Lunenburg, Nova Scotia: A Gem of a Town

Lunenburg is undoubtedly Canada’s prettiest town, with its stunning painted houses lining the picturesque harbor. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Canadian National Historic Site, this historic fishing village is a must-visit destination. Below, you will find the best things to do in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

Best Things to Do in Lunenburg

Founded in 1753, Lunenburg exemplifies a British Colonial settlement in North America, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. This guide also includes nearby Mahone Bay, which shares a rich heritage with Lunenburg. Since both towns are only 10 minutes apart, exploring these historic communities in one trip is very convenient.

There are many activities to suit every type of traveler in Lunenburg, particularly focusing on its well-preserved heritage buildings. Make sure to take a long walk through the streets of the old town upon your arrival.

1. Explore Old Town Lunenburg

One of the most fascinating activities in Lunenburg is exploring the old town, which features more than 30 heritage buildings, each telling the unique story of Lunenburg’s early settlers.

We discovered Lunenburg through an organized walking tour that offered insider tips and local history. However, even a leisurely stroll through the streets will captivate you. Lunenburg Walking Tours is conducted by a local resident who has deep roots in the area. Learn more about these tours here.

Although a guided tour is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of each heritage building, you can also explore them independently. Discover a breakdown of Lunenburg’s heritage attractions at your leisure. Additionally, a popular Haunted Lunenburg tour is available for those seeking a chilling experience.

2. St. John’s Anglican Church

One of the unmissable heritage buildings in Lunenburg is St. John’s Anglican Church, which has served the community since 1754, making it the second oldest Anglican church in North America.

Though it was tragically damaged by arson in 2001, the community rallied together to restore it, showcasing their resilience. Today, St. John’s stands as an exquisite example of Gothic Revival architecture in North America.

When the church was destroyed, volunteers salvaged pieces of the stained glass window to preserve its legacy, demonstrating the community’s commitment to its heritage.

3. Lunenburg Walking Tour

Starting your visit with a walking tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Lunenburg’s history. Meeting at the Old School Academy on Gallows Hill, you will navigate through the heritage district and eventually reach the waterfront over three hours. Our local guide shared stories passed down through generations, making the experience unforgettable.

The tour revealed fascinating details, such as the historical color of Lunenburg’s renowned painted houses – Oxblood, a vibrant red created using the blood of oxen!

4. Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

A top attraction in Lunenburg, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is prominently situated on the waterfront. A tour allows visitors access to the working wharf, often guided by retired local fishermen sharing their wealth of knowledge.

5. Fisherman’s Memorial

The Fisherman’s Memorial, located on the waterfront, is a poignant tribute to the over 700 lives lost at sea. Names are etched into granite columns, including the vessels lost with all hands – a somber reminder of the fishing community’s sacrifices.

6. Take in the View from Bluenose Golf Course

For one of the best views in Lunenburg, head to Cove Road, which leads up to the Bluenose Golf Course. Timing your visit for sunset will reward you with spectacular vistas of the town.

7. Ironworks Distillery

Be sure to include a visit to Ironworks Distillery, which honors Lunenburg’s rum-running history. Housed in the Old Ironwork Building from 1893, the micro-distillery produces vodka from apples sourced from Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley and offers an award-winning rum. Guided tours showcase the spirit-making process, making for an educational experience.

8. Shipwright Brewing Company

If you prefer craft brews, consider visiting Shipwright Brewing Company, located with a stunning view of the Lunenburg waterfront. You can enjoy a brewery tour or simply savor a pint while soaking in the beautiful scenery.

9. Berlin Wall at the Luneburg Legion

Interestingly, Lunenburg boasts a remnant of the Berlin Wall, recently relocated to the front of the legion to honor the town’s German heritage.

10. Lunenburg Blue Rocks

Just a short 10-minute drive away from Lunenburg lies Blue Rocks, a charming fishing village that is breathtaking at sunrise. It has often been compared to Peggy’s Cove for its iconic fish shacks lining the waterfront. Early mornings here provide stunning photography opportunities as sunlight glimmers on the rocks and water.

11. Kayak Tours

While visiting Blue Rocks, consider booking a kayak tour to spot seals and explore the islands leading to a secluded beach. Kayaking in Nova Scotia is a truly unique experience and should be part of your Lunenburg adventure. Paddling tours depart twice daily from the Blue Rocks Wharf area, with sunset paddles available for an additional thrill.

12. Halifax and Southern Railways Museum

An intriguing destination for history enthusiasts is the Halifax and Southern Railways Museum, which illustrates the area’s railway heritage. Situated on the lighthouse route, the museum features a replica of a 1940s stationmaster’s office and models of the railway line from Halifax to Yarmouth.

