If you’re searching for the best things to do in Lunenburg, or simply wondering what to do in Lunenburg beyond the usual tourist trail, let me take you on a journey through one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever been. Lunenburg isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. A little town of wooden houses painted in bold, joyful colours, of salt-tinged breezes and the comforting creak of docks beneath your feet. It sits quietly on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, yet it holds the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not for grand monuments or ancient ruins, but because it has preserved its original town layout for over 250 years, with nearly 400 historic buildings still standing proudly, as if time itself chose to slow down here.
I’ve visited Lunenburg three times over the past two years, always in the autumn. That’s when the tour buses have gone, the harbour hushes, and the town feels like it belongs to those who love it most — the locals, and lucky wanderers like me. I return because it’s familiar, yet never finished. Each trip brings new flavours, new stories, a new moment that feels like it was just waiting for me to find it. Who would have thought that on my latest visit I would row across the harbour, in a dory? Or that I will make friends here, across the ocean, who for I will return to this magical part of the world?
This article isn’t a checklist. It’s a collection of moments — the best things to do in Lunenburg, yes, but also a quiet invitation to slow down, to wander, and to fall in love with a place that’s stood the test of time, without ever losing its soul.
How to Get to Lunenburg from Halifax
The easiest and most flexible way to get from Halifax to Lunenburg is by hiring a car. In fact, I would say the best way to explore Nova Scotia in general is by driving. Public transport here is quite limited, and while there are some organised tours, they often rush you from place to place without giving you time to really soak it all in. Having your own car means you can explore at your own pace, pull over for unexpected photo stops, and discover hidden gems along the way.
The drive from Halifax to Lunenburg is straightforward and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes via Highway 103. If you’re not in a rush, I highly recommend taking the scenic Lighthouse Route instead, following Highway 3. It’s a little slower, but you’ll pass through lovely coastal towns like Chester and Mahone Bay, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean are absolutely worth the extra time. Either way, it’s a beautiful drive that sets the tone for the charming experience that awaits you in Lunenburg.
Pro Tip: If you’re flying into Halifax, it’s usually easier (and often cheaper) to pick up your rental car straight from Halifax Stanfield Airport, rather than coming into the city first. This way, you can hit the road straight away and start your Nova Scotia adventure without any delays.
Where to Park in Lunenburg
Now, if you know me, you’ll know that finding a parking space is probably my biggest fear when I go on road trips. Especially in small towns like Lunenburg, where parking can feel even more stressful. Out of all the places I visited in Nova Scotia, I actually found Lunenburg to have some of the strictest parking rules. To make things even more fun, coming from the UK, I had absolutely no idea how to use the Canadian parking meters, and trust me, they are everywhere around the town centre.
So you can bet that I did my research properly before setting off for the day, especially after I checked out of my motel and needed somewhere to leave the car while I explored. If you don’t mind a short walk, the best place to park in Lunenburg is at the Lunenburg Curling Club. It’s about a 10-minute stroll to the waterfront, the car park is huge, and the best part, it’s free of charge. Perfect for a full day of wandering without constantly checking your watch or worrying about a ticket. Click here for the exact location.
Spending the Night?
I spent two days in Lunenburg and chose to stay at the Homeport Motel, which is about a 15-minute walk from the waterfront. I picked this motel mainly because it offered private, free parking — a real bonus in Lunenburg — and it was one of the more affordable options. Accommodation in Lunenburg can get quite expensive, especially during the summer months when the town gets busy with tourists.
I paid £120 per night for my stay at the Homeport Motel, and I was genuinely happy with my choice. My room was large, modern, and spotlessly clean — exactly what I needed after long days of sightseeing and wandering around town. Plus, being a little outside the centre meant it was lovely and quiet at night.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit during the summer, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance. Lunenburg is a popular spot, and the best places with parking and good prices tend to get snapped up quickly!
The Best Things to Do in Luneburg
Have Breakfast at The Savvy Sailor
Can you believe that I spent two weeks in Canada before I finally tried real maple syrup? Honestly, I don’t know how I lasted that long. But when I finally did, it was love at first taste. My first encounter with proper Canadian maple syrup happened at The Savvy Sailor, where I had breakfast in Lunenburg. And what a breakfast it was!
