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If you only have one day to spare on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, make it count with a visit to Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. These two charming seaside towns are just 15 minutes apart and can easily be explored together in a single day.
Between colourful facades of heritage buildings, bustling waterfronts, historic architecture, quirky attractions, and local artisans and boutique shops, this stretch of coast blends maritime heritage with modern creativity.
Lunenburg
Having explored Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and the surrounding area on our Nova Scotia road trip, I can confidently say: this is a day you’ll be talking about long after your trip ends.
You may visit Lunenburg and Mahone Bay as part of a longer Lighthouse Shore road trip (in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia), or on a day trip from Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital. Here is how we recommend you spend a day in Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
Are Lunenburg and Mahone Bay worth visiting?
BernArt Maze
Both Lunenburg and Mahone Bay are small enough to explore in a relaxing day, as they are small in size and easily walkable, as well as being within a short drive of each other. Despite being small, each offers its own character.
- Lunenburg: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its colorful waterfront, shipbuilding legacy, and the Bluenose II schooner (you’ll recognize it from the Canadian dime!).
- Mahone Bay: A smaller, artsy community, most famous for its postcard-worthy row of three churches on the harbor and its abundance of boutique shops and artisan studios.
24 hour Lunenburg and Mahone Bay itinerary
We recommend starting the morning in Lunenburg—the light shines on the harbor front buildings, illuminating their colours, so for photographers this is the best time for the photos.
The 10am walking tour in Lunenburg is a fantastic orientation, and gives you tips for what to do in both towns after the tour. End the day in Mahone Bay, which requires less time but offers plenty of charm.
See below for more planning tips on fitting them both into one day. It all depends on your available schedules and interests as to which town you do first … or if you want to spend an entire day in one, stay overnight, and a morning in the other. We’ll give you plenty of options later in this guide for if you want to stay longer and know what to do.
Stop 1: Mahone Bay Churches Viewpoint
View of three churches
Before heading into Lunenburg, make a quick stop at the roadside viewpoint on Oakland Rd (pinned on our map below) looking across to Mahone Bay’s three iconic churches standing side by side.
In the early morning, the sun lights them perfectly, making this one of Nova Scotia’s most photographed scenes.
What are the three churches?
The three churches symbolize the religious diversity and harmony of the area’s early settlers. Over the years, they’ve stood as community anchors, surviving storms and fires, and continue to host active congregations. Together, they’ve become a powerful visual emblem of Mahone Bay’s identity, representing faith, resilience, and unity.
- St. James’ Anglican Church (1867) – Famous for its Gothic Revival spire, it’s often the most recognizable silhouette in photos.
- St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (1869) – A reminder of the town’s German heritage; Mahone Bay was founded in the mid-1700s by German, Swiss, and Montbéliardian settlers.
- Trinity United Church (1861) – With its simple yet elegant design, it represents the Protestant roots of the community.
Stop 2: Breakfast in Mahone Bay or Lunenberg
Eli & Trix, Mahone Bay
For breakfast, you can either eat in Mahone Bay on the way down to Lunenburg or start your day with fuel in Lunenburg like we did. I had noted the following options in Mahone Bay for breakfast, though we didn’t eat there. These places come highly recommended:
- Eli & Trix – For bagels, breakfast sandwiches, huevos rancheros and big breakfast plates!
- The Hungry Traveler – home cooked meals including eggs Benedict, breakfast bowls, omelets, French toast and breakfast sandwiches.
Coffee No 9 Lunenberg
There are a few breakfast spots and bakeries in Lunenburg – many didn’t open until later, so we went to:
- No. 9 Coffeehouse for coffee and pastries. They only had one gluten free item that was too sweet for my morning meal, so I settled for a good cup of coffee. It’s popular and so can get cramped as seating areas, though cute, are small.
- The other option we later discovered is another cozy Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters with more seating area. They also have pastries and delicious coffee. I would say this is the pick!
Stop 3: Stroll the Historic Lunenburg Waterfront
Lunenburg is one of those places that immediately captivates you. The colorful wooden buildings lining the waterfront, the salty air, and the constant hum of maritime activity make it feel like stepping back in time.
