Our Recommendations for Lunenburg and Surrounding South Shore Area
Lunenburg Food Scene
The best restaurants to visit while in town, according to us!
A few steps away from our carriage house is by far in our opinion the best food in town! Chef-owned resto serving food from small farmers in the Lunenburg area. During the busy season a reservation is definitely recommended. Local dishes with a rotating menu depending on what is fresh in season. It is the place to visit when you are looking for a leisurely creative dining experience over one or many courses! Inside seating only.
8 locals recommend
Lincoln Street Food
200 Lincoln StA few steps away from our carriage house is by far in our opinion the best food in town! Chef-owned resto serving food from small farmers in the Lunenburg area. During the busy season a reservation is definitely recommended. Local dishes with a rotating menu depending on what is fresh in season. It is the place to visit when you are looking for a leisurely creative dining experience over one or many courses! Inside seating only.
So freaking delicious! Perfect for takeaway to a nearby waterfront picnic table and they also have a small eat in section and picnic tables outside. Our recommendation would be to start with the combo platter which is the perfect size for two to share. Why not try everything all at once! Mouthwatering pulled pork, brisket, jerk chicken, ribs, corn bread and mac and cheese!
Smoke pitt bbq
152 Bluenose DriveSo freaking delicious! Perfect for takeaway to a nearby waterfront picnic table and they also have a small eat in section and picnic tables outside. Our recommendation would be to start with the combo platter which is the perfect size for two to share. Why not try everything all at once! Mouthwatering pulled pork, brisket, jerk chicken, ribs, corn bread and mac and cheese!
This place is popular in the summer and for very good reason! It's open till late in the evening with limited all outdoor seating, great harbour views and very cool vibe. Everything is good here including the drinks. Do not leave without trying their Oyster Rockefeller!
22 locals recommend
The Half Shell Oysters & Seafood
108 Montague StThis place is popular in the summer and for very good reason! It's open till late in the evening with limited all outdoor seating, great harbour views and very cool vibe. Everything is good here including the drinks. Do not leave without trying their Oyster Rockefeller!
Highly recommend if you are looking for a place to have a really nice dinner out. The place is relaxed and offers upscale delicious food. There is inside and outside seating available and reservations are definitely recommended.
9 locals recommend
The Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar
128 Montague StHighly recommend if you are looking for a place to have a really nice dinner out. The place is relaxed and offers upscale delicious food. There is inside and outside seating available and reservations are definitely recommended.
The Dining Room at Bluenose Lodge offers a dinner menu as well as Sunday brunch. They offer indoor dining with an 80 seat capacity. The food is very good and definitely a good option close to old town. Also because it's off the beaten path just outside Old Town many visitors don't know about it so it can be a great option to try and get a table if all the other restaurants in town are fully booked.
Bluenose Lodge
10 Falkland StreetThe Dining Room at Bluenose Lodge offers a dinner menu as well as Sunday brunch. They offer indoor dining with an 80 seat capacity. The food is very good and definitely a good option close to old town. Also because it's off the beaten path just outside Old Town many visitors don't know about it so it can be a great option to try and get a table if all the other restaurants in town are fully booked.
When you see this food truck STOP! The best sushi bowls (think poke bowl). Usually always tuna, steak and veg options. Super fresh! Super delicious!
Shore Lunch Food Truck
When you see this food truck STOP! The best sushi bowls (think poke bowl). Usually always tuna, steak and veg options. Super fresh! Super delicious!
Casual, friendly atmosphere offering inside eating and outside patio as well as takeout. Here you will find something for most everyone. Our personal faves include the Pad Thai, Pork Tacos and wood fired thin crust Margherita Pizza.
50 locals recommend
Salt Shaker Deli
124 Montague StCasual, friendly atmosphere offering inside eating and outside patio as well as takeout. Here you will find something for most everyone. Our personal faves include the Pad Thai, Pork Tacos and wood fired thin crust Margherita Pizza.
Drinks & Nightlife
Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
Mahone Bay - Great vibe, great service, great local Indie beer, live music, food trucks and a large outdoor patio. Doesn't get much better.
33 locals recommend
Saltbox Brewery
363 Main StMahone Bay - Great vibe, great service, great local Indie beer, live music, food trucks and a large outdoor patio. Doesn't get much better.
Lunenburg - A comfy down home east coast pub where you will find everything you would expect in a local pub including friendly locals, friendly service and of course Karaoke night! Inside and outside seating available.
53 locals recommend
The Knot Pub
4 Dufferin StLunenburg - A comfy down home east coast pub where you will find everything you would expect in a local pub including friendly locals, friendly service and of course Karaoke night! Inside and outside seating available.
