Discover Lunenburg
& its uniqueness

Lunenburg is one of the most historical towns in Nova Scotia.  Located on the Lighthouse Route, it is uniquely beautiful and charming. You won’t want to leave.  

Founded in 1753 and made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 it has lots to offer all visitors.

Lunenburg is one of the most colourful towns in Nova Scotia. The architecture is beautiful and very unique to the town.the colours of Lunenburg

This special place has been a vibrant fishing village since its founding.  Its stunning architecture and working waterfront are reminiscent of this important history.  

Located on Nova Scotia’s South Shore along the Scenic Travelway, Lighthouse Route, Lunenburg is a dream destination.

The Lunenburg waterfront is vibrant in its vast display of reds. It is stunning and impossible to take a bad picture. Although, pictures do not do it justice.red is seen everywhere on the waterfront

Where is Lunenburg?

Lunenburg is located on the South Shore in Nova Scotia along the Lighthouse Route.  It is a little over 1 hour from Halifax, 3 hours from Amherst, 5.5 hours from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Yarmouth. 

Getting to Lunenburg

Lunenburg is southwest of Halifax along Highway 103.  If you prefer a more scenic drive take route 3 west from Halifax which is the Lighthouse Route.

Attractions & Activities

Bluenose

The original Bluenose was launched in Lunenburg in 1921 and became a legendary racing ship and fishing vessel.  She was and remains the pride of Nova Scotia. 

Although the original Bluenose was lost in 1946, the Bluenose II was built in 1963 with its homeport being Lunenburg.  

The original Bluenose photographed by the acclaimed marine photographer Wallace R. MacAskill. The Bluenose was launched in Lunenburg in 1921.the original Bluenose by Wallace R. MacAskill

You can visit the Bluenose II on the Lunenburg waterfront.  However, she is a Nova Scotia ambassador so is often visiting other ports.  Check her schedule to make sure she is in her homeport during your visit.  You can also sail on the Bluenose which is an extraordinary adventure.

You can discover more about the Bluenose in the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic located on the Lunenburg waterfront.

Lunenburg is the home port of Bluenose II. A Nova Scotia ambassador who proudly visits ports all over Canada and the US. She was launched in Lunenburg in 1963.Bluenose II

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

If you want to learn more about the long history of the fisheries in Nova Scotia this is the place to visit.  Its many exhibits include information about the inshore and offshore fisheries, the age of sail, boat building, fishing on the Grand Banks, and life in a fishing community.

The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic sits on the waterfront. This is an awesome place to visit and learn about the fisheries that supported the people of Nova Scotia for many many years.Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

The kids will love the aquarium and its vast array of species found in the waters off Nova Scotia.  You can also step aboard the Theresa E. Connor and Cape Sable for a tour of authentic fishing vessels.

The museum also boasts a fabulous display of the original Bluenose artifacts including her racing trophies.

Site-seeing

There is much to see and do in this little town.  Simply walking around is a great way to see the sites and sounds of the community.

There are 2 Visitor Information Centres (VIC) in Lunenburg.  The main VIC is at the top of Blockhouse Hill Road and the second is located on the boardwalk not far from the Fisheries Museum. 

They can provide you with maps that will help with your exploring.

The view of Lunenburg from the water is spectacular. The colours are gorgeous and the boats fill the harbour with an atmosphere of adventure. A great place to spend some time and explore.Lunenburg from the water

The walk along the waterfront is great.  This is a historical setting.  Imagine the fishing schooners in the harbour as they returned from the Grand Banks. 

The Fishermen’s Memorial is along the waterfront. A poignant tribute to all those lost at sea.  The boats in the harbour in the background make this especially moving.

The Fishermen's Memorial located along the waterfront is a must-see during your visit to Lunenburg. A wonderful dedication to those fishermen lost at sea.Fishermen’s Memorial

The architecture of Lunenburg is very special.  The colours are bright and vibrant.  You’ll see grand and stately homes as well as funky arts stores.  They all add to the uniqueness of this town.

A stunning example of the beautiful architecture in Lunenburg. Lots of history in these buildings.Beautiful Architecture

Festivals & Events

This area hosts many festivals and events throughout the year.  The VIC will be able to give you information on events during your visit.

Heritage Bandstand Summer Concerts, Annual Dory Races, Lunenburg Street Festival, Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival, Oktoberfest Craft Beer Festival, Lighting of the Vessels, and the Folk Harbour Festival are just a few.  

Day Trips

Lunenburg’s location along the south shore makes it a great place to use as a base and explore the region surrounding it. 

Day trips to Mahone Bay, Chester, Peggy’s Cove, Halifax, LaHavre, Blue Rocks, The Ovens and Gaff Point are excellent options.

Lahavre is a gorgeous spot. The bakery and the shops are a delight to visit. Grab a coffee and rest awhile in the back of the buildings along the Lahavre River.Lahavre

Hiking/Cycling/Kayaking/Golfing/Sailing

If you want to do some coastal hiking I strongly suggest Gaff Point and The Ovens.  The Ovens has, as a bonus, sea caves that you can enter.  Both of these hikes are fabulous.

The Gaff Point hiking trail is one of the most scenic spots along the South Shore - Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia. The trail is on a gorgeous headland that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean.Gaff Point hiking trail

The 119km long Rum Runners multi-use recreational trail extends from Halifax to Lunenburg. The section of the trail extending from Lunenburg to Mahone Bay is called the Bay to Bay trail and is only 11km. 

This is a great cycling route and a day trip to Mahone Bay and beyond is definitely a doable trip.

You can also spend some time exploring Blue Rocks.  A gorgeous spot on the coast and less than 10 minutes from Lunenburg.  Pleasant Paddling (located in Blue Rocks) offers kayaking tours.

Blue Rocks is one of the most stunning fishing villages in all of Nova Scotia. It has been called ‘Little Peggy's Cove’ but without the crowds. Blue Rocks is calm, quaint and simply gorgeous.Kayaking at Blue Rocks

You might notice the beautiful patch of green on the other side of the waterfront.  This is the Bluenose Golf Club.  An absolutely gorgeous location for a golf course.

Strolling along the waterfront you’ll also see options for sailing.  The Bluenose II will be there along with the Eastern Star.  We sailed on both when we visited Lunenburg and it was fabulous.

An awesome spot to go for a sail. Gorgeous surroundings. You'll find the Eastern Star on the waterfront.The Eastern Star

Visitor Services

This is a full service community with a post office, hospital, banks, gas stations, grocery store, marina, shops, Nova Scotia Liquor Commission, restaurants and accommodations.

The Lunenburg Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is located at the top of Blockhouse Hill Road.  A smaller VIC is located on the waterfront.

Accommodations

There are many great accommodations to be found on the South Shore - Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia.  Check hotels, motels, B & Bs and Inns in Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester, Bridgewater and Liverpool.

There are also lovely vacation rentals in the same areas: Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester, Bridgewater and Liverpool.

These links will also give you choices in smaller communities in the vacinity.

Restaurants

Nova Scotia has a wide variety of places to eat.  From fine dining, family restaurants, pubs and pizza spots.  There is something for everyone.  I suggest you check my Where to Eat page for some tips on how to find a restaurant in your location.

Where to Next?

Wondering what to visit after your exploration of the Lunenburg area?  There is still lots to see and do in Nova Scotia.

Mahone Bay & Chester, Halifax, Peggy's Cove and the Bay of Fundy are not far.  Check them out and enjoy all that Nova Scotia has to offer.

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