The next stop on this itinerary is a walking tour, but we recommend going for a walk around to admire the bright colours, vessels in the dock, and view of Lunenburg coming alive in the morning. 10am is when the crowds arrive – so before then, you can wander the historic waterfront to soak in the atmosphere and take photos.
When we visited, the Bluenose II was docked, and we got to watch the crew preparing her for a sail. Built in the summer months of 1963 as a replica of the original undefeated racing schooner, she remains a proud symbol of Nova Scotia’s shipbuilding heritage. If you’re lucky, you can even book a two-hour harbor cruise (check the sailing schedule online).
Stop 4: Take the Lunenburg Walking Tour
We always recommend starting with a walking tour in a historic town as it tells the stories behind the streets and helps you decide what else to explore. The 90-minute Essential Lunenburg tour with Lunenburg Walking Tours leaves every morning at 10am and is an informative and enjoyable way to get to know the area.
Our guide, Colin, a former teacher, kept us laughing with witty commentary while weaving in fascinating local history. We learned about the Mi’kmaq people who originally inhabited the land, the German and Swiss immigrants who founded the town in 1753, and the rum-running past that gave Lunenburg much of its colorful character.
Fisherman’s Memorial
The tour winds past grand wooden churches, historic mansions, and ends at the Fishermen’s Memorial overlooking the harbor. It was the highlight of our visit.
The tour also runs at 2:30pm if you want to explore Lunenburg in the afternoon rather than the morning. You can read our full review of the Lunenburg Walking tour.
Stop 5: Lunch with a view
Lunenburg has no shortage of local restaurants. We grabbed a quick bite at South Shore Fish Shack on the outdoor deck overlooking the harbor. it was a great spot to eat at with lovely views.
Craig really enjoyed his fish and chips (Canada knows how to make quality food) and I loved my poutine. Let’s face it, you haven’t been to Canada if you haven’t eaten it at least once. I’m grateful that with their limited gluten free options, poutine was one of them.
Other great recommendations include:
Stop 6: Ironworks Distillery
Ironworks Distillery
Housed in a former marine blacksmith’s shop that once forged ironworks for the shipbuilding trade, Ironworks Distillery blends Lunenburg’s history with modern craftsmanship.
This boutique micro-distillery is known for creating small-batch spirits from local ingredients—vodka made from Annapolis Valley apples, fruit liqueurs sourced from nearby farms, and rum distilled straight from Crosby’s molasses. One of their most unique creations is the Pear-eau-de-vie, bottled with a whole pear grown inside.
We sampled a few of their award-winners: the rich Bluenose Rum, with notes of dark caramel and spice; the smooth Heart Iron single malt whisky; and a surprisingly refreshing blackberry gin.
Visitors can stop in for complimentary tastings, pick up a bottle to take home, or, if time allows, join a guided tour of the distillery to learn more about the process. It’s a small but fascinating stop—and a must for anyone who loves craft spirits with a story.
Alternative: Lightship Brewery
Lightship Brewery
One of our favorite stops was Lightship Brewery, with its sweeping views back across the harbor. The outdoor patio is spacious, and the atmosphere is relaxed. They brew a wide variety of craft brews, including delicious peach seltzer, which is no easy thing to do.
They also have Barnhouse Coffee on site and Boathouse Bites with delicious looking woodfire pizza, handhelds, poutine and several gluten free options. In hindsight, this would have been the perfect lunch spot to soak up the views.
Lightship often has live music so check the schedule. Sadly, we ran out of time – another reason to stay the night here (see planning tips below).
Optional Side Trip: Blue Rocks
If you have time, a six-minute drive away is Blue Rocks, often called “Lunenburg’s answer to Peggy’s Cove.” It’s a working fishing village with striking slate rocks and one of the most photographed shacks in Nova Scotia. Kayaking tours here are a great way to see the coastline.
