9 Best Things to Do in Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a picturesque town on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, known for its brightly coloured buildings, quaint shops and delicious seafood. It’s a popular tourist destination, thanks to its well-preserved historic district, and a great place to visit, whether for a weekend getaway or as a day trip from Halifax.
Stroll through the downtown area and admire the historic buildings, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic or go for a sail on the Bluenose II. For those interested in trying some local fare, there are plenty of seafood options available, as well as the Ironworks Distillery and Farmers Market. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, here are the top things to do in Lunenburg Nova Scotia.
9 things to do in Lunenburg Nova Scotia
Lunenburg is a really quaint small town, and it’s easy to wander and explore on foot. Here’s the top things to see in Lunenburg while strolling through the town.
1. Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Visiting the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is one of the most popular things to do in Lunenburg.
The museum tells the story of Nova Scotia’s fishing industry, and how it has evolved over the years from the early days of the Mi’kmaq to the present day.
There are exhibits on all aspects of fishing, from boatbuilding to seafood processing.
Walk aboard the Theresa E. Connor, Canada’s oldest saltbank schooner and the last to operate from the port of Lunenburg. The schooner represents a way of life for generations of fisherman along the Atlantic Coast and you can go below deck and walk through the fish hold, which is now filled with exhibits.
There’s also a tidal touch tank, where you can get up close and personal with some of the creatures that live in the ocean.
2. Take a Walking Tour
One of the best ways to explore Lunenburg is on foot. The town is easily walkable on your own, but a guided walking tour provides insights and interesting stories about the town, like the Lunenburg ‘bumps’ that you’ll see all throughout the town.
There are several walking tours available that will take you past all the historic landmarks and buildings in the town. You’ll learn about the town’s history and get to see some of the beautiful architecture up close.
Lunenburg Walking Tours offers three different tours to explore different areas of Lunenburg, from the architecture and history, to a haunted walking tour and a tour to discover the stories of the iconic Bluenose.
Did you know? Lunenburg’s Old Town is one of two urban UNESCO sites in North America, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada.
3. See the Bluenose II
No visit to Lunenburg would be complete without seeing the iconic Bluenose II.
The Bluenose II is a replica of the original Bluenose, a famous undefeated Canadian racing schooner that was built in Lunenburg in 1921.
When the Bluenose II is docked at it’s home port in Lunenburg, you can take a 2 hour cruise through the harbour. Info and schedules can be found here.
Did you know? The Bluenose is featured on the Canadian dime and you can find a large size dime on the Lunenburg waterfront. It makes a great photo op!
4. Sample the Seafood
Lunenburg is known for its fresh seafood and there are plenty of places to try some.
Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for in Lunenburg.
Some of the best seafood restaurants in Lunenburg include The Dockside Restaurant, the Grand Banker Bar & Grill and the Old Fish Factory, located on the waterfront at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
Other popular favourites include the Salt Shaker Deli, where you can dine in or take your food to go, and the South Shore Fish Shack, where you can eat outside on the patio or take your order to go and eat out on the wharf.
Be sure to try a lobster roll! The South Shore Fish Shack makes an excellent lobster roll, or if you’re looking to sit down and enjoy a meal, the Grand Banker is a good choice.
5. Explore the Waterfront
The Lunenburg waterfront is one of the most beautiful in Nova Scotia.
Take a stroll along the waterfront and take in the views of the colourful houses, boats and scenery. The colourful buildings along the waterfront add to the charm, and there are plenty of places to sit and relax along the waterfront. Stop and relax on one of the chairs or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it on one of the picnic tables on the wharf.
6. Visit Ironworks Distillery
Ironworks is Lunenburg’s first and only distillery. It’s an award winning micro distillery, creating artisan spirits with local Maritime ingredients.
Located in an historic blacksmith shop that the distillery takes its name from, Ironworks is one of the more popular Lunenburg tourist attractions.
Stop in for a sample or tour the facility to see how they make their small batch spirits.
Be sure to try their Bluenose Rum or the vodka, which is made from Nova Scotia apples – although the gin is excellent as well!
7. Shop at the Farmers Market
The Lunenburg Farmers Market is open every Thursday morning year round, selling local produce, meats, baked goods, preserves and more.
This is a great place to pick up a few things for a picnic lunch!
