Why live in Lunenburg?

If a change in lifestyle has recently crossed your mind, we may have something that will interest you. When one considers all the vital ingredients that make somewhere a great place to live, Lunenburg’s shelves are abundantly stocked.

Perhaps you have imagined living in a peaceful place where the air is fresh, the climate is moderate and where all modern amenities exist and yet, Lunenburg is a place most desirable for what it doesn’t have. Here, the pace is relaxed, devoid of big city hassles; no garish neon signs or big box stores. You will not find ugly strip malls or rows of fast-food drive-through restaurants. Definitely lacking is oppressive traffic and the perpetual noise that invades too many of your waking moments. What Luneburg does have in abundance is living space filled with historic charm, great shops and restaurants, intriguing streetscapes and if that wasn’t enough, Lunenburg is graced by natural surroundings with layers of beauty that take one’s breath away.

Lunenburg is infused with a rich heritage, vibrant and humming with activity throughout the year and is a community of residents diverse in nature but united in a love for the Town and all its surroundings. Living in Lunenburg means you can walk to the post office, drug store, grocery store or your favourite restaurant. Our hospital is only a couple of minutes away from anywhere in town.

Lunenburg is steeped in art, music and culture. We have an active heritage society, book clubs, writing clubs, a museum that always exceeds expectations and a robust community of artists. We boast some of the finest restaurants in the Maritimes yet you will find that favourite little coffee shop or a pub to meet with friends and family. Art galleries are found on almost every street and live theatre or musical event is never far away.

There are festivals galore such as Folk Harbour Music Festival, The Summer Opera Festival, The Festival of Crafts, the Folk Art festival, Streetfest, a Lobster-fest, Newfie Days, Schooner Races and a magical Santa Claus Parade. Music Royale presents world famous classical musicians year round in the National Heritage St. John’s Anglican Church and the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival features folk, world, jazz and rock artists throughout the year but features the main event when the warm nights of August come around.

Recreation is never far away. We have tennis courts, a curling rink, bowling alley, swimming pool and a community centre overflowing with stimulating activities. We have a golf course with one of the finest views in the world (Lunenburg), hiking trails and a historic working waterfront which is gradually revealing its charms. Lunenburg has an active ship-building industry and of course was the home port of that historic and majestic schooner opposite the Queen on your dime, the Bluenose. These days it is the Bluenose II, which is being rebuilt this year. We are also home to the tall ship Picton Castle and we are a popular a port-of- call for many touring Tall Ships and recreational vessels.

Lunenburg has wonderful neighbours; Chester and Mahone Bay to the northeast and the larger Town of Bridgewater to the southwest. Chester and Mahone Bay are also small beautiful historic towns and Bridgewater is an active community 15-20 minutes away which contains the malls all the big shopping stores as well as a multiplex theatre. 

Lunenburg attracts thousands of visitors every year who consider our Town and surroundings to