Nova Scotia - stayed there ?

Nova Scotia's largest city is Halifax with less than 1 million population. For any other part of Nova Scotia you will likely need to look at bed and breakfast type of accommodations and don't expect to find chain hotels outside of Halifax/Dartmouth, perhaps Sydney. I haven't been to Cape Breton. It's been many years since I was in NS on a cycling trip so can't helps with specifics.

Unfortunately you have left your accommodation booking late. Canadians are travelling at home a lot more now.

Lunenberg is lovely.

A trip to the Maritimes by car just wouldn't be complete without a drive round the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton.

I live in Nova Scotia.

July is the height of tourist season and NS seems to be very popular this year so it’s not surprising that things are booking up.

The Marriott is a nice hotel. I have stayed there.

If you are doing the Cabot Trail, there isn’t a load of accommodation. I have stayed at Inverary Inn and the Telegraph Inn’s in Baddeck, Keltic Lodge in Ingonish and The Outback Inn in Cheticamp. Baddeck has the largest selection of accommodation.

As for anywhere else, it depends on your interests, how much time you have. The South Shore has Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. The Annapolis Valley has wineries, Wolfville and Annapolis Royal.

Do you want beaches, museums, scenery, music?

There actually are a handful of chain hotels in NS besides those in Halifax and Sydney. I can think of a Tru by Hilton in Yarmouth, a Holiday Inn Express in Stellarton/New Glasgow and a relatively new Microtel (Wyndham) in Antigonish, among others. However, with your flexible itinerary I might look for nice B&Bs with restaurants that are a little off the tourist track - places like Wild Caraway in Advocate Harbour, Seawind Landing in Charlos Cove, Guysborough County or the Train Station Inn in Tatamagouche. I've not stayed at any of these so can't personally recommend but reviews are good. I also suggest you check what local events are happening while you're in the province. I believe the Pictou Lobster Carnival, Antigonish Highland Games and Stan Rogers Folk Festival are all held in July, for example.

Seawind Landing Inn is fabulous. I loved my stay there. It’s just a bit out of the way, as is the Wild Caraway restaurant.

In Baddeck I stayed at Auberge Gisele’s Inn. It was clean, comfortable, and had a good breakfast.

In Charlottetown, I stayed at the Rodd Charlottetown. Same review as above.

We made a stop in Antigonish and stayed at the Evergreen Inn. Small, family owned, immaculately clean with everything you could possibly need or want. Loved everything about it! Blackwood's Bread and Roses Inn is located in Annapolis, and it was also great. Harborview Inn located in Smith's Cove was also a favorite. Markland Coastal Beach Cottages in Dingwall was horrid. Wouldn't wish that place on my worst enemy.