8. See a Piece of the Berlin Wall
Lunenburg is home to a small piece of the Berlin Wall, one of 140 pieces distributed world wide. You’ll find this 3.6m tall piece on Falkland street, near the waterfront.
It’s one of the three places in NS that received a piece of the Berlin Wall. (Dartmouth is another!)
9. Go Whale Watching
Lunenburg is a popular place to go whale watching in Nova Scotia. You can take a boat tour out of the harbour to see these majestic creatures up close.
Lunenburg Whale Watching offers tours four times a day from May to October, weather permitting.
Tours last around 3 hours, and while it isn’t guaranteed to see whales, chances are good that you’ll see harbour seals, dolphins, turtles and possibly puffins.
You’ll also have a great view of Old Town Lunenburg from the water.
Other Places to See in Lunenburg
Some other places to visit in Lunenburg include St. Johns Anglican Church, which is the second oldest Anglican Church in Canada and was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2001.
Another interesting church to see is St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, which has a cod-shaped weathervane on top!
Things to Do Near Lunenburg NS
While there are plenty of Lunenburg attractions to keep you busy all day, there are also a few things to do around Lunenburg that are worth mentioning.
Both the fishing village of Blue Rocks and the town of Mahone Bay are a short drive away.
There are plenty of things to do in Mahone Bay, and you can easily visit the town before or after exploring Lunenburg.
Explore Mahone Bay
Just a short drive from Lunenburg, Mahone Bay is a beautiful town that’s known for its three historic churches along the waterfront.
Walk along the waterfront, admire the churches or visit one of the many antique shops and boutique stores in the downtown area.
Stop by Saltbox Brewing Company, Mahone Bay’s own craft brewery, where you can sample different beers in the taproom.
Mahone Bay was recently been named one of Canada’s top ten most beautiful towns by culture trip.com and after a visit, you’re sure to see why!
Visit Blue Rocks
Blue Rocks is a small fishing village, about a 5 minute drive from Lunenburg. It’s a working fishing village with blue slate rocks and some classic Nova Scotian scenery.
Take a walk along the wharf, and be sure to bring your camera!
And if you’re looking to get out on the water, Blue Rocks is a perfect place to do it!
There are lots of little islands around the area, protecting it from the wind and waves which makes it a great spot to get out on the water.
You’ll also have plenty of chances to spot sea creatures swimming between the rocks.
Pleasant Paddling offers single and double kayak rentals, if you don’t want to bring your own. They also rent stand up paddle boards, as long as the wind isn’t too strong.
Where to Stay in Lunenburg
There are plenty of accommodation options in Lunenburg, from boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts.
Lunenburg Arms Hotel is located in the downtown area, just a quick 2 minute walk from the waterfront. Rooms are clean and spacious, and some have a harbour view. Breakfast is included and there’s a spa onsite.
Smugglers Cove Inn is another great choice. Located right on Montague Street, this laid-back inn is surrounded by shops and restaurants and is only a block from the waterfront. Rooms are airy and suites with a kitchen are also available.
How to Get to Lunenburg
Lunenburg is located on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, about an hour and a half drive from Halifax.
The best way to get to Lunenburg is by car, although Maritime Bus does offer service once daily.
From Halifax, take Hwy 103 to Exit 11 or the more scenic Lighthouse Route where you’ll pass Peggy’s Cove.
If you don’t have a car, you can also book a day trip from Halifax.
And if you have your own boat, you can sail right in and dock at the waterfront. Daytime berthing is free of charge and overnight berthing can be booked online or in person.
Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Lunenburg, NS
Lunenburg is a fantastic place to visit in Nova Scotia. With its beautiful waterfront, colourful houses, rich history and delicious seafood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or an interesting day trip, there are plenty of things to do in Lunenburg. Be sure to add it to your list of places to visit in Nova Scotia.
Let us know if you have any other things to do in Lunenburg to recommend!
For more Nova Scotia travel ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out these posts:
15 Best Things to Do in Nova Scotia: A Bucket List Guide
10 Best Beaches Near Halifax
25 Awesome Things to Do in Nova Scotia in the Summer
7 Fun Things to Do in Nova Scotia in July
11 Prettiest Small Towns in Nova Scotia
Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point Hike