Lunenburg - Take out and limited inside and outside seating. The place right in old town to pick up some local brew so why not grab a growler to enjoy on the porch!
6 locals recommend
Shipwright Brewing Company
80 Montague StLunenburg - Take out and limited inside and outside seating. The place right in old town to pick up some local brew so why not grab a growler to enjoy on the porch!
Lunenburg - A brewery and tap room with the best view of Lunenburg and tons of outdoor seating! Also on site The Barn Coffee Shop and Boathouse Bites. Perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and a bevy right on the harbour. Not to be missed while in town! Just a short 10 min walk from old town in the direction towards the golf course. They also hold many events so be sure to check out their website https://lightshipbrewery.ca/
12 locals recommend
Lightship Brewery
93 Tannery RoadLunenburg - A brewery and tap room with the best view of Lunenburg and tons of outdoor seating! Also on site The Barn Coffee Shop and Boathouse Bites. Perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and a bevy right on the harbour. Not to be missed while in town! Just a short 10 min walk from old town in the direction towards the golf course. They also hold many events so be sure to check out their website https://lightshipbrewery.ca/
Lunenburg - The closest liquor store is just outside of old town (5 min drive or 15 min walk) located beside the Independent Grocer in the direction towards Bridgewater.
12 locals recommend
NSLC
143 Victoria RoadLunenburg - The closest liquor store is just outside of old town (5 min drive or 15 min walk) located beside the Independent Grocer in the direction towards Bridgewater.
Lunenburg - An intimate 22 seat tapas-style bar that accepts walk-ins only. This place has a great vibe and it's the perfect spot to go for drinks. Inside seating only.
6 locals recommend
Bar Salvador
125 Montague StreetLunenburg - An intimate 22 seat tapas-style bar that accepts walk-ins only. This place has a great vibe and it's the perfect spot to go for drinks. Inside seating only.
Sightseeing - Parks, Nature and Beauty
Be sure to check for ticks after hiking any trails in and around Lunenburg. You can also purchase AtlanTick Repellant from the pharmacy in town which some people find very helpful. Lunenburg region is a hot spot for ticks.
Flat, well groomed walking trail with tall forest surrounded by the LaHave River with many benches and beach areas to take in the views.
Miller Point Peace Park
13905 Nova Scotia Trunk 3Flat, well groomed walking trail with tall forest surrounded by the LaHave River with many benches and beach areas to take in the views.
Public art sculptures by Gillian Maradyn-Jowsey. Habitat sits halfway between Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, on the Bay to Bay Trail. The closest trailhead is at Schnares Crossing Rd in Martins Brook, 0.5km from the sculptures.
Riverbank Habitat
Bay to Bay TrailPublic art sculptures by Gillian Maradyn-Jowsey. Habitat sits halfway between Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, on the Bay to Bay Trail. The closest trailhead is at Schnares Crossing Rd in Martins Brook, 0.5km from the sculptures.
Hiking trail and one of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful beach and area in the south shore. Hirtles Beach, Gaff Point Trail, Kingsburg area is not to be missed!!! Gaff Point is a more challenging hike but well worth it if you can.
13 locals recommend
Gaff Point
Gaff Point TrailHiking trail and one of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful beach and area in the south shore. Hirtles Beach, Gaff Point Trail, Kingsburg area is not to be missed!!! Gaff Point is a more challenging hike but well worth it if you can.
Quiet spot close to town with beautiful views and rocky beach. Great place for a walk, picnic and exploring. After you visit the park if you continue down Second Peninsula Rd further you will come to a local sandy beach called Bachman's Beach. Both are truly special local places to visit.
6 locals recommend
Second Peninsula Provincial Park
781 Second Peninsula RdQuiet spot close to town with beautiful views and rocky beach. Great place for a walk, picnic and exploring. After you visit the park if you continue down Second Peninsula Rd further you will come to a local sandy beach called Bachman's Beach. Both are truly special local places to visit.
Garden Lots Salt Marsh Interpretive Site is a short 200 metre recreational trail with viewing platform and
interpretive panels. The salt marshes are beautiful and this area is great for bird watching. Access to the trail is located off of Battery Point Road which is maybe a 3 min drive from town heading in the direction of beautiful Blue Rocks which is not to be missed.
Garden Lots
Garden Lots Salt Marsh Interpretive Site is a short 200 metre recreational trail with viewing platform and
interpretive panels. The salt marshes are beautiful and this area is great for bird watching. Access to the trail is located off of Battery Point Road which is maybe a 3 min drive from town heading in the direction of beautiful Blue Rocks which is not to be missed.