The Savvy Sailor is a charming little café located right on the waterfront, with a cosy, welcoming vibe and beautiful views over the harbour. They focus on fresh, homemade food, with plenty of classic favourites done really well. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors, so it has that lovely, relaxed small-town feeling where everyone seems to know each other.
I ordered the French toast with bananas, absolutely drenched in maple syrup. I’m not exaggerating when I say it looked like they had poured an entire bottle over it. And trust me, I didn’t leave a single drop behind. Every bite was pure bliss.
Since that breakfast, I’ve become a bit of a maple syrup connoisseur, after having a delightful tasting in Montreal. I’ve even learned to tell the difference between the different varieties. My favourite is the amber syrup, which has a rich, deep, earthy flavour that just feels like pure comfort on a plate. And yes, I have quite a few bottles of that stuff that I only use at special occasions.
Pro Tip: It’s best to book if you would like a table on their outdoor terrace overlooking the waterfront. I was lucky to get a table without booking ahead, and many people arriving after me had to queue and wait at the door.
Pop into Adams & Knickle and Learn About Scallops
Adams & Knickle is one of the main scallop providers in Nova Scotia. In fact, those iconic red buildings you’ll see along the waterfront in Lunenburg belong to them! The company has been part of Lunenburg’s fishing heritage since 1897, and even today it remains family-run, proudly continuing its long tradition.
I actually learned all about Adams & Knickle quite by accident. I happened to join a Lunenburg Heritage House tour during my visit, and that’s how I met Wilfred Moore, who was manning the shop. The day before, I had tasted Adams & Knickle scallops for the first time — in a delicious chowder at the Grand Banker Bar & Grill — and I remember thinking just how big, juicy, and fresh they were.
Wilfred Moore is married to Jane Adams Moore, the president of Adams & Knickle and a direct descendant of the original founders. During our chat, Wilfred showed me a replica of one of their boats and explained how their fleet works: the ships go out to sea for weeks at a time, equipped with special gear that freezes the scallops as soon as they are caught, preserving that incredible freshness.
It was fascinating to hear about the company’s early days too. Back then, Adams & Knickle focused on fish in pickle and dried cod, shipping it to Central America and the West Indies, and bringing back cargoes of salt and rum. Wilfred even showed me some of the heritage tools from their older vessels, including an old letter-punching machine, with a big wheel on top, which they used to date-stamp the scallops.
If you’re staying in a motel with a kitchen, like I did, you can actually buy frozen Adams & Knickle scallops and cook them yourself. Otherwise, you’ll find them featured proudly on many restaurant menus around Lunenburg — and trust me, they are well worth trying!
Fun Fact: Nova Scotia is one of the largest seafood exporters in Canada, sending fresh scallops, lobster, and fish all around the world. So when you’re enjoying seafood in Lunenburg, you’re not just eating local — you’re tasting some of the best Nova Scotia has to offer!
Visit a Dory Workshop
Dories are an essential part of Nova Scotia’s fishing history. These small, flat-bottomed boats were once the lifeline of the fishing industry, especially here on the South Shore. Light, sturdy, and easy to stack on larger vessels, dories made it possible for fishermen to head out into the open sea, haul in their catch, and return safely — long before the days of modern fishing fleets.
If you happen to make friends with some of the locals, you might even end up sailing around the bay in a dory yourself. But before that, it’s important to know exactly what a dory is. I first learned about them at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, which I highly recommend visiting. It’s a brilliant museum packed with exhibits about Nova Scotia’s seafaring past, including shipwrecks, the Titanic, and traditional boatbuilding techniques. It was there that I saw my first real dory, tucked in between the historic boats and maritime artefacts.
A few days later, I got an even closer look at how these boats are made when I visited the Acadian Village Museum in West Pubnico. This is a fantastic open-air museum that recreates an early 1900s Acadian village, complete with costumed interpreters, historic houses, and working artisan shops. In one of the workshops, I watched a dory being built by hand, plank by plank — a real art that has been passed down through generations.
If you’re visiting Lunenburg, you’re in luck because you can see this craft up close at the Dory Shop, a small working boatyard located right on the waterfront. The Dory Shop has been building traditional wooden dories since 1917 and is one of the few places in the world where this kind of craftsmanship is still alive.
