Local resident and tour guide Shelah Allen talks with Stuart Forster and provides insider tips on things to do in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
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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.
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.
Favourite place in Lunenburg
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.
Places to eat in Lunenburg
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
Hotels in Lunenburg
Search for accommodation in and around Lunenburg via this map:
Books about Nova Scotia
Want to discover more about Nova Scotia and its heritage? The following books are available to buy from Amazon:
Fodor Travel’s Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
The Moon Guide to Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
Lonely Planet travel guide to Atlantic Canada.
Further information
See the Nova Scotia and Destination Canada sites for more information on Lunenburg.
Photos illustrating this post are by Why Eye Photography.
Stuart Forster is an award-winning 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 also 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.
Nim
July 1, 2016 at 08:27Thanks for sharing that Stuart. Always nice to get an insider’s take on a place.