For a true glimpse of Canada’s maritime heritage, one needs to only travel about an hour away from the capital of Halifax and head to the Nova Scotia South Shore.
Tracing part of the scenic Lighthouse Route, there’s one pocket in particular that’s well worth the trip: the town of Lunenburg, and its pretty neighbour Mahone Bay.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
This post may contain affiliate links, which Globe Guide receives compensation for with each click or purchase at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Mahone Bay
Things to do in Mahone Bay Nova Scotia
While Lunenburg gets most of the attention thanks to its UNESCO Word Heritage Site designation, Mahone Bay also deserves a stop. Famous for its photogenic three churches along the shore, the town of less than one thousand people is charming in every sense of the word.
Filled with bed and breakfasts, cafes and waterfront restaurants, Mahone Bay is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. An easy stroll along the main street takes visitors along the waterfront, and past grand, historic homes with perfectly-manicured lawns which are beautiful in every season.
Mahone Bay is also known as an artist’s haven, where shops sell handmade quilts, home decor, ornaments and jewelry which make for great mementos to take back home.
Things to do in Lunenburg Nova Scotia
Boasting a seaside location and colourful town centre that earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, it’s no wonder old town Lunenburg is one of Nova Scotia’s most popular tourist spots.
A perfectly-preserved example of British colonial settlement, the town has long been known for its rum running and ship building heritage, as well as being home to the famous racing schooner The Bluenose which is featured on the Canadian dime. Sadly, the ship sunk off the coast of Haiti in 1946, but has since been replaced by the Bluenose II replica which can often be found docked in Lunenburg’s colourful harbour.
The Bluenose II on display in Halifax
Lunenburg’s waterfront
The port is the heart of the action, as the jumping off point for Lunenburg attractions like boating, sailing and whale watching excursions. It’s also home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic which has access to the working wharf, and guests can explore retired fishing schooners, see the aquarium and learn how to shuck a scallop.
Even those who don’t head into the museum can still learn about the area’s fishing heritage, thanks to the wharfside floating vessels. The skull of a fin whale is even on display, which quickly puts into perspective just how massive the mammals are.
The Lunenburg historic district
Lunenburg is only about four square kilometres, making it easy to continue exploring highlights of the historic town on foot—at least for those who don’t mind hills.
The narrow Montague, Pelham and Lincoln streets are lined with the bright facades of shops and restaurants, some affixed with plaques to designate heritage properties dating back over a century. The surrounding homes are also beautiful, combining a mix of grand Victorian houses with the Arts and Crafts style.
Ironworks Distillery
Another must-see spot in town is the Ironworks Distillery, which is Nova Scotia’s first micro-distillery. The operation is named after the building it’s housed in just a couple blocks from the shore: a marine blacksmith’s shop which once produced ironworks for the shipbuilding industry.
Ironworks Distillery
Today, Ironworks Distillery produces over 15 spirits including vodka, fruit liqueurs and their award-winning rum. All are distilled by hand and use only natural ingredients, such as Nova Scotia apples for their vodka and local Saskatoon berries, raspberries and blueberries for the sweet liqueurs. The company offers free tastings on site, making it the perfect place to cap off a day spent along the South Shore.
Insider tip: Drive along Tannery Road toward the golf course for the best view of the town.
Book a Lunenburg tour:
Restaurants in Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
When it comes to seafood the east coast doesn’t mess around, so be sure to stop by The Old Fish Factory which overlooks the wharf and is one of the best places to eat in Lunenburg. The restaurant is housed in a former fish processing plant next to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and serves up local beers and wine alongside full lobster dinners and their famous fish ’n chips.
In Mahone Bay, Jo-Ann’s Deli, Market and Bake Shop is the perfect place to prep for a picnic, and has been a cornerstone of the community for over 30 years. Grab a fresh dish from the deli like hearty lasagna or a lobster sandwich, then treat yourself by scooping up some fresh-baked cookies, muffins or even a delicious homemade pie.
How to get there: The drive from Halifax to Lunenburg only takes about one hour along Highway 103, and it’s worth taking some detours to see famous Nova Scotia sites like Peggys Cove along the way.
Top tip: En route to Mahone Bay, make a pit stop at Queensland Beach which is one of the most popular beaches on the South Shore. The sand is brilliantly white, and there are change rooms and washrooms on site.