Quaint fishing village with breath taking scenery. It's a beautiful 8 min drive from town. Along the way you can grab a bite to eat at the Blue Hog Studio and Gallery which offers delicious and affordable BBQ and seafood. Also in Blue Rocks there is The Point General offering local food and crafts where you will find coffee, ice cream, baked goods, lunch items, and made-for-you picnic baskets. Blue Rocks and neighboring Stonehurst are the places to go to take all your beautiful coastal pics. If you are interested you can also go paddling from here with Pleasant Paddling which we would highly recommend doing!
31 locals recommend
Blue Rocks
Quaint fishing village with breath taking scenery. It's a beautiful 8 min drive from town. Along the way you can grab a bite to eat at the Blue Hog Studio and Gallery which offers delicious and affordable BBQ and seafood. Also in Blue Rocks there is The Point General offering local food and crafts where you will find coffee, ice cream, baked goods, lunch items, and made-for-you picnic baskets. Blue Rocks and neighboring Stonehurst are the places to go to take all your beautiful coastal pics. If you are interested you can also go paddling from here with Pleasant Paddling which we would highly recommend doing!
From Lunenburg take the scenic route and cross the LaHave river on the cable ferry! When you get off the ferry stop in at the LaHave bakery and check out the artisan shops. From here there's so much to see! Head towards Petite Riviere and take in the art galleries and antique shops, visit Green Bay beach, Port Medway and Beach Meadows if you've got the time!
8 locals recommend
LaHave
From Lunenburg take the scenic route and cross the LaHave river on the cable ferry! When you get off the ferry stop in at the LaHave bakery and check out the artisan shops. From here there's so much to see! Head towards Petite Riviere and take in the art galleries and antique shops, visit Green Bay beach, Port Medway and Beach Meadows if you've got the time!
This park is a campground with a short cliff side trail and sea caves to explore. There is also an outdoor swimming pool if you are so inclined and a restaurant that has live music 5:00-7:30pm.
Side note: the park is privately owned and they charge a fee to enter which some people find too expensive. If you are only going for the restaurant you will not be charged the park fee.
44 locals recommend
Ovens Natural Park
326 Ovens RoadThis park is a campground with a short cliff side trail and sea caves to explore. There is also an outdoor swimming pool if you are so inclined and a restaurant that has live music 5:00-7:30pm.
Side note: the park is privately owned and they charge a fee to enter which some people find too expensive. If you are only going for the restaurant you will not be charged the park fee.
Shopping, Art and Day Spas
What can I say we love our little shop and hope you do too! We have a farrago of so many unique, Canadian, handcrafted gifts and keepsakes including jewelry, chic accessories, art prints, honest greeting cards, brash and cheeky fun and a fab selection of vintage and more!
Farrago
159 Lincoln StWhat can I say we love our little shop and hope you do too! We have a farrago of so many unique, Canadian, handcrafted gifts and keepsakes including jewelry, chic accessories, art prints, honest greeting cards, brash and cheeky fun and a fab selection of vintage and more!
A Unique Artists' Studio Featuring Artwork by Tom Alway & Peter Blaisbold where you will find original contemporary fine, fun and folk,acrylic paintings and cards and prints as well as pieces of art furniture.
8 locals recommend
Maritime Painted Saltbox Gallery
265 Petite Riviere RdA Unique Artists' Studio Featuring Artwork by Tom Alway & Peter Blaisbold where you will find original contemporary fine, fun and folk,acrylic paintings and cards and prints as well as pieces of art furniture.
Canada's first outdoor Art Maze! It is almost one-kilometre of paths where a surprise is waiting around every turn. Mosaics, 3D sculptures, murals and paintings decorate the walls, while free- standing sculptures made from cement and metal works stand throughout.
BernArt .... be aMAZEd!
1136 NS-325Canada's first outdoor Art Maze! It is almost one-kilometre of paths where a surprise is waiting around every turn. Mosaics, 3D sculptures, murals and paintings decorate the walls, while free- standing sculptures made from cement and metal works stand throughout.
Heavenly. You will need a reservation and they can be difficult to get but if you do you will not be disappointed.
39 locals recommend
SENSEA Nordic Spa
40 Sensëa RdHeavenly. You will need a reservation and they can be difficult to get but if you do you will not be disappointed.
Folkworks Studio Gallery @ 17 The Lane Blue Rocks - Folk Art created in Blue Rocks by Robert Danielis
Blue Rocks NS
3 The LaneFolkworks Studio Gallery @ 17 The Lane Blue Rocks - Folk Art created in Blue Rocks by Robert Danielis
Tours and Adventure
Blue Rocks is one of the most beautiful areas in the south shore to visit. Pleasant Paddling offers sea kayak tours, rentals, and lessons. This is a MUST do while you are here. Paddle to the seals!
