Length of stay: 1 day
Visited: August 2024
Lunenburg is located along the southwest shore of Nova Scotia. It’s a charming fishing town with a rich history of shipbuilding and a lot of brightly coloured buildings. It’s one of the best-preserved colonial settlements in North America with its old town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site of Canada.
We flew into Halifax the night before to embark on a one week road trip across Nova Scotia. It was a bit of a last minute trip and while plane tickets were cheap, it was tough to find accommodations that were reasonably priced, especially in and around Halifax. But then again, we were visiting during peak season in the middle of summer. Once we landed we had just over an hour drive to get to our hotel in Bridgewater.
After eating a late breakfast we checked out of our hotel and headed to Lunenburg. The baby went down for a short nap in the car so we first drove through the historic centre and along the Lunenburg Harbour for a quick overview.
We found a shaded spot to park and headed out on foot. We meandered through the streets towards the waterfront, admiring all the colourfully painted historic homes and shops along the way.
Lunenburg was established in 1753 as a colonial town by the British with new settlers from Germany, Switzerland and France. Plots of land were divvied out to the families from playing cards. Remarkably the town has retained its original layout and overall appearance with 70% of its colonial buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, almost all of them made from wood.
Lunenburg is also famous for the Bluenose, a fishing and racing schooner which has been featured on the Canadian dime since 1937. It was built in Lunenburg and outperformed every American and Canadian vessel for nearly two decades during the 1920s and 1930s. After hitting a reef off the coast of Haiti in 1946, it sank. A replica was later built in Lunenburg, the Bluenose II.
The Bluenose II is typically docked along the waterfront, but it was at sea the day we were visiting. Instead we admired the views of the ocean and a few other small fishing boats and tall ships. It was hot and sunny, but it didn’t feel so humid down by the water.
We took the long way back to our car, passing a beautiful wall mural.
We also passed by the three prominent churches in Lunenburg: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trinity United and St John’s Anglican Church.
It was then time to hit the road and head to our next destination, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site.
L
Lunenburg is beautiful and it looks like you had fabulous weather for your explorations. A very interesting post illustrated by terrific pictures, Linda. Thanks for the tour; I haven’t seen Lunenburg in a long time. Cheers.
Thanks so much for your kind words. Lunenburg is very charming and I loved all the colourful historic houses. Everything looked so well kept. We visited Nova Scotia during a heat wave, but it wasn’t too bad first thing in the morning. And being by the ocean helped a lot too.
This is the sister city of my hometown of Gloucester, Massachusetts. We still have family connections and hold annual dory races in our respective harbors. My great grandparents – on my non-Sicilian side were both born in Lunenburg. We are hoping for a Bluenose II visit in 2025.
It sounds like we need to make our way to Massachusetts and visit Gloucester! My husband actually used to work in Boston for a few years. While we explored a lot of the New England area, we’ve regrettably never went Gloucester. It’s neat that your family still holds annual dory races. Hopefully you’re able to see the Bluenose II next year. It was out to sea the day we were visiting Lunenburg. Cheers. Linda
It looks like a wonderful place to visit, Linda, especially for history buffs and sea lovers like myself! I love Lunenburgs picturesque waterfront, colourful houses, rustic lifestyle, and classic architecture. I’d love to sit on a patio with a dockside view and take in the view of sailboats, the local boat builders and fishermen at work. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Lunenburg is very charming. And it’s always lovely to be by the ocean. It was nice to just stroll along the waterfront and through the downtown and imagine what it would be like to live there. Thanks so much for reading. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Linda
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I love the colourful houses – your photos look like one could make a puzzle out of them. And give me the tranquility of a calm harbour — with the bonus of a cool breeze when it’s hot. Lovely churches, especially the last one.
You can’t help but get a pep in your step when wandering through the downtown and seeing all the cute colourful houses. Everything looked nicely manicured and well maintained around the city. The cool breeze was much appreciated. We were visiting during the middle of a heat wave which wasn’t ideal, especially since we stayed in a few of the Parks Canada roofed accommodations which didn’t have air conditioning!
