11 Things to do in Lunenburg Nova Scotia

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A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lunenburg is a quaint town on the East Coast of Canada, just one hour outside of Halifax. Its colorful buildings, rich history as a fishing village, and beautiful summertime weather make it a must-visit destination for local and international travelers alike.

Despite the town's small size, there are so many unique and memorable things to experience. Growing up as a local and working for years in the hospitality industry means I’ve tried just about everything, and I’m here to share the best things to do in Lunenburg, from classic must-sees to hidden gems.

Take a Bluenose boat tour

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Lunenburg is widely famous across Canada for being the hometown of the famous racing Schooner, the Bluenose. The original boat was so dominant that it earned its place on the back of our dime. Sadly, the original Bluenose sank off the coast of Haiti in 1946. Luckily, due to its popularity, a remodel of the boat was built, aptly named the Bluenose 2. This boat resides in Lunenburg, and you can find it docked at the main section of the waterfront most days.

The boat hosts harbor tours twice a day when it's docked at home during the summer. The tour is 2 hours, starting at either 9:30am or 1:30pm. A tour costs $95 Canadian for an adult and $45 for children ages 3-12.

To see the boat's schedule and book tickets, click here.

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative or you booked your trip last minute and couldn't snag a Bluenose ticket, Eastern Star is another company that does a similar sailing tour on a smaller boat. Click here to see the schedule and book tickets.

Go kayaking in Blue Rocks

Just a ten-minute drive outside of town is the picturesque fishing village of Blue Rocks. Here, a company called Pleasant Paddling hosts guided ocean kayaking tours and rentals. It’s a great way to spot local wildlife (including seals!) and explore the rugged coastline, perfect for active travelers and nature lovers alike.

The company offers a few different tours with various lengths and routes. To learn more about the different types of tours offered and to book, click here.

Scenic drive and stroll around Blue Rocks

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If paddling isn’t your thing, the drive to Blue Rocks is worth it for the views alone. The road hugs the coastline, leading to a peaceful area ideal for a quiet walk and some epic photography. You can park your car anywhere around pleasant paddling, or there are a few spots on the road with a good-sized shoulder before that.

Do a tour of Ironworks

Ironworks is a distillery in town that ties in Lunenburg's heritage to its distilling process. Their products are high quality, and they focus on traditional methods. I highly recommend doing a tour to learn more about how the business honors Lunenburg's heritage, plus it's fun to get to taste everything. If you don't have time for a tour, it's still worth a stop in to pick up a bottle to bring home as a souvenir (my favorite is definitely the Blackberry Gin Noir).

There are three different types of tours to choose from. To learn more about the distillery, as well as to see schedules, pricing, and to book a tour, click here.

Shop in the Old Town

Lunenburg’s Old Town has a fantastic mix of local boutiques and souvenir shops. Most stores are on the three main streets: Montague, Pelham, and Lincoln. Some of my favorite stores include Seek Gifts and Home Decor, Mosaic, Old Town Records, and Down Home Living. The Bluenose store is another great option if you're looking for more traditional souvenirs.

There are also some cute bookstores called Lunenburg Bound, Elizabeth's Books, and Block Shop Books.

Also, keep an eye out for a brand new jewelry store, called House of Aurum, opening this summer! Here you'll find handcrafted pieces designed by a Lunenburg native.

Note that most shops close around 5 every day, so don't leave your shopping too late. Find some locally made, unique pieces, so that you can take a piece of Lunenburg home with you, and remember the town well after your travels are done.

Capture the Postcard View from the Bluenose Golf Course

Easily one of the best things to do in Lunenburg Nova Scotia is to drive, or walk, out to the golf course to get the postcard picture of town.

When driving from town, there is a large shoulder off the side of the road before you reach the golf course, where you can pull over and take some photos. The golf course is also public, so it is open for anyone to drive up to the clubhouse on the top of the hill to take photos, as long as it's open.

As mentioned above, the course is public, so if you want to work on that swing while taking in the most incredible view, book a tee time! More information regarding the course and booking can be found here.

Check out the Fisheries Museum

One of the best things to do in Lunenburg with kids, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is in the heart of the town, right on the waterfront. I think the museum is really well done, as they've done a great job striking the balance between interactive exhibits for little ones and rich history for adults.

You can find information regarding hours and ticket prices here, but don't worry, tickets are pretty much always available and don't need to be booked in advance.

Trot n Time

Trot n Time is a horse and buggy tour around town. The tour begins on the waterfront and takes you throughout Old Town, where your guide/driver will point out significant landmarks. They'll explain some history behind each stop, as well as some general facts about the town in between.

This is another great activity if you're travelling with kids, as the young ones usually really enjoy the ride. It's also a great option if you're looking to rest your legs, as those hills will get to ya! Tours can be booked here, but similarly to the museum, I wouldn't worry too much about booking tickets in advance, as they rarely sell out.

Indulge in some seafood

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Lunenburg's rich history as a fishing town means it is one of the best places to find fresh seafood in the entire country. From lobster to scallops to mussels, you can find many different types of seafood throughout town.

Definitely be sure to try a lobster dinner, where a live lobster is cooked fresh to order. While expensive, it's well worth the price (and work to get the meat out of the shell). Also, the lobster fishing industry holds major cultural and economic significance in Nova Scotia, making this delicacy a must-try.

Lunenburg is super fortunate to have an amazing restaurant scene. Below, I've highlighted some of my favorites, as well as what types of seafood/dishes you'll be able to find at each one.

• The Old Fish Factory Restaurant: Lobster dinner, Oysters, Fish and chips, Seafood Chowder, Mussels, Halibut

• Half Shell Oyster Bar: Oysters (best selection!), Mussels, Salmon, Scallops

• Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar: Octopus, Scallops, Calamari, Shrimp, Tuna, Oysters

• The South Shore Fish Shack: Fish and chips, Lobster dinner, Clams

Whether you're indulging in a lobster feast or sipping a cocktail at sunset, dining here is one of the best things to do in Lunenburg.

Relax at a local beach

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While the water may be chilly, the beaches near Lunenburg are pristine and peaceful. Sandy shores and blue waters, combined with our amazing wildlife, make these beaches the perfect place for a sun-soaked afternoon or a relaxing stroll.

Some of my favorite beaches include Hirtles, Rissers, and Cresent. Be sure to check out my post, Best Beaches in Lunenburg County, for more detailed information about the beaches!

Do the Haunted Lunenburg walking tour

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Wondering what there is for things to do in Lunenburg at night? One super unique and lesser-known part of the town is its history regarding paranormal activity. Many properties throughout town have been featured on paranormal television shows, the most notable being the Lunenburg Academy and the Boscawen Inn.

The tour starts 8:30 pm and is 90 minutes long. It takes you around and inside some properties that have had reported instances of paranormal activity over the years. The guide does an amazing job of telling these stories and answering questions in between stops. The link to book can be found here.

My best advice is to go into the tour with an open mind, and you'll be shocked at the stories that have taken place throughout the town.

Accommodation

Looking for somewhere to stay in town? Below are some of my favorites!

• Rum Runner Inn

• Smugglers Cove Inn

• Brigantine Inn & Suites

• Salt Shaker Deli & Inn

• Bluenose Lodge