Things to Do in Lunenburg

Seasonal upscale dining with award-winning chef Martin Ruiz Salvador creating elegant dishes from premium local ingredients. Features a summery atmosphere above Lunenburg Harbour perfect for intimate gatherings.

Direct harbour views with chef Martin Ruiz Salvador's expertise. Famous for smoked seafood chowder, fishcakes, hand-rolled thin crust pizzas, and signature lobster rolls on homemade bread.

Iconic Lunenburg landmark in a former fish processing plant with sweeping wharf-side ocean views. Seasonal operation (June-October) offering authentic Nova Scotian culinary experiences.

Popular year-round seafood restaurant with strong local following and waterfront location.

One of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1995). The town preserves 70% of its original 18th-19th century British colonial buildings with colorful architecture and original grid layout.

Located in historic red waterfront buildings that were once fish processing plants. Features three floors of exhibits including the famous Bluenose exhibit, International Fishermen's Cup displays, and the last salt bank schooner that fished from Lunenburg.

Sail on an exact replica of the famed racing schooner Bluenose, Canada's most famous ship. Experience the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of traditional sailing on this 2-hour harbour cruise.

Explore Nova Scotia's fishing heritage with working vessels and hands-on exhibits. Features actual fishing vessels you can board, including the Theresa E. Connor schooner and Cape Sable lightship.

Discover Lunenburg's UNESCO World Heritage architecture and stories. Guided tours of the colorful Old Town with its distinctive British colonial grid pattern and preserved 18th-century buildings.

Official merchandise for Nova Scotia's famous sailing ambassador. Proceeds support the ship's operations and preserve maritime heritage.

Textile artwork by internationally recognized artist Laurie Swim. Features one of Lunenburg's most striking historic buildings with works from notable Nova Scotian artists.

Lunenburg's go-to for Canadian-made housewares, paper goods and Atlantic-Canadian gifts on the main drag between the harbour and the churches — strong souvenir stop in the UNESCO Old Town.

Over 30 years of operation with expert local guides who bring the UNESCO World Heritage Site to life with captivating stories and folklore. Highlights 18th-century and Victorian architecture.

Sail aboard Canada's sailing ambassador, the iconic Grand Banks fishing schooner Bluenose II. Experience the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of traditional sailing on this 2-hour harbour cruise.

Combines walking tour, boat tour, and rum tasting in one comprehensive experience. Explore by foot and by boat, then enjoy local spirits for a complete cultural immersion.

Coastal hiking experience combining beach terrain and Acadian Forest, stunning Atlantic Ocean views, steep cliffs, and rocky peninsula. Well-marked with yellow markers and incredible ocean vistas.

Coastal route connecting Hirtle's Beach to Gaff Point. Family-friendly trail suitable for children, best experienced at low tide or over the hills. Bears and ticks present in the area.

Kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals with guided tours by canoe, kayak, or motor boat. Eco-tourism focused on environmental preservation and inclusive ocean experiences with local operators.

Nova Scotia's longest-running music festival and one of Canada's oldest. A small-town festival with a big reputation featuring intimate venues including 4 indoor spaces and 2 outdoor stages like the iconic Wharf Stage overlooking the harbor.

The 2026 Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival was held Sunday, August 2 at the Lunenburg War Memorial Arena, bringing together over 50 local artists and craftspeople. Held annually on the first Sunday of August — next edition August 2027.

Popular holiday craft festival featuring local artisans and seasonal celebrations in the heart of Lunenburg.

One of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing the best surviving example of British colonial urban planning with 70% original colonial buildings preserved.

Premier waterfront museum showcasing Nova Scotia's maritime heritage through wharf-side vessels, aquarium exhibits, and the famous Bluenose II schooner.

Replica of the world-famous racing and fishing schooner, serving as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador with tours and sailing experiences.

A 17-room inn at 139 Montague Street in UNESCO-listed Old Town Lunenburg, a block from the waterfront - king and two-double rooms, some with harbour views, and breakfast in the ground-floor dining room. Four-star rated, sampled around CA$169 nightly.