Things To Do in Lunenburg When You’re Not Writing Your Memoir
Excited about your memoir writing retreat with Allegra Houston in Lunenburg in May? So are we! That’s why we got you this quick guide to inspiring sights, tasty hotspots, and a few other things to do in Lunenburg during your free time.
Founded in 1753 and named after King George II of Great Britain and Ireland, then Duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, the town of Lunenburg was one of the first British attempts to settle protestants in Nova Scotia. A port town, it has retained its appearance since the 19th century and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
The Bluenose Lodge, where SPARKS FLY retreats is hosting Allegra’s memoir writing workshop, is a Victorian Gothic building originally built by William Morash in 1863 and transformed into a lodge in 1946. While not quite as old as the town itself, it was the first home in Lunenburg to have a “widow’s walk” — and who knows, you might see some ghosts, if not in the lodge’s windows, then certainly as you walk through town.
Where can I find a great coffee?
Nº 9 Coffee Bar
You’ll feel like you’ve been put under a spell when you taste one of the delicious pastries here. The coffee is pretty darn great too! A cozy space with outdoor and indoor seating and a choice of tables and comfy armchairs. And don’t worry if you’re vegan or gluten-free: this coffee bar has you covered with a few delicious treats.
Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters
This is the place to go for those serious about their coffee. A micro-brew roaster, “The Whale” serves up espresso, latte, and tea. You can even nibble on sweet and savory snacks while sipping a straight-up traditional cuppa. And why not grab a bag of their amazing organic and fair-trade coffee before you leave? Nothing like taking a little taste of Lunenburg back home!
Are there things to do in Lunenburg during the afternoon?
Take a Hike or Rent a Bike
There are amazing hiking trails utilizing the old Nova Scotia Rail system. For example, the Lunenburg Back Harbour Trail starts directly across the street from the Bluenose Lodge. It’s a 4-kilometer, or 2½-mile stretch on a fairly smooth path with small hills. Don’t forget your camera, because you will find gorgeous views. Or if you like to bike, you can take many of the trails by bike.
Visit the Bluenose II
You can look at the back of a Canadian dime, or 10-cent piece, as it’s still officially known, to see Artist Emanuel Hahn’s representation of the original Canadian schooner or catch the Bluenose II in person if it’s in port. While the Bluenose isn’t sailing until June, you can see it at the wharf while it’s being readied for the season.
Whale-watch
If you’ve never seen a whale live or in person, this is your chance. Even if you have, no experience is ever the same. Besides, fin, pilot, minke and humpback whales aren’t the only magnificent creatures you might see. There might be dolphins, ocean sunfish, and seals on your Nova Scotia Whale Watching tour.
Take a Tour
There are plenty of walking tours to discover a bit about the history of Lunenburg and to get to know the area a little better. You’ll see historical architecture and hear about town folklore on the Essential Lunenburg tour. Or if you enjoy a good story while finding hidden gems, take a Seaweed Tour on Nancy’s colourful coach to explore Lunenburg and the surrounding area. If you’re up to it, you can even take a carriage ride through town!
I’m tired of lobster, where can I eat something different?
Smoke Pitt BBQ
Seafood may be all around, but you can still get a good barbecue in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. In fact, you can get a pretty great one at this “next level” spot on the waterfront. Grab a seat at a picnic table, make sure you’ve got plenty of napkins and dig into racks of ribs, pulled pork, jerk chicken, burnt-end brisket and sides of beans, coleslaw and cornbread!
Bar Salvador
For anyone who wants a taste of Spain, this small and unimposing tapas bar serves up huge flavors including pan con tomate, chorizo and salt cod. With a 22-seat dining room, you might want to make a reservation if your party is larger than four. And if you want a snack, happy hour is from 4 and 6 from Thursday to Saturday.
What can I do for fun at night?
The Knot Pub
They say they’re “not just a pub, but an atmosphere” and one glance at the building, you definitely get that impression. It has a young vibe, unique sea-shanty-style atmosphere, and nautical décor. Just grab a few new friends for cold craft ale, plates of appetizers, and a few rounds of trivia on Wednesday night at 8:00.
The Lightship Brewing Company
Get the best craft beer and barrel-aged cider that the south shore has to offer, not to mention an incredible view from the outdoor patio. Relax at wooden bench tables. Snap a few photos as the sun sets over Lunenburg. Friday is wings night. If you’re lucky, you’ll even enjoy live music by local talent.
Where can I find a quiet place to write?
Lunenburg Public Library
If you really want to get in touch with the past, the Lunenburg Public Library is an amazing place to do it. It’s housed in a historic landmark survivor of Nova Scotia’s late 19th-century academic system of education. The Academy also houses a music school and a schoolroom museum. Why not soak in a bit of local history before finding that quiet, peaceful nook to put pen to paper?
Set yourself up in a park
Along with the earlier mentioned Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters, Lunenburg offers many wonderful coffee shops where you can write. But on a nice day, why not grab your notebook and get outside. There are benches overlooking Back Harbour and the Atlantic at Sawpit Park & Wharf and rustic picnic tables at Rous Brook Park Heritage Garden.
For even more things to do in and around Lunenburg, check out our list of additional things to do in Lunenburg near the end of the page for our Memoir Writing Workshop with Allegra Huston.
