Colourful lunenburg

Day 1: That’s the spirit

Morning: Lunenburg is one of Nova Scotia’s most historic towns, drawing visitors to its colourful waterfront, narrow streets and old wooden buildings.

This charming town, lying on a narrow peninsula, was established by the British in 1753 as their first and only colonial settlement in Nova Scotia outside Halifax. Get orientated while gaining insights into the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site by joining a Lunenburg Walking Tours group. Stroll through town, discover historic buildings and learn all about the Lunenburg bump, an architectural feature where women reputedly waited for their husbands to return from sea.

afternoon: The Legends of Bluenose tour visits locations associated with the Bluenose, the sailing vessel depicted on Canadian coins.

See the shoreline during a harbour cruise aboard Bluenose II, a beautifully maintained replica of the famous racing schooner that won and retained the International Fishermen’s Trophy in the 1920s and 1930s.

Afterwards, view artefacts and information about the original boat at the waterfront Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic before heading to the nearby Big Boat Shed exhibition space. On the way, tour the Ironworks Distillery and sample craft spirits. evening: Hear about those other spirits and tales of hauntings, witches, and ghost sightings during a Haunted Lunenburg walking tour. Alternatively, tuck into locally landed seafood at the Salt Shaker Deli, Lincoln Street Food or one of the town’s other hospitable restaurants. A nightcap at The Knot Pub means an opportunity to chat with locals enjoying a beer or two.

Day 2: Fishing on the front

Morning: Step inside one of Canada’s oldest church buildings and attend a service at St John’s Anglican Church. Stars on the arched ceiling above the altar accurately depict the night sky over Lunenburg at Christmas 2022 years ago. The church is open for visits at other times.

The quietude at nearby Blue Rocks, a rustic fishing community long popular with artists and photographers, is also good for the soul. afternoon: Meet a member of the local fishing community during Seaweed Tours’ 90-minute Lobster Tales with a Fisherman tour.

Looking for fun? Lightship Brewery’s Party Bike tour tours the best maintained British colonial settlement in North America. Pedal for two hours through the grid first laid out in 1753, then rehydrate with a cider or beer. Alternatively, head straight to the taproom to appreciate views of Lunenburg’s waterfront. evening: Lunenburg is a lovely place to stroll before dinner. The warm evening light is ideal for photographing multicoloured exteriors on King Street –buildings collectively known as the UNESCO Fresco. That includes the Mariner King Inn, one of the B&Bs that dot the town.

Steps away, the Grand Banker Bar and Grill is an option for a leisurely dinner – and a good choice for Sunday brunch.