Endless Lobster Rolls And Fascinating Stories Await In Canada's Underrated Fishing Town

Canada, the "Great White North," is known for its incredible landscapes, from Rocky Mountain peaks to the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island and famous natural landmarks such as Lake Louise and Niagara Falls. In the land of hockey, maple syrup, poutine, and polar bears, it may not surprise you that the second-largest country in the world also boasts the longest coastline, with approximately 125,500 miles along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. This doesn't even include the hundreds of miles along Canada's extensive river system and its 2 million lakes.

The shores of Canada are dotted with adorable fishing communities, including the stand out Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Considered one of the most beautiful small towns in the world, colorful little Lunenburg has everything you want in a fishing village. With a historic waterfront, fresh seafood (hello lobster rolls!), a rich and eventful heritage, charming inns, and friendly people, this picturesque Canadian town is a hidden gem full of adventures.

Lunenburg, established in 1753 on land occupied by the Mi'kmaq First Nations group, as well as French Acadian settlers, was one of Nova Scotia's first British settlements. Now, the Old Town, which includes the historic waterfront, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved buildings and original layout. Many of the facades look just as they did when originally built in the 1800s, and with its plethora of old-fashioned vessels, roaming around the harbor feels like walking back in time. All of this combined makes Old Town Lunenburg worthy of your Canadian bucket list.

On a walking tour or just by exploring on your own, you'll discover some of this stunning town's long history. Lunenburg was once a settlement of Acadians and Mi'kmaq coexisting peacefully, before more European settlers arrived, which brought on a period of uprising, rebellion, and raids. From thriving years of fishing and shipbuilding to its rum-running operations during the American Prohibition Era, Lunenburg is now a shining example of a community dedicated to preserving history and creating a thriving present (and future). Each little corner of the town can tell a story, whether you're discovering local maritime history at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, visiting reputedly haunted inns, or cruising on an ancient ship.

When you've wandered Old Town Lunenburg from end to end and explored one of the most picturesque towns on the East Coast to your heart's content, stop for a lobster roll at one of the historic pubs. Then hop aboard the famous schooner, the Bluenose II, based on the original Bluenose, "Queen of the Atlantic," a Canadian icon featured on the 10-cent coin, for a ride around the harbor. Or, book a charter to fish the wildlife-rich waters, spot whales, or cruise into the sunset. The beauty of Nova Scotia is all around, and Lunenburg makes a quiet yet central base for discovering more of this pretty province.

Only an hour away from Nova Scotia's provincial capital, Halifax, Lunenburg is also within a day's drive from the famous Bay of Fundy and the scenic Cape Breton Island, both home to incredible national parks. Nova Scotia has over 100 historic lighthouses, including the famous Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, which is just over an hour from Lunenburg in the rural (and also adorable) town of the same name.