So many familiar sights Linda. We have been there a few times when we visit family in N.S. The last time, we managed to set foot on the deck of the Bluenose, but, just missed the passenger cutoff for sailing. As it turns out, the winds were light that day and all who sailed on her sailed under motor power. Still… Thanks for sharing and glad your visit went well. Allan
I was a bit bummed that the Bluenose was out to sea the day we were visiting. But I have a feeling we’ll back in Nova Scotia at some point. It seems like a great place to travel to with little ones. Who knows maybe the timing will work out and we’ll get to tour the boat and take part in one of their harbour cruises. Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed the weekend and had a happy Thanksgiving. Linda
Beautiful 🤩 What a charming heritage spot. I loved Halifax, and of course the seafood, and am sorry to have missed visiting Lunenberg.
It’s too bad you missed out on Lunenberg. It’s such a beautiful town with a lot of colour and character. And if you loved Halifax, you would have loved Lunenberg too. We ended up visiting Halifax later on during our road trip and enjoyed our time there as well.
Wow, I love the colorful homes and amazing boats! Such a beautiful town. ❤️😊
Oh absolutely. Everything looked so clean, colourful and cheery. And it’s always so relaxing to be by the water.
Wonderful!
You bet! And there’s something nice to be said about being able to walk everywhere. Lunenburg is such a beautiful town.
Looks like a wonderful place to visit! I love the charming houses and all the character in the buildings.
Lunenburg is incredibly charming. And there’s always something nice about being by the water. Everything just feels so much more laid back and relaxing.
So pretty! I’ve always wanted to visit Lunenburg, looks so colourful!
The historic houses are so colourful and cheery. I was surprised at how well kept everything is. It’s definitely worth the stop if you’re ever visiting Halifax.
Lunenberg is a beautiful town and glad you got visit it during a prime time of the year. I love the colourful and charming homes and the activities by the water.
We also visited during August, six years prior to your visit when T was 3. We were stationed in Halifax and made it a daytrip to visit a colleague that had retired there. Her home was lovely and had a coach house.
The Bluenose is awesome and it was nice for T to see it in person then make the connection with it and what appears on the Canadian dime. The hubby has a Bluenose replace that well put up one day when our neverending renovation eventually wraps up!
There’s so many charming coastal towns in Nova Scotia. Lunenburg was one of my favourites. It’s too bad the Bluenose II was at sea the day we were visiting though. Glad to hear you guys were able to check it out. I have so much more of an appreciation for things that I’ve seen in person through our travels. It’s such an interesting way to learn more about history. Best of luck with your renovations and finishing them up!!
There was a neighbouring town we didn’t get to stop by, I think it was called Mahon Bay or something like that. Hoping you got to see it!
We stopped at Mahone Bay after visiting Peggy’s Cove later on our trip. It is very lovely. We didn’t stay long though as M was getting ready for a nap.
Enjoy the naps! I miss when T still naps. 😆
Oh gosh. Naps are always such a struggle. Sometimes I swear I spend more time trying to get her to nap than how long she’s actually asleep for. But it’s all worth it for a bit of down time for myself (or even a nap of my own)! How was T’s cross country meetup last Thursday?
I feel for you! I lucked out with T being a good napper and that’s why I miss them so much. 😆
The meet went well! He sadly didn’t make it to the next round as he needed to be Top 20. But he came in 40th, 20 seconds behind 20th so I think that’s pretty darn amazing considering the number of kids (top 40 from 4 quadrants) he raced against.
It’s wild to hear that the difference between the 20th and 40th place was only 20 seconds. It’s too bad he didn’t advance, but I’m sure it was still a memorable experience. And hey, there’s always next year!!
I had the great luck to stay in Lunenburg for a week years ago, a trade with a friend staying in my house in the Colorado mountains. There were concerts in an old school house, cute shops, and I took a ride on the Bluenose II. It was a good place to take some road trips from too. Enjoyed this post!
How lovely to have stayed in Lunenburg for an entire week. It’s such a charming town with a lot of character and colour. Agreed, it’s a great spot to take day trips from. It’s too bad the Bluenose II was away at sea the day we were visiting. I guess this means we’ll have to return someday.