19 locals recommend
Pleasant Paddling
245 The Point RdBlue Rocks is one of the most beautiful areas in the south shore to visit. Pleasant Paddling offers sea kayak tours, rentals, and lessons. This is a MUST do while you are here. Paddle to the seals!
Incredible kayaking and stand up paddle boarding tours in an incredibly beautiful area through the islands.
14 locals recommend
Cape LaHave Adventures
14 Bells Cove RdIncredible kayaking and stand up paddle boarding tours in an incredibly beautiful area through the islands.
Rental Bikes!
Rental Rates (KONA DEW)
Half Day $25.00 / Full Day $40.00
Weekly $200.00
Monthly $350.00
E-bikes $75.00 Full Day Only
6 locals recommend
LUNENBURG BIKE SHOP - Rhumb Line Bicycles
169 Montague StRental Bikes!
Rental Rates (KONA DEW)
Half Day $25.00 / Full Day $40.00
Weekly $200.00
Monthly $350.00
E-bikes $75.00 Full Day Only
The tour begins outside the Mariner King Inn (15 King Street). We had fun doing this tour!
Duration: 90 minutes
Time: 8:30pm daily
Availability: Jun - Oct
Price: $25
Haunted Lunenburg Tour
15 King StThe tour begins outside the Mariner King Inn (15 King Street). We had fun doing this tour!
Duration: 90 minutes
Time: 8:30pm daily
Availability: Jun - Oct
Price: $25
Sailing tours leave the harbor front daily and we recommend taking the sunset tour!
If you are interested in Fishing, Dive or Shark Charters those also depart from the harbor front with Lunenburg Ocean Adventures.
Also available to book from the harbor are Whale Watching Tours. We would suggest not booking one of these tours if you have your heart set on seeing a whale as there is almost 100% chance you will not see any. The best place to take a Whale Watching Tour from is Brier Island which is around 3.5 hrs from Lunenburg. Here is where all the whales are!
6 locals recommend
Star Charters
124 Bluenose DrSailing tours leave the harbor front daily and we recommend taking the sunset tour!
If you are interested in Fishing, Dive or Shark Charters those also depart from the harbor front with Lunenburg Ocean Adventures.
Also available to book from the harbor are Whale Watching Tours. We would suggest not booking one of these tours if you have your heart set on seeing a whale as there is almost 100% chance you will not see any. The best place to take a Whale Watching Tour from is Brier Island which is around 3.5 hrs from Lunenburg. Here is where all the whales are!
Mahone Bay Food Scene
Betties love wine. Betties love wood-fired pizza and small plates. Betties REALLY love wine.
If this sounds like you then you're a betty!
This place is very popular with locals so definitely recommend making a reservation. Inside seating and fabulous outside seating with a really great vibe!
Betty's at The Kitch
319 Main StreetBetties love wine. Betties love wood-fired pizza and small plates. Betties REALLY love wine.
If this sounds like you then you're a betty!
This place is very popular with locals so definitely recommend making a reservation. Inside seating and fabulous outside seating with a really great vibe!
Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, curated menus, gracious service and deliciousness. They offer inside and outside seating and takeout with a warm, down-home welcome.
25 locals recommend
MATEUS BISTRO
533 Main StLocally sourced, seasonal ingredients, curated menus, gracious service and deliciousness. They offer inside and outside seating and takeout with a warm, down-home welcome.
Delicious Hand Pies! Try the spicy pork pie. You will not be disappointed. Open for breakfast (yes pie for breakfast) and lunch. Lovely outdoor garden seating.
Famous Town Pie Shop
Delicious Hand Pies! Try the spicy pork pie. You will not be disappointed. Open for breakfast (yes pie for breakfast) and lunch. Lovely outdoor garden seating.
Indie Coffee! "We take our coffee very seriously"
Great coffee in Mahone Bay with a rustic and cozy welcoming atmosphere not to mention they carry the most delectable pastries from the Boulangerie La Vendéenne!
31 locals recommend
The Barn Coffee & Social House
458 Main StGreat coffee in Mahone Bay with a rustic and cozy welcoming atmosphere not to mention they carry the most delectable pastries from the Boulangerie La Vendéenne!
Hands down the BEST coffee in Lunenburg with melt in your mouth pastries! Absolutely lovely atmosphere inside and outside in their backyard garden.
18 locals recommend
No 9 Coffee Bar
135 Montague StHands down the BEST coffee in Lunenburg with melt in your mouth pastries! Absolutely lovely atmosphere inside and outside in their backyard garden.
The Barn Lunenburg
93 Tannery RoadTake in the best view of Lunenburg while drinking some premium coffee!
Eli + Trix
While in Mahone Bay this is a fab place to stop for yummy breakfast and a morning brew!