Lunenburg

Perhaps one of the most iconic towns in Nova Scotia, Lunenburg is a beautiful fishing village located in Lunenburg County on the province's south shore. A significant tourist destination, the historic architecture is so remarkable that in 1995, Old Town Lunenburg was designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

The town is also noted as the birthplace of the Bluenose schooner, built there in 1921. During it's time it was unbeaten in racing competitions and was so celebrated that the Bluenose graces the Canadian dime and gave Nova Scotians their nickname, “Bluenosers.”

Lunenburg Waterfront

The Mi'kmaq called this area Aseedĭk and later Mirliguèche when it was home to both the Mi'kmaq and Acadians. British later destroyed this community and encouraged German and Swiss “foreign Protestant” immigrants to settle the area. The town grew with the thriving fishing industry and was founded in 1753 and incorporated in 1888 (Happy 130th birthday Lunenburg!). Today Lunenburg boasts a population of 2,263.

I visited Lunenburg on August 4th, and here's what I found:

Salt Shaker Deli

1. Selfie – Took a picture in front of the town's welcome sign in a park off Victoria Road.

2. Visitor’s Centre – Headed up the hill to Blockhouse Hill Road and checked out the town's Visitor's Centre located in a replica Blockhouse.

3. Museum – Checked out the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic on Bluenose Drive. This impressive three storey museum features several aquariums, a Bluenose display and artifacts depicting every aspect of the fishing industry in Nova Scotia.

4. Food – Went to Salt Shaker Deli on Montague Street where I enjoyed a meal of fishcakes (and a chocolate mousse for dessert!).

5. Drink – I stopped by Ironworks Distillery on Kempt Street, which produces a variety of flavoured liquors, and sampled their Blueberry Liquor (quite tasty!) while watching the Bluenose II come into port.

Ironworks Distillery

6. Public Space – Took a stroll by the Heritage Bandstand, located in a park near the town hall. The Bandstand hosts concerts every Sunday during the summer months.

7. Art – Found a few pieces around town, including a gorgeous whale mural on King Street.

8. Swag – Bought a Lunenburg magnet in the gift shop at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

When should you go? Check out Musique Royale (July & August), Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival (August) or Lunenburg Lit Festival (September 28th – September 29th).

A little bit of trivia: Lunenburg has its own distinct dialect, known as Lunenburg English, which draws its roots from New England English and German spoken by early settlers. You will also find signs around town in English, French and German.

Up next: This town is where Donald Sutherland got his start in media. Find out where on Sunday!