I like the beautiful mural and churches. Looking forward to your next post.
The mural was such an unexpected surprise as we were walking to check out the three churches. I couldn’t resist getting closer to check it out and take a few pictures.
Isn’t Lunenburg one of the cutest most colourful little towns! We visited as well on our trip back east a few years ago. Unfortunately we didn’t see the Bluenose either 🙁
Oh absolutely!! I was pleasantly surprised at how many charming coastal towns there are in Nova Scotia. Sorry to hear that you missed out on the Bluenose too.
I must add Lunenburg to our itinerary when we visit Nova Scotia; it looks very charming!
Oh absolutely, especially since it’s not too far from Halifax so it would make a great day trip. There’s a lot of really cute coastal towns in this area.
Looks so a beatiful place, must be a great experience.
Thank’s for shareLinda, have a wonderful day!
Keep well.
For sure. It’s a very charming town. It was nice to just wander through the downtown and along the waterfront. Thanks so much for reading. Enjoy the rest of the week. Linda
I also have fond memories of my visit to Lunenburg. The homogeneity of the 18th-century houses is remarkable, especially as many have remained in the family of the original builders for a long time. But the fishing economy has collapsed and many ports are struggling to find a new vocation.
Lunenburg is beautiful. I was impressed that many of the historic houses were so well-kept. It’s neat to hear that they remained in the family for so long. The fishing industry isn’t what it used to be. Hopefully tourism can help with some of the losses, but it does make you wonder what will happen to some of these smaller fishing villages.
What a pretty town! We didn’t make it here when we were in Nova Scotia, but I wish we had. I can’t believe so many of the original buildings still stand. That’s pretty amazing!
It’s too bad you weren’t able to visit Lunenburg as it’s such a charming coastal village. It’s impressive how old and well-kept many of the colourful historic houses are. And I loved how walkable it was along the waterfront and through the downtown.
Looks like a fairytale location! Love the colorful homes and I imagine the air is cool and refreshing. Enjoy and thank you so much for sharing!
It’s amazing how much difference it can make being by the water on a hot summer’s day! Lunenburg is full of so much charm, character and colour. It was lovely to just wander around and try to soak it all in. Thanks so much for reading.
I know what you mean! Water nourishes in every way! You’re very welcome. Happy to read about your experiences.
That it does! Water is life. And I can’t help but feel connected and drawn to it.
The waterfront looks so pretty with all the bright houses!
Oh I know. It’s a lovely spot to just wander around and enjoy the scenery and salty ocean breeze.
My wife and I love visiting Canada, but so far have never been east of Toronto/Niagra. Perhaps it is time we remedy that. Your photos testify of the beauty and history of the region. Great Scott!
Oh absolutely! The east coast of Canada is very charming and the people are so friendly. I’d highly recommend visiting!
It seems like we found another place to explore. We have been to Maine but not that far north. Thanks for sharing the post!
Nova Scotia is very charming. There’s so many picturesque lighthouses and fishing villages. And the people are so friendly. You’d love it there. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. Linda
Lunenburg looks delightful! I love the colourful historic buildings, they’re beautiful and have so much character. The churches are lovely, too.
Many of the historic houses were built in the 18th century. I was impressed at how well-kept they were. It was lovely to just wander around and enjoy the scenery and architecture. It’s too bad the churches were closed when we visited though.
It’s always a pleasure visit your blog Linda. Keep enjoying those amazing places. Keep well and blessings for you and yours. Have a great day with the weekend so close.
Thanks so much Elvira! I’m glad it’s finally Friday! Have a wonderful weekend. We’re hoping to do some hiking to enjoy the fall colours while we can.
It’s a pleasure visit your blog Linda.
Sounds a wonderful idea another hiking, enjoy and take care. I think fall is an awesome time.
Have an awesome weekend!
It’s my favourite time of the year. We really lucked out with the weather. It’s been warm and sunny. Hope you’re enjoying the weekend as well.
That’s sounds great Linda.
Keeps enjoying the weather, thanks for share it Linda. Have a wonderful weekend as well.