Stepping inside the workshop feels like stepping back hundreds of years ago – that’s how I am imagining it. The whole interior is made of rough timber and stretches out over the water, with the salty smell of the ocean mixing with the heavy scent of fresh-cut wood. The floor is covered in wood shavings, and a long table is crammed with hand tools and blueprints. During my visit, I saw a dory in the making — just the bottom shape and the inside frame were finished, the rest still raw and waiting. A sea saw lay casually under the boat frame, and everywhere you looked, there were signs of skilled, careful hands at work. From the outside, the Dory Shop looks like a simple wooden shack, but inside, it hides a living piece of Nova Scotia’s heritage.
Stroll Along the Waterfront
One of my favourite things to do in Lunenburg is simply to stroll along the waterfront. There’s something incredibly charming about this part of town — it’s lively yet relaxed, busy yet peaceful. The brightly painted historic buildings lining the harbour, the bobbing boats, and the salty breeze off the Atlantic make it the perfect place to slow down and soak it all in.
As you wander, keep an eye out for the giant stack of lobster traps, shaped like a towering Christmas tree. It’s one of those little details that captures the spirit of Lunenburg perfectly — a working town with a deep love for its fishing traditions. Depending on the time of year, you might see it fully decked out, adding an extra dash of whimsy to the waterfront.
If you’re lucky enough to visit when the Bluenose II is in port, you’ll spot her tied up along the docks, right by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Even if you don’t board her, just seeing her majestic masts rising above the colourful waterfront is a treat in itself.
The waterfront is also dotted with little shops, cafes, and benches where you can just sit for a while and watch the world — and the sailboats — go by.
Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
If you’re exploring Lunenburg’s colourful waterfront, you can’t miss the iconic red buildings of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Housed in a former fish processing plant, this museum offers an immersive journey into Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage. With three floors of exhibits, it delves into the province’s fishing history, from the traditional practices of the Mi’kmaq people to the evolution of the offshore fishery and the age of sail.
One of the museum’s highlights is the Bluenose Gallery, which showcases the largest collection of artifacts from the original Bluenose schooner. Visitors can also explore the Theresa E. Connor, Canada’s oldest saltbank schooner, moored at the museum’s wharf. The museum’s interpreters, many of whom are retired fishermen, bring the exhibits to life with personal stories and demonstrations.
Don’t forget to take a selfie with Captain Seymour Fogg, the museum’s beloved mannequin mascot, who has become a local celebrity over the years.
Check Out the Colourful Lincoln Street
Lunenburg is one of those places that just makes you happy the moment you arrive. The town is so colourful and pretty, it almost feels like stepping into a storybook. And while you’ll find bursts of colour all around, the most concentrated splash of vibrancy is definitely on Lincoln Street.
Even on a grey, rainy day, Lincoln Street still shines with its bright façades. The buildings here are painted in rich, cheerful shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green, standing proudly against the when I visited moody sky. I love walking around without any particular goal, just wandering and soaking in the colours. Somehow, it’s impossible not to feel instantly lighter and happier.
Lincoln Street isn’t just about pretty houses either. If you look closely as you wander around town, you’ll spot quite a few pieces of street art scattered across Lunenburg. From vibrant murals tucked into alleyways to quirky, colourful paintings on shop walls, the town embraces creativity at every turn. Many of the artworks celebrate Lunenburg’s strong connection to the sea, featuring ships, whales, and maritime scenes. They add an extra layer of personality to an already charming town, like little surprises waiting to be discovered.
Have A Maple Latte With A View At Lightship Brewery
It wouldn’t be autumn in Canada without at least one maple latte, would it? And I’m talking about a real one — smooth, rich, with that unmistakable maple sweetness — not something from Tim Hortons (no offence to Timmies, but let’s be honest, that’s not real coffee). And if there’s a beautiful view to go with it? Even better.
Lightship Brewery is one of the most vibrant places in Lunenburg, perched right on the edge of the harbour. In the morning, it’s filled with the aroma of fresh coffee and the quiet chatter of early risers. Come afternoon, the vibe shifts — locals and visitors alike gather here for craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and probably the best waterfront patio in town.
