A historic bed and breakfast in the heart of Shelburne, Nova Scotia
ABOUT THE INN
Historic Charm & Modern Amenities
The Cooper’s Inn is a historic bed and breakfast on the harbour in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Rooted in the town’s seafaring past and shaped by a belief that hospitality should feel personal, warm, and unhurried, the inn exists to offer a slower, more thoughtful way to experience this part of Nova Scotia - one grounded in place rather than performance.
STEP INSIDE A PIECE OF HISTORY
Our Story & Heritage
Built in 1784, The Cooper’s Inn is a historic harbourfront inn in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, with deep roots in the town’s founding following the American Revolution. Shelburne - originally known as Port Roseway - was settled by Loyalist refugees, including George Gracie, the Scottish-born merchant who built the original home and later represented Shelburne County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.
A smaller building on the property operated as a cooperage from 1904 to 1917, run by J. Chandley Smith—the cooper for whom the inn is named. Smith later moved his trade across the street to what is now known as the Shelburne Barrel Factory. The peonies planted by his wife during that time continue to bloom in the garden today.
Since 1987, The Cooper’s Inn has welcomed guests as one of the most established places to stay in Shelburne, offering a thoughtful balance of historic character and modern comfort within one of Canada’s best-preserved coastal towns.
Evening Wine Hour at The Cooper’s Inn
JOIN US IN THE GARDEN
Each evening from 5:00–6:00 pm, guests are invited to a complimentary wine hour at The Cooper’s Inn—a relaxed social gathering that often becomes a highlight of the stay. Featuring locally produced Nova Scotia wine, this daily tradition offers a natural moment to slow down, connect with fellow guests, and enjoy the garden setting along Shelburne’s historic harbour.
Timed perfectly before dinner, wine hour provides an easy transition into the evening and a thoughtful introduction to Shelburne’s local dining scene, with many of the town’s best restaurants just a short walk away.
Breakfast Included With Your Stay
START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT
We're here to start your day off right with a breakfast served every morning from 7:30am-9:00am. Choose from three options daily, so whether you're staying for a short time or an extended visit, there's always variety.
Breakfast at the inn is included with every stay and is prepared fresh each morning, featuring locally inspired dishes that reflect the season.
All of our breakfasts are gluten free or have a gluten free option. We are happy to accommodate any other dietary restrictions and preferences on request.
Daily options include The Cooper’s Breakfast (eggs, choice of meat, potatoes and toast), yogurt and granola, and a rotating special.
“The best breakfast! You actually have 3 different choices. I suggest eggs over easy with toast, jam, potatoes, bacon and a perfect cup of coffee. If you’re driving the south coast of Nova Scotia don’t miss the opportunity to stay at The Coopers Inn - in the quirky, quaint, harbor side village of Shelburne. You won’t be disappointed.”
— Janette, TripAdvisor Review
In the heart of Shelburne’s historic waterfront district
The inn is located on Dock Street in the heart of Shelburne’s historic waterfront district, just steps from the harbour, local restaurants, galleries, and walking paths. Once here, the town is easily explored on foot.
Shelburne sits along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, making it a natural stop on a coastal road trip or a thoughtful base for travelers building a broader Nova Scotia itinerary. We’re approximately 2.5 hours from Halifax and about one hour from the CAT ferry terminal, offering easy access while remaining far removed from the pace of larger centres. The Cooper’s Inn an ideal stop for travellers arriving on The CAT Ferry from Maine or exploring the coast along the Lighthouse Route. Whether you’re arriving from across the country or across the border, Shelburne offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, ocean views, and authentic Maritime hospitality that you’re looking for.
We’ve included answers to some of the most common questions about the inn, its history, and what to expect during your stay. If you don’t see your question here, we’re always happy to help—just reach out directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Cooper’s Inn is located on Dock Street in Shelburne, Nova Scotia, in the heart of the town’s historic harbourfront district on the South Shore. The inn sits just steps from the water, local restaurants, galleries, and walking paths, making it easy to explore Shelburne on foot once you arrive.
Just a quick 1.5 hours from Lunenburg, and an hour from Yarmouth, we are a natural stopping point along the Lighthouse Route.
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Yes. The Cooper’s Inn was originally built in 1784, shortly after the founding of Shelburne, and remains part of one of Canada’s best-preserved historic harbourfront towns. The building has been carefully restored to honour its heritage while offering modern comfort for today’s travelers.
We are a registered Nova Scotian Historic Property.
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The Cooper’s Inn is a boutique harbourfront inn offering eight guest rooms in a historic coastal setting. It blends period character with contemporary amenities, providing a more personal alternative to larger hotels in Nova Scotia.
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Unlike large hotels or busy resort areas, The Cooper’s Inn offers a quieter, more intimate stay rooted in history and community. Guests experience a slower pace, walkable surroundings, and a level of personal hospitality that’s difficult to find in more commercial accommodations.
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Shelburne is one of Canada’s most historically intact coastal towns, known for its harbourfront, Loyalist architecture, and relaxed pace. Staying here allows travelers to experience a less crowded side of Nova Scotia while still enjoying coastal scenery, heritage, and easy access to the South Shore.
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Yes. The inn is particularly well suited to couples and solo travelers seeking a calm, comfortable stay with a strong sense of place. Its small size and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for guests who prefer personal connection over a traditional hotel experience.
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The Cooper’s Inn has eight guest rooms, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. This smaller scale helps create a relaxed environment where guests can feel settled rather than anonymous.
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Breakfast at the inn features a rotating selection of freshly prepared options that change daily, along with quality coffee. The focus is on simple, thoughtful dishes rather than a fixed menu, allowing the experience to remain seasonal and flexible.
All of our dishes are gluten free or have gluten free options. We are also very happy to accommodate other dietary restrictions and preferences upon request. Just let us know!