A very popular and bustling fishing village in Nova Scotia filled with character and tourist buses. I spent an hour walking the town to see what one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Site in North America had to offer. Established in 1753 as a British colony the town still holds its initial layout and seventy percent of the buildings are still in tact, from the 18th and 19th centuries.
+Lunenburg
Bright houses and storefronts line the busy streets closest to the waterfront. You can find restaurants, coffee houses, and gift shops. 
Each dwelling seems to have some quirky little detail making it unique, walking around observing the buildings was one of the highlights of my time spent in town.
Even the streets have their own fish to decorate the corners so you can say to your friends, meet me on mackerel street.
Walk out to the docks of the lively waterfront where the industry that sustains the town sets off and you’re sure to see a gathering of dingys.
Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic [68 Bluenose Dr, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0, Canada] to learn about the heritage of fishermen in Nova Scotia. Or, you can check out their dockside displays for a quick and free lesson. You’ll find a whale harpoon gun,
whale skull, whale jawbone,
touch tank, vessels, and even a human sized lobster trap that you can climb your way into.
Consider signing up to be a deckhand for the day on the Bluenose II a replica of the fast and famous fishing schooner on the back of the Canadian dime, whose homeport is Lunenburg.
+Blue Rocks
A few quick minutes from town the world gets a lot quieter. Drive out on the Point Road until you reach the water and pull off to admire the geology.
The rocks are blue slate and they have interesting patterns, pockets, and stripes.
On a sunny day the bright blue water spectacularly contrasts with the yellow seaweed. Explore every tide pool. You can set out on the water and get a closer look at all of the islands by renting a kayak with Pleasant Paddling [245 The Point Rd, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0, Canada]. You might even see a seagull chasing a bald eagle.
Admire the little shacks in this sleepy fishing village that look like a bucolic painting.
One adorably tiny shop exists, The Point General [245 The Point Road Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia] which sells some local art, home goods, and snacks including made-for-you picnic baskets.
+Seaside Shanty, 5315 Hwy 3, Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0, Canada
Not in Lunenburg, but 20 minutes away gently tucked on the side of the road is a restaurant which had all of the local specialties I was interested in trying. Sit dockside, on the open air patio, or inside. I was so happy to order solomon gundy, which is marinated herring with sweet onions.
The fish was as fresh as can be and I enjoyed this local favorite. Fishcakes are another specialty in the region, they were made up of salt cod and lightly fried, served with fresh veggies and addictive baked beans.
Last but no least came the blueberry grunt, an Acadian dumpling dessert with wild berries, vanilla ice cream, and a heap of whipped cream.
If you are interested in eating dishes true to Nova Scotia tradition – this is your spot.
What different experiences those will be. I can’t wait to visit again, as well! Have a wonderful time.
We did a tour of Canada’s East Coast several years ago, on a motorcycle. Still one of my favourite trips. Hope to do it again soon, in the motor home this time. You’ve shown me lots that we missed.