constellations.
Forest Bathing Trail – A private path with five sensory stops, designed for grounding, nature immersion, and mindful walking.
Fire Pit – A cozy gathering space for reflection, small group storytelling, or quiet fireside contemplation.
Seating Areas – Relax under a sheltered porch or sunny patio with calm views for writing, sketching, or just sitting with your morning coffee.

Explore the Eastern Shore

Located in Musquodoboit Harbour, just 30 minutes east of Dartmouth, Tackle Box Cottage is perfectly situated for discovering some of Nova Scotia’s most spectacular outdoor destinations.

4 minutes to Martinique Beach Provincial Park
10–20 minutes to Trans Canada Trail access points
30 minutes to Lawrencetown Beach
30 minutes to Clam Harbour Beach
40 minutes to Dollar Lake Provincial Park

The village of Musquodoboit Harbour offers everything you need for an extended stay, including grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, a fitness centre, library, pharmacy, hardware store, bank, and a year-round Sunday farmers’ market.

Plan Your Stay

Tackle Box Cottage is available year-round for furnished midterm stays of one month or longer. Accommodation is offered on a book-pay-stay basis and is intended for extended visits rather than permanent housing.

If you’re interested in staying at Tackle Box Cottage, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to discuss availability and the dates you’re considering.