Stop 7: Drive to Mahone Bay
Mahone Bay main street
After soaking up Lunenburg, head 15 minutes down the road to Mahone Bay. With fewer than 1,000 residents, it’s a small town with big charm, and its arts scene shines through in every gallery and shop.
Stop 8: BernArt Maze
So fun!
If you love quirky, creative attractions, the BernArt Maze is an absolute must. Part outdoor art gallery, part labyrinth, it winds for nearly a kilometre through colourful mosaics, sculptures, and murals crafted by artists from around the world. For us, it was one of those unexpected gems that makes you stop and marvel at human imagination.
Every turn revealed something new: towering sculptures you walk beneath, a shark’s jaws bursting from a wall, a cave painted with handprints reminiscent of Aboriginal rock art, inspiring quotes tucked into corners, shimmering mosaic maps, playful trolls, and whimsical hanging pieces that swayed in the breeze.
We found ourselves criss-crossing with another couple, calling out discoveries to one another so we wouldn’t miss anything. The experience felt like part treasure hunt, part art walk, and part joyful reminder of creativity’s power to surprise.
And don’t rush off once you’ve “solved” the maze—there’s just as much to enjoy in the outdoor gallery beyond the paths, where more sculptures and mosaics are waiting to be explored. Opening hours are 10am – 4pm, so plan carefully.
Stop 9: Faerie Garden Trails
We stumbled upon the Faerie Garden Trails right by where we parked—and were instantly enchanted. Set among Mahone Bay’s natural trails and green spaces, the faerie installations are made with care and creativity, using sustainable and repurposed materials wherever possible.
Tiny, handcrafted fairy houses, whimsical displays, and hidden notes inside a small forest make this a magical stop, especially for families with kids (though I’ll admit, we adults loved it too!).
Rumor has it if you leave a note for the faeries they sometimes write back. Better book your return trip to Mahone Bay so you can read their reply!
Stop 10: Explore the shops, galleries, and artisan studios
Amos Pewter
Mahone Bay is perfect for wandering in and out of shops. A few highlights:
- Cosmic Hippie Boutique – A colorful, personality-filled boutique where I found several unique clothing pieces, colorful wraps, muslins, and little treasures. I could have bought several clothes from here.
- Amos Pewter – Don’t miss this. You can watch artisans casting molten pewter into molds, then finishing it by hand. We watched a lady making Jewish stars. She took the time to explain to us step by step how it was made. It fascinated me – or as my kids would say – it was very satisfying to watch. So much so that I bought a pewter butterfly ornament for our Christmas tree, a tradition I love as each piece brings back travel memories as my daughters, and I hang them.
- Local galleries – Pottery, textiles, woodworking, and more reflect the town’s artistic heart. Support local talent and find one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself or loved ones.
Stop 11: Coffee or tea break
If you’re flagging, stop at:
- The Barn Coffee & Social House – Located in a restored barn, it serves exceptional ethically sourced coffee, pastries, and local products. Relax into a comfy chair as you refuel for the rest of the day.
- The Tea Brewery (Spill the tea) – Loose-leaf artisan tea lovers will appreciate the Tea Brewery. Their mission is to link highly skilled tea artisans, superior quality ingredients and gentle, small-batch processing to deliver a sensual feast of flavor, aroma and visual delight.
Stop 12: Dinner (Optional if you stay late)
We had to move on to Wolfville for the night, but if you can linger, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg both offer great dinner options:
- Rebecca’s Restaurant (Mahone Bay) – Waterfront dining with rave reviews for seafood and home-cooked local dishes.
- Mug & Anchor Pub (Mahone Bay) – Classic English-style pub with a patio overlooking the harbor.
- Saltbox Brewing Company (Mahone Bay) – A lively taproom with craft beers, cider, and a great beer garden (but not by the water).
Tips for planning your day
View from Lightship Brewery
- Timing: Start in Lunenburg for the morning walking tour (10am) and best lighting for photos. Head to Mahone Bay after lunch. I felt spending half a day in Mahone Bay was plenty. I could have spent longer in Lunenburg – a whole day would be relaxed and satisfying.
- Driving Distance: The two towns are just 15 minutes apart, about an hour from Halifax.