Queensland Beach
Places to stay in Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
- Rum Runner Inn– This seaside spot in the heart of Old Town Lunenburg has great water views, and guests love waking up to the morning mist coming over the harbour. Be sure to request a balcony room to make the most of your stay. Click here to book
- Lunenburg Arms Hotel– A great choice right in the centre of town, with fantastic views overlooking the harbour which is just one block away. The well-appointed rooms are huge, and there is also a spa on site. Click here to book
- Smugglers Cove Inn– Perfectly located on Lunenburg’s cheerful waterfront, you’ll feel welcome at this well-maintained and friendly inn. It’s also pet-friendly! Click here to book
- Mahone Bed and Breakfast– This turn-of-the-century heritage home is so charming that many tourists stop to take pictures outside of its cheery exterior, and it’s just as cute inside! Even though it looks traditional, the B&B has modern updates like an elevator which makes it easy to drag luggage upstairs. Click here to book
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:
- 5 scenic stops along the Nova Scotia Lighthouse Route
- The ultimate Nova Scotia road trip: A one week itinerary
- 13 stunning spots on Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail worth stopping for
- Top 10 things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia: More than just a lighthouse
SHARE THE PINSPIRATION! CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO PIN:
OMG I’m in love!!! Definitely pinning this for later!!
Yay glad I could help, Lolo!
Such a beautiful maritime town, love the colorful buildings- reminds me of cute towns in Sweden, just an hour away from Stockholm but so different from the city.
So true!
What a cute place! i love the architecture and colour of the houses!
Lunenburg is picture perfect. Those colourful timber buildings are so charming. I’ve done the drive from Halifax to Lunenburg and can highly recommend it.
I haven’t spent any time in Nova Scotia or hear of Lunenburg which seems ridiculous to me now after seeing your photos! What a beautiful charming town AND a Unesco site, definitely putting it on the list.
Great to hear Annie!
I love the little buildings looks like a cute place to visit and those fish and chips look delicious yumyum.
The whale bone is huge in comparison to you imaging seeing one actually in the wild that close would be magnificent
Isn’t it amazing! I have to admit, I don’t think I’d want to meet one of those whales up close 🙂
What a picturesque town! I had wanted to stop here on our last trip to Nova Scotia but we only made it as far as Peggy’s Cove due to time constraints. Now you have reminded me again that I must go back. I definitely want to eat at the Old Fish Factory when we go.
Oh shoot too bad you didn’t make it there- just another reason to return to Nova Scotia 🙂
What a cute place! I had never heard of it before but now I hope to visit! And def stay in the Lunenburg Arms Hotel. That bath looked incredible!
I love quaint, colorful towns! This is so cute and I love that it’s easy to see the whole town on foot. After all that walking, I’m sure I could hop into that tub and relax for hours. I’m adding this to my list of places to go. The food looks yummy, the beach looks inviting, and the alcohol tasting seals the deal!
Hahah alcohol tasting for the win!
Looks like a lovely place to visit. So quaint and charming. I’d love all that fresh seafood, mmmmm!
The seafood in the area is AMAZING!
Hey were going to sydney novia scotia and would love to get a boat ride any one know where to go for this
Wow, what a magnificent place to visit this place looks awesome in pictures thanks for sharing!!
I may be a little late to this pin, but I love it ! We are planning a trip with our fur baby and I’m wondering if you had any troubles and tips with this intenerary travelling with a dog 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit Nova Scotia. I love the music from up there and love the ocean and it’s picturesque towns! I recently discovered my Grandmother on my fathers side was born in New Brunswick of Irish decent. Makes me wonder if I have ancestors from Nova Scotia. Now I know why I’ve had a lifelong love for the music.
The picture leading to this link, the one of the aqua lake with the wooden walkway, looks like it’s Plitvîce Lakes National Parks, in Croatia. It’s a World Heritage site and it is a series of lakes connected by multiple waterfalls.
The picture probably is of the lake in Croatia. I’m from Nova Scotia and there is no place in Nova Scotia like that picture. I feel that photo is rather misleading.
As the caption states, the photo was taken by myself on Queensland Beach and I can assure you no photoshop was required!
My husband and i went here on a motorcycle trip. It was amazing. I have never been so relaxed. Will make a return trip.
Sounds so fun!
Nova Scotia is my home. You have paid more than a fitting tribute both in pictures and in words. Makes me more proud to live here. Thanks!
Aww thank you so much, Fred! What a province!