The brewery itself is small and independent, with a passion for local flavours. Their beer lineup rotates seasonally, but always includes a few crowd-pleasers brewed on-site, often with fun nautical names. Even if beer isn’t your thing, they do great espresso-based drinks too — and yes, that maple latte really is as good as it sounds.
Admire Bluenose II if It’s Docked on the Waterfront
On my first trip to Lunenburg, I didn’t get the chance to see the famous Bluenose II. It was out at sea. But on my second visit, I was in luck — I spotted it docked right in front of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, getting prepared for winter storage. Winters in Nova Scotia can be incredibly harsh, and historic ships like the Bluenose II are taken into storage over the colder months to protect them from the biting winds and ice.
The original Bluenose, launched in 1921, is one of the most iconic ships in Canadian history. Built right here in Lunenburg, she was designed as both a working fishing schooner and a racing vessel. And race she did — the Bluenose became undefeated champion of the International Fishermen’s Trophy, earning the nickname “Queen of the North Atlantic.” Over time, she became a symbol of Nova Scotia’s resilience and a proud emblem of Canada itself — so much so that you can even find her image on the Canadian dime.
Bluenose II was built in 1963, as a faithful replica of the original schooner after the first was lost off the coast of Haiti. While Bluenose II was initially built as a private yacht, she quickly took on a bigger role. Today, she serves as Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador, promoting the province and its maritime heritage all around the world. When she’s docked in Lunenburg, visitors can usually climb aboard for a tour or even sail on short harbour cruises during the warmer months.
Pro Tip: Check the Bluenose II sailing schedule in advance if you want a chance to sail on her.
Shop for Unique Souvenirs
During my first trip to Nova Scotia, Lunenburg was my final stop before heading back to the airport to catch my flight to Toronto. It was only then that I realised that I hadn’t bought any souvenirs! In a bit of a panic (and with only a few hours to spare), I headed to the only souvenir open, as it was a quiet Sunday.
That’s when I had the most wonderful interaction with the shop owner. We chatted about my trip, and before I left, she tucked a little plush lobster into my bag, free of charge. That lobster now sits proudly on my desk, a daily reminder of my time in Nova Scotia and a constant nudge to book another flight back to Halifax.
If you’re after a truly unique souvenir from Lunenburg, make sure to visit Ship and Boat Chandlery. It’s not your typical tourist shop, it’s a real treasure chest packed with maritime finds. Here you can hunt for all sorts of nautical gems: old maps, vintage brass boat signage, fishing hooks, buoys, and pieces of maritime memorabilia that each seem to have a story of their own. It’s the kind of place where you could spend hours just browsing through metal pieces from boats and ships that have seen a lot whilst out to sea.
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring cash with you when you visit the Ship and Boat Chandlery as they don’t accept cards.
Indulge in the Lunenburger at the Grand Banker Bar & Grill
I waited an entire year to taste the famous Lunenburger. And if you find it mentioned here, you can bet it was worth it… every minute, every second of that long wait.
You see, on my first trip to Lunenburg, I dined at the Grand Banker Bar & Grill and faced a real dilemma: the Cajun Chowder or the Lunenburger? At the time, the Cajun Chowder won (and I have no regrets, because it was fantastic), but that decision meant that I had to wait a whole year before returning to finally try the Lunenburger.
And let me tell you — it did not disappoint.
Picture this: a 6oz ground beef patty, perfectly juicy, topped with generous chunks of Nova Scotia lobster dressed in a decadent tarragon and butter sauce. Add to that smoked, melty mozzarella cheese, crispy smoked bacon, garlic aioli, and fresh mixed greens, all sandwiched inside a soft, locally made artisan bun. And just when you think it can’t get any better — the burger is crowned with a giant bacon-wrapped scallop.
It’s indulgence at its finest. Every bite is a reflection of Nova Scotia’s land and sea, and an experience that feels as luxurious as it sounds. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal you find yourself thinking about long after you leave.
Pro Tip: The Grand Banker is very popular, especially during the summer months. Make a reservation if you’re visiting in peak season, or be prepared for a bit of a wait — but trust me, the Lunenburger is worth it.
