Lunenburg

Travel Guide

Lunenburg featuring a house
Lunenburg
Chester which includes a lake or waterhole and a small town or village
Lunenburg featuring street scenes and a house
Lunenburg showing signage

Hear tales of old sea voyages, see humpback whales, navigate waterways and appreciate the traditional architecture of this old port town.

Located on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg is a port town with a past that stretches back more than 250 years. Explore the history of the town's fishing industry, see historic architecture and embark on a whale-watching cruise.

Lunenburg was a British colonial settlement founded in the middle of the 18th century. During the following century, the coastal community became a major fishing center, which still flourishes today.

Learn about Lunenburg’s fishing heritage at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Browse exhibits and explore ships moored on the dockside. Step onto Canada’s oldest salt bank schooner and listen to retired fishermen and captains tell stories of their voyages. The museum also houses one of the most extensive aquariums on the east coast of Canada. Among the animals you will see here are eels, crabs and giant lobsters.

Walk into the center of town to see more of Lunenburg’s history. Look at the well-preserved old wooden buildings, some of which date back to the 18th century. Step inside Knaut-Rhuland House, built in 1793. The old wooden residence is now a museum dedicated to the early history of the town. See period furniture, Victorian artifacts and early 19th-century fireplace surroundings.

While you are in Lunenburg, spend some time on the water. Set sail for a maritime adventure by going on a boat cruise. From the deck of your vessel, enjoy the view of the town's brightly painted buildings and the lighthouse at the end of the breakwater. From June to October, head out to sea on a whale-watching tour and marvel at the pilot and humpback whales that pass by the area on their migration.

Lunenburg is approximately a 2-hour drive southwest of Halifax, where there is an international airport. Give yourself at least a few days to enjoy the town’s scenic beauty, history and waterways.

Where to stay in Lunenburg

After seeing a post card of Lunenburg, I had to take a stop in to see. This quiet little fishing community is just adorable and full of colour. There are loads of small shops to explore, great places to eat, and a photographer's dream.

Old Town Lunenburg

If you're spending some time in Old Town Lunenburg, Lunenburg Opera House and St John's Anglican Church are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Lunenburg
Smugglers Cove Inn

Smugglers Cove Inn

4 out of 5
139 Montague Street, Lunenburg, NS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$169 nightly
The price is $193 total per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
$193 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lunenburg. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (646 reviews)
"The hotel was very comfortable and quiet. The room was clean and the hotel as well. The owners were very nice and helpful. Located on the main road with many restaurants and shops. The harbour was a block away. The room was smallish but perfectly fine. The walls are a little thin so we could hear ..."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Smugglers Cove Inn
Atlantic View Motel and Cottages

Atlantic View Motel and Cottages

3 out of 5
230 Mason's Beach Road, RR#2, Lunenburg, NS
$152 nightly
The price is $174 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$174 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach motel in Lunenburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (474 reviews)
Very nice
"It's only a few minutes by car outside of town. Nice quiet setting with view of the sea. The WiFi was a bit sketchy. Most everything you need, but no other facilities, like a restaurant or clothes washers. Not a big deal."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Atlantic View Motel and Cottages
The Homeport Motel

The Homeport Motel

2 out of 5
167 Victoria Road, Lunenburg, NS
$142 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$162 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Lunenburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (408 reviews)
"The room was clean with lots of amenities! The bathroom was huge and clean. We would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

The Homeport Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Romantic Getaway w/ King Bed in Historic Lunenburg (Suite 4)

Romantic Getaway w/ King Bed in Historic Lunenburg (Suite 4)

Lunenburg
Stay at this apartment in Lunenburg. Popular attractions Pearl Theatre and Lunenburg Academy are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Wonderful studio top floor
"Wonderful studio, clean, comfortable bedOn 2nd floor (very quiet)Walkable to Lunenburg old town, restaurants & Bluenose marinaWalkable to Tim Hortons & Independent Grocery"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Romantic Getaway w/ King Bed in Historic Lunenburg (Suite 4)
Cozy Garden View Suite near Lunenburg Waterfront (Suite 6)

Cozy Garden View Suite near Lunenburg Waterfront (Suite 6)

Lunenburg
Stay at this apartment in Lunenburg. Popular attractions Pearl Theatre and Lunenburg Academy are located nearby.
Good
"It was fine. Issues with checkin"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Cozy Garden View Suite near Lunenburg Waterfront (Suite 6)
Lunenburg's Cupcake House

Lunenburg's Cupcake House

Lunenburg
Stay at this vacation home in Lunenburg. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Lunenburg Academy and St John's Anglican Church ...
Lunenburg's Cupcake House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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