- Staying Overnight: We stayed at Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre (30 minutes away), but in hindsight, we would have preferred staying in Lunenburg to maximize time in town. Oak Island was a pretty resort on the lake, was relaxing, with good food and a bar with live music.
- Events & Festivals: Mahone Bay hosts unique festivals throughout the year, so check the schedule—you might catch something special.
Getting there
Lunenburg harbour
Lunenburg and Mahone Bay are located on Nova Scotia’s scenic South Shore, about an hour’s drive southwest of Halifax along Highway 103. The drive itself is part of the experience, winding past coastal inlets, small fishing villages, and forested backroads.
Many visitors choose to rent a car for flexibility, but you can also find day tours from Halifax that combine both towns with stops at Peggy’s Cove or Chester.
Parking in both Lunenburg and Mahone Bay is straightforward, with lots near the waterfronts and along side streets, making it easy to hop out and explore on foot. We typically always rent a car from Discovercars.com where we tend to find the best rates and availability.
Map of Lunenburg & Mahone Bay Day trip
Here is a map with all locations mentioned in this post pinned!
To use the map below, Click the top right button to open it in a full page. From there, click the top left drop down to make a copy of the map. Then you can adjust it as needed for your personal use. Or click the star next to the map, to add it to your Google Maps account. You’ll then find it under Your Places on the menu tab in google maps.
Best time to visit
UNESCO FRESCO Lunenburg
The best time to visit Lunenburg and Mahone Bay is between May and October, when the towns are lively, restaurants and attractions are fully open, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy walking tours and waterfront patios.
- Summer (July–August): Peak season, with warm days, bustling harbors, and a festive energy. Expect more crowds but also longer daylight hours—perfect for day trips.
- Fall (September–October): A favorite time for many travelers. The fall colors along the South Shore are spectacular, and Mahone Bay hosts its famous Scarecrow Festival, which brings hundreds of quirky scarecrow displays to town.
- Spring (May–June): Quieter, with blooming gardens and fewer tourists. Some smaller shops and attractions may open later in the season.
- Winter: While many businesses close or shorten hours, you’ll find peaceful streets, cozy cafés, and the occasional dusting of snow that makes the colorful buildings pop.
Whenever you go, check local events calendars—both towns host festivals, live music, and art shows that can add an extra layer of charm to your visit.
Where to stay in Lunenburg or Mahone Bay
Oak Island Resort
While you can easily visit Lunenburg and Mahone Bay on a day trip from Halifax, we found it’s worth staying overnight to soak up the atmosphere once the day-trippers leave.
We stayed about 30 minutes away at the Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, which was peaceful and pretty, but in hindsight, we would have preferred to stay in Lunenburg itself to enjoy more of the town’s charm in the evening. The resort has all the amenities you need with onsite dining, swimming pool, and sensational sunsets!
Lunenburg
- Smuggler’s Cove Inn – A boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town with harbour views and easy walking access to shops and restaurants.
- Rum Runner Inn – Bright, modern rooms right on the waterfront. Great if you want to wake up to colourful harbour views.
- Salt Shaker Deli Inn – Above one of Lunenburg’s most popular restaurants; cozy, casual, and perfectly located.
Mahone Bay
Nearby
- Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre – A larger resort with on-site dining, marina, and spa facilities. Good for those who want more amenities and don’t mind a short drive. Comes with gorgeous water views!
My tip: Stay in Lunenburg if you can. The evening glow over the colorful waterfront, plus the chance to dine and linger in its historic streets, makes the town even more magical once the tour buses are gone.
Final thoughts
Bern Art Maze
A day out in Lunenburg and Mahone Bay is one of the best experiences you can take in Nova Scotia. Lunenburg’s rich history and colorful streets blend seamlessly with Mahone Bay’s creative spirit and artisanal flair.
Together, they offer the perfect mix of culture, food, shopping, and scenery. It’s easy, it’s memorable, and it’s a day you’ll recommend to every traveler who asks what to do in Nova Scotia.
Read more from our Nova Scotia Road Trip
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