See How Rum is Made at Ironworks Distillery
I have to admit that I didn’t actually try the rum at Ironworks Distillery — but I did visit the place, and it’s absolutely worth a stop when you’re in Lunenburg. The reason I skipped the tasting was simple: I was driving that day.
Ironworks Distillery is housed in a historic 1893 marine blacksmith’s shop, just a short walk from the waterfront. The name “Ironworks” is a nod to the building’s past, when it once produced iron fittings for ships built in Lunenburg’s busy shipyards. Today, instead of forging metal, they craft small-batch spirits using traditional methods, and their rum is particularly famous.
Ironworks produces several types of rum, including their Bluenose Rum, a dark and smooth spirit aged in oak barrels, and their Rum Boat Rum, a truly special one. If you look carefully across the bay, you’ll spot a small, peculiar boat covered in black canvas, bobbing on the waves, anchored in the middle of the water. That’s not just any random boat — it’s the Rum Boat.
Ironworks uses this floating aging process to recreate the traditional method of rum maturation from centuries ago, when barrels of rum would be stored below deck on ships crossing the Atlantic from the Caribbean. The constant motion of the sea and the salty air helped the rum develop unique flavours. By aging their Rum Boat Rum out on the water, Ironworks brings back that old-world magic, and it’s one of the only distilleries in the world doing it this way.
Even if you don’t sample the spirits, the distillery itself is fascinating to visit. You can peek into the production area, see the gleaming copper stills, and learn all about the craft that goes into each bottle. Plus, their shop is full of beautiful bottles and Nova Scotia-made treats, perfect for souvenirs.
Stroll Around the Public Gardens and See the Bandstand
Lunenburg might be famous for its waterfront, but just a few streets away you’ll find a quieter, equally charming spot — the Lunenburg Public Gardens. It’s a lovely little green space where you can take a breather from sightseeing, stretch your legs, and enjoy a slice of everyday local life.
The gardens are beautifully maintained, with shady trees perfect for relaxing under, and winding pathways that invite you to just wander without any hurry. It’s not a huge park, but that’s part of the charm — it feels cosy and peaceful.
At the centre of it all stands the ornate bandstand, a throwback to a time when towns like Lunenburg would gather for live music performances in the park. It’s beautifully preserved and still used today for community events and small concerts, especially during the summer months.
Watch the Sunset From the Golf Course
The best place to watch the sunset in Lunenburg isn’t actually in the town itself — it’s across the bay, along the promenade that leads towards the Bluenose Golf Club. From here, you get that iconic postcard-perfect view of Lunenburg’s colourful waterfront, with its bright buildings glowing in the soft evening light.
There’s even a little secluded beach if you’re up for a short walk down the path. It’s usually quiet, and you might even have it all to yourself. It’s the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and watch the town slowly light up as the sun dips lower in the sky.
The sun sets slightly to the left of Lunenburg, so you won’t see it disappearing directly behind the town. But that’s actually part of the magic — the low sun covers the historic waterfront in a warm, golden glow. If you’re lucky and the weather plays along, the sky might even burst into shades of red and pink, making for some absolutely dreamy photos.
Final Notes
Lunenburg may be small, but it lingers in your memory. It’s the kind of town that doesn’t shout for attention — it simply exists, quietly and beautifully, waiting to be discovered by those who appreciate the slower rhythm of life, the stories in old wooden walls, the comfort of a harbour breeze.
After three visits, I still haven’t run out of reasons to return. Whether it’s for the Lunenburger I can’t stop thinking about, the vibrant houses that make even grey days feel bright, or simply the feeling of being somewhere that hasn’t rushed to change, Lunenburg continues to call me back.
I hope this guide helps you experience not just what to do in Lunenburg, but how to feel it. To wander without a plan, to chat with a local, to stop for that second coffee just because the view is too good to leave. Sometimes the best kind of travel is the kind that lets you slow down — and there’s no better place for that than Lunenburg.
Until next time.
For more similar articles, check out my recommendations below:
- What to eat in Nova Scotia
- How to spend a day in Kejimkujik National Park
- Living like a local in Mahone Bay
- Unique hotels in Nova Scotia
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