Things to do in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Local resident and tour guide Shelah Allen talks with travel writer Stuart Forster and provides insider tips on things to do in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

Shelah Allen is a native of Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, Canada.

She is proud of her roots and represents the seventh generation of her family to live in the colourful coastal town. Shelah is a co-owner of a travel company and a guide on Lunenburg Walking Tours.

As such, she’s perfectly placed to answer our questions and give an introduction to some of the things to do and see in the town.

Soft toy lobsters on a Canadian flag
Soft toy lobsters on a Canadian flag.



Things to do in Lunenburg

There is so much to do in Lunenburg. People constantly tell us that they wish they’d scheduled more time here. I could easily recommend a week jam-packed with fun.

Of course, we want them to do our tours. The Essential Lunenburg tour, taken at the beginning of a visit gives a great foundation for their visit and helps them make the most of their time here. The Haunted Lunenburg tour is a super fun way to spend an evening.

A boat ride or sail is a must. Sailing on Bluenose II is something guests never forget.

The Fisheries Museum is great. They can’t miss the Ironworks Distillery and all the wonderful galleries and shops.

Just peacefully wandering and taking it all in is part of the magic of Lunenburg.

Barrels of distilled spirits at the Ironworks Distillery in Nova Scotia, Canada, visiting is one of the top things to do in Lunenburg.
Barrels of distilled spirits at the Ironworks Distillery at Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Favourite place in Lunenburg

Wow, that’s a hard question. I’d say that just being on the waterfront is where I feel most at home.

Sometimes it‘s just the waves lapping at the wharves that I love, but at other times it’s the opportunity to meet so many people, all having new and special experiences.

There’s a real ‘wharf culture’ that I love.

The waterfront in the UNESCO World Heritage Site- designated fishing town of Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, Canada
The waterfront in the UNESCO World Heritage Site- designated fishing town of Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Places to eat in Lunenburg

Another challenging question. Lunenburg has two dozen great restaurants, each with its own appeal.

Where will you most often find me? Old Fish Factory (68 Bluenose Drive; tel +1 902 634 3333), for the amazing service, fresh seafood, and view—yes, I still love the view even though I live it every day. This is where my family goes for special meals.

Sign for the Old Fish Factory restaurant and Ice House bar in Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, Canada
Sign for the Old Fish Factory restaurant and Ice House bar in Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, Canada.

I enjoy the Salt Shaker Deli (124 Montague Street; tel. +1 902 640 3434) for the cosy atmosphere and delicious food.

And I have to mention the Knot Pub (4 Dufferin Street; +1 902 634 3334). It’s where locals go. The building used to be the bicycle shop where we went for Popsicles on our way to school. For nearly 30 years it has offered consistently awesome food in an authentic community pub setting.

Every Thursday morning, year-round, I go to the Farmers’ Market.

Digby scallops served for dinner in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Digby scallops served for dinner in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

Pubs in Lunenburg

I’ve already mentioned the Knot Pub, where I drink locally crafted Bulwark cider.

At the Old Fish Factory, my drink is the much-famed Dark and Stormy [black rum, ginger beer and lime].

I want to add the Grand Banker Bar and Grill (82 Montague Street; tel +1 902 634 3300, where presenting locally sourced beers and wine is what they do. I love ‘holding court’ on a bar stool as people come and go.

Lunenburg Academy, reputedly a haunted building constructed in the 1890s, in Nova Scotia, Canada
Lunenburg Academy, reputedly a haunted building constructed in the 1890s, in Nova Scotia, Canada.

History of Lunenburg

Lunenburg is all about the stories and the superstitions. Come on a tour and we’ll share them all.

Things to do around Lunenburg

Well, it will take more than a day to cover everything in town. But if they have time to explore beyond, there are two things I always recommend: the seven-minute drive to Blue Rocks and following Route 332. It takes people to Ovens Natural Park, Kingsburg and Hirtle’s Beach. Then taking the LaHave Ferry across to route 331 to LaHave Bakery, and an array of beautiful vistas, museums, shops and beaches.

A soft toy lobster by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic at Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, Canada
A soft toy lobster by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic at Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Travel to Lunenburg

Lunenburg is approximately 70 minutes’ drive southwest of Halifax, chiefly along Nova Scotia’s Highway 103.



Map of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Zoom into the map of Lunenburg to view details of the Nova Scotia town:

Google Map of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
 



Hotels in Lunenburg

Search for hotels in Lunenburg and elsewhere in Nova Scotia via HRS:



Further information

See the Nova Scotia and Discover Canada sites for more information on Lunenburg.

Photos illustrating this post are by Why Eye Photography.

Stuart Forster is a travel writer who specialises in writing about Canada.

Thank you for visiting Go Eat Do and reading this post with local suggestions about things to do in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. You may enjoy reading this post about exploring Nova Scotia beyond Halifax.

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A version of this post was initially published on Go Eat Do on 25 June 2016.

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1 Comment

  • Nim

    July 1, 2016 at 08:27 Reply

    Thanks for sharing that Stuart. Always nice to get an insider’s take on a place.

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