The houses are so colourful – it looks like such a wonderful town. Lots of character and charm.
It’s a lovely little town with so much personality. I was impressed at how well-kept many of the historic houses were. Going for a walk along the waterfront was a great way to start our day (and our road trip)!
I visited Lunenburg years ago and absolutely loved it. All the colorful houses there along the water were so beautiful. What a delight to visit again with your post 🙂
Thanks for your kind words. Glad to hear you’ve been to Lunenburg too. It’s such a beautiful town. I’m glad we had such nice weather to wander around and enjoy the colourful scenery.
Looks like a nice little town. I love the sailing boat absolutely gorgeous 🥰.
You can’t help but feel cheery around all those colourful houses. Plus it was nice to be down by the water.
What a cute little seaside town! I like all the crisp color on the houses, churches, mural, and the blue sea.
It’s amazing how many of the historic houses are from the 18th century. They’ve been so well-maintained throughout the years. It was nice to just wander around and enjoy all the colour and coastal scenery.
Oh my. When can I leave? This looks amazing!
Lunenburg is very picturesque and charming. We had a wonderful time wandering around and admiring the colourful architecture and coastal scenery. There’s always something so relaxing about being by the water.
I’m so glad you had this marvelous experience.
It was a great introduction to Nova Scotia and the start of our road trip.
I hope to make it there someday. I have wanted to go to that part of Canada since I first began reading L.M. Montgomery when I was young.
Oh my gosh, you would absolutely love it in the Maritimes then, especially in Price Edward Island. You can see L.M Montgomery’s birthplace and grave site, the Green Gables house, and other sites featured in her books.
That sounds amazing. How many days do you recommend for PEI?
PEI may be small, but it sure packs a punch and there’s so much to see. I would say at least a week. We were only there for a few days, which wasn’t nearly enough time. We’d love to return someday.
Very good! A week sounds fair. I can hardly wait to see it!
I’ve always heard Nova Scotia was a beautiful place. Charming building here are a nice start. I’ll be interested in seeing what else you find.
Nova Scotia is very lovely. There are lots of colourful fishing villages, charming lighthouses and scenic coastal views. And the people are so friendly. We had a wonderful time.
There is sometime undeniably special about Lunenburg. So close to Halifax, yet with its own vibe. I truly enjoed it. Thanks for the great memories.
Oh I know! It’s very cute and charming. It was a lovely way to start our trip to Nova Scotia and it set the bar pretty high!
We biked across Nova Scotia over 25 yrs. ago. Loved Lunenberg and of course, its charm has drawn a ton of tourists.
I love how the landscape in Nova Scotia is so different in the south compared to the highlands in the north. Sounds like an incredible trip to bike across the province and enjoy the scenery. There’s no shortage of cute and charming coastal towns. Lunenberg was one of our favourites.
We were cycling in June which became very and humid on many days. Still, East Coast is wonderful…and so different from West Coast, also wonderful.
Oh I know! The humidity is always tough. I’m sure it was nice to be by the coastline though. I can almost smell the salty breeze.
That mural is beautiful!!!! I’ve been seeing a lot more of murals, even in my small town, lately. It makes me so happy to see artists brightening up the town. I love the bright colors in Lunenburg. When we went to Curacao, the houses were colorful like those houses. They’re so vibrant!
The mural was such a fun surprise as we were wandering around Lunenburg. It adds a bit more colour and character to an already cute town. It’s funny that you mention Curacao as we actually just came back from holidays there last weekend!
Really ?! Isn’t it beautiful?! We loved it
Same! One week wasn’t nearly enough time. I wish we could have stayed a few days longer.
It’s so hard when traveling, to finally go home. You want just one more day. It would be so fun to be a traveling journalist or something but I would struggle too much with not being settled anywhere. It would be awesome to slow down time on trips to make them last longer lol 😆 as goofy as that sounds. It would be nice
Oh I know. And even when you get that extra day, you just want another one! As much as I love travelling, I also enjoy having a home to return to as well. It’s nice to have that stability. I wish I could just slow down time in general! Life is going by way too fast!