13. Lunenburg Whale Watching Tour

Among the top activities in Nova Scotia is a whale-watching tour. Departing from the Lunenburg waterfront, these tours provide a chance to observe minke, pilot, fin, and humpback whales. The waters are also home to dolphins, bluefin tuna, and even leatherback turtles, along with an array of bird life, including the adorable puffin.

The optimal time for whale spotting in the North Atlantic off the coast of Lunenburg is from July through September, with tours accessible at the waterfront.

14. Bluenose II Schooner

As the birthplace of the Bluenose II, Lunenburg is deeply tied to this iconic Canadian schooner, which is depicted on the ten-cent coin. The original Bluenose enjoyed an undefeated career from 1921 to 1946, and though it sank in 1946 off Haiti’s coast, the Bluenose II was launched in 1963 due to the original’s beloved status.

• Note: The Bluenose II frequently tours, so if you are lucky enough to find it in port during your visit, consider participating in a harbor cruise or taking part in a deckhand experience.

15. A History of Ships of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay

Many individuals involved in the construction of the original schooner were instrumental in building the Bluenose II as well, establishing Lunenburg’s shipbuilding legacy in 1862 with over 270 ships constructed, including The Bounty and Bluenose II, while Mahone Bay contributed to the building of 500 ships, including the original Bluenose.

16. Go Gallery Hopping

With a vibrant local arts scene, Lunenburg is a treasure trove of galleries. Start your exploration at the Lunenburg Art Gallery on Lincoln Street, then stroll through Main Street to discover emerging artists’ studios. The picturesque setting of Lunenburg naturally attracts creativity.

Be sure to visit The Laurie Swim Quilt Gallery, known for quilts that resemble paintings, and check out The Swan on Lincoln, which features pottery, sculptures, and jewelry. Don’t miss La Have Weaving Studio for workshops or Skullduggery for beautiful glass art available at Silastial Glass Art on Lincoln.

17. Hike the Bay to Bay

For hiking enthusiasts, a fantastic 10 km trail connects Lunenburg to Mahone Bay. While you may not want to traverse the entire trail, consider renting a bicycle to enjoy the scenic ride along the gravel path between the two charming towns.

18. Side Trip to Mahone Bay

A quick 10-minute drive from Lunenburg will take you to Mahone Bay, a fantastic addition to your itinerary. Founded in 1745, it has earned praise as one of Canada’s best small towns, with its iconic Three Churches forming a stunning waterfront backdrop, making it one of Nova Scotia’s most photographed sites.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets, do some shopping, and don’t forget to visit Haskapa Berry for its superfood offerings infused into gin blends!

19. Peggy’s Cove

Located 100km from Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove is often included in itineraries as a day trip option. While you can explore Lunenburg within a day from Peggy’s Cove, we recommend allocating a night for each location. Peggy’s Cove is renowned for its stunning lighthouse and dramatic rocky shore, making it a breathtaking destination.

20. Visit Oak Island

This island has garnered significant attention due to the reality TV show “The Curse of Oak Island.” According to legend, infamous pirate Captain Kidd buried treasure there, leading to organized tours of the island, complete with an interpretive center. While we did not visit, its popularity in contemporary culture warrants a mention.

Where to Stay in Lunenburg Nova Scotia

Lunenburg Arms Hotel – Positioned in the heart of Lunenburg, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the area. We found it to be perfectly situated for our visit.

Rum Runner Inn – This convenient harborfront inn comes highly recommended, although we didn’t stay there ourselves.

Restaurants in Lunenburg

As a fishing village, Lunenburg boasts an impressive array of seafood restaurants.

Lincoln Street Food – This restaurant offers a seasonal rotating menu, featuring fresh market-inspired dishes that have become a favorite among locals and visitors.

The Old Fish Factory Restaurant – Located in a repurposed fish processing plant, this spot has a wharfside patio that serves craft beer and a delightful selection of fresh seafood, including local scallops.

South Shore Fish Shack – For traditional fish and chips, this is the place to go for lunch.

Other recommended dining spots include The Half Shell Oyster Bar, the Savvy Sailor for lunch, and the Dockside Restaurant for a waterfront dining experience.

These are just some of the best experiences awaiting you in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Have we convinced you to visit? If you’ve experienced something we missed, feel free to share your thoughts!

Lunenburg stands out as one of the top travel destinations in Nova Scotia, and rightly so. My desire to visit Lunenburg sparked back in 2001 when the destination featured on a YTV program, and finally experiencing it was a dream come true. When planning a vacation in Canada, make sure Lunenburg tops your list.