Lunenburg, on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, is a UNESCO maritime gem worth a day trip if you’re in the area. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can enjoy the experiences of a bygone era and some fabulous regional ice cream, among other delights.
Located at the mouth of the LaHave River, it’s a National Historic District and winner of the Communities in Bloom most beautiful small town in Canada. I stopped by on my extended solo road trip through much of the United States, Mexico and Canada. Upon arrival, I was pleased to find a charming German and Swiss port town on the water with several blocks of shops and historic architecture you don’t see elsewhere in North America.
Lunenburg History
Aside from being a premier UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canada, the town’s harbor is still home to a fleet of working fishing boats and is a popular destination for recreational sailors and boaters.
German and Swiss settlers founded the town in 1753 after fleeing religious persecution in Europe. They designed it as a fishing and whaling village, and it quickly became a major center for the maritime industry. Today, it is known for its distinctive wooden architecture of houses, some of which date from the 18th century.
British, Swiss and German Heritage
In 1995, UNESCO recognized Lunenburg as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value. The town is an excellent example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Its well-preserved architecture, maritime heritage, and unique cultural landscape make it a popular place to visit.
The town’s homes, shops, and churches are all built in a blend of British, German, and Swiss architecture, giving Lunenburg a unique and charming atmosphere. There are also several museums and historical sites which offer visitors a glimpse into its rich history.
6 things you can do in Lunenburg
1 Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
This museum highlights the history of fishing and the Lunenburg and Nova Scotia maritime industries. It has a variety of exhibits, including a replica of a fishing schooner, a working boatyard, and a gallery of marine art.
2 Spend time on the Waterfront
Lunenburg’s waterfront is a beautiful place to take a stroll. You can admire the town’s colorful houses, watch the fishing boats come and go, and enjoy the views of the harbor. You’ll even find old-world craftsman handcrafting boats along the shoreline with hand tools.
If walking doesn’t sound appealing, rent a horse and buggy with a guide to show you around.
Fun Fact: “Moon Mist” ice cream is regional to the area and popular in several Atlantic Canadian provinces, including Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. Local dairy producers create it by combining banana, grape and bubble gum flavors not fully blended. It didn’t sound appealing to me, but I tried it anyway and was shocked by good it is!
3 Take a boat trip to see the town from the water
While on the waterfront, you can tour the Lunenburg Harbor. Several companies offer boat tours and it’s a great way to see the town from a different perspective and learn more about its maritime history.
See the Bluenose II: This is a replica of the famous racing schooner Bluenose, which was built in Lunenburg in 1921. The Bluenose II is a National Historic Site of Canada, and it is a popular tourist attraction.
4 Visit the Lunenburg Academy of Music
This academy (LAMP) is home to several talented musicians who perform regularly at the school and in town. The faculty includes world-respected musicians, and students come from around the globe. You can catch a concert by simply taking a tour of the building. You can’t miss the ornate red-roofed building high up on a hill. Be forewarned, the building is included on nighttime tours of haunted places.
5 Go to the Lunenburg Farmers’ Market
Every Thursday morning, this market features fresh produce, local crafts, and other goods. It’s a great place to find souvenirs and gifts.
- May to December it’s in the Lunenburg Arena (19 Green St.) from 8am – 12 pm
- January to April it’s at the Lunenburg Community Centre (15 Green St.) 8:30 am – 12 pm
6 Admire the Architecture
Walking down the town’s main street and taking in the various colors and architectural details makes for an inspiring afternoon, but there are few stops to take note of:
- St. John’s Anglican Church is a large, black-and-white wooden Carpenter Gothic-style church in the heart of Lunenburg. Built in 1754, it is the second oldest Protestant church in Canada, after Christ Church Cathedral in Halifax.
- St. Norbert’s Roman Catholic Church is a simple white building with a bell tower. Built in 1840, it’s the oldest Roman Catholic church in Lunenburg.
- The homes and buildings blend British, German, and Swiss architecture. The colorful multi-story wood structures feature gingerbread trim and turrets, wooden shingles, and gabled roofs.
Places to Eat in Lunenburg
There are several small cafes and coffee shops around town as well as a few full restaurants to enjoy a meal, which offer a variety of cuisines; however, you should expect a lot of fresh seafood:
- The Half Shell Oysters & Seafood: This casual restaurant is on the waterfront and offers stunning harbor views. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including oysters, lobster, and fish tacos. (Open seasonally)
- The Knot Pub: This traditional English features fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. (Closed Sun/Mon)
- The Old Fish Factory Restaurant & Shipwright Brewing Company Wharfside: It’s inside a former fish factory. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, pizza and craft beer.
Lunenburg is a beautiful and historic town that is well worth a visit. Whether you are interested in its maritime heritage, unique architecture, or small businesses, you will surely have a unique experience.
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