We love hanging our sou’westers in Lunenburg and we know you’re going to love it here too! There’s so much see and do and eat and experience. And while we couldn’t begin to list everything we’ll gladly give you the highlights with some helpful links to get you on your way.
Since we’re the home of the Bluenose II, why don’t we start there?! You can find a picture of the original Bluenose schooner on the back of our dime, but as for the second historic vessel, that docks along the Lunenburg waterfront and visits ports all around the province and North America as Nova Scotia’s Sailing Ambassador. The Bluenose II crew offers on-board tours and public sailings from early June to late September. Between their harbour tours and “Deck Hand for a Day” programs, you can experience the legend up close and personal. For details on that and more click here.
While you’re on the waterfront, be sure to visit the fantastic Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic complete with an incredible collection of historical artifacts, exhibits, movies and more. You can browse on your own or take one of the guided tours. It’s a great experience for the entire family with well-stocked gift shop too! For the scoop on exhibits, hours and more click here.
Now, if you stand on the boardwalk and look straight across the harbour you’ll be staring directly at the legendary Bluenose Golf Club. Open to the public and a proud membership, from Victoria Day weekend through to the first weekend in October, the Bluenose Club includes a 9-hole par 35 course perfect for golfers of all levels, complete with spectacular views and a public restaurant too. Visit their official site at bluenosegolfclub.com for details. Oh, here’s a Pro-Tip – those views include the perfect vantage point to capture that signature shot of Lunenburg Harbour.
In case you haven’t heard, Lunenburg has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site, which means we’ve been deemed “a cultural or natural site that holds exceptional importance that transcends national boundaries to be of common significance for present and future generations of all humanity.” Pretty awesome, right?! All that heritage is on display as you walk through the town, but it truly comes to life with the team at Lunenburg Walking Tours. For more than 30 years, their crew have been sharing their wealth of knowledge and putting together some marvellously memorable excursions, featuring everything from architecture and folklore to yummy food and a ‘spirited’ haunted tour too. Click here for tour times and packages.
Our downtown is full of sweet shops, delightful cafes and great restaurants, plus a spectacular array of galleries showcasing all sorts of amazing art. Well worth a stroll along Lincoln Street and Pelham Street, that’s for sure – you never know what treasures you’ll find. Two spots well worth checking out come complete with lovely locally made products. The first is Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters, whose blends are beyond compare. Sit in their lovely cafe or grab your ground beans and brew them up back here at Shorty’s Place. The second is Ironworks Distillery who’s award-winning spirits are world-renowned. Their top-notch staff will take you on a tour, walk you through the taste-testing and send you on your way with the most wondrous creations.
And if you’re really into “local,” then you’ve simply got to visit the Lunenburg Farmers Market. Open year round – every Thursday morning from 8am to 12noon with everything from fresh produce and baked goods to one-of-a-kind crafts, handcrafted jewellery, just-made jams and jellies, and so much more. A great place to shop and a wonderful way to meet the locals while you do. Visit lunenburgfarmersmarketns.ca for a complete list of vendors, directions and more.
Did you pack your racket? Well then you’ll want to check out the Lunenburg Tennis Courts and if swimming is more your style, you’ll want to take a dip in the Lunenburg Pool. We’ve even got a super cool Skate Park open to all ages for skateboarding, scootering, and biking as well.
No matter what you get up to we know you’re going to love it here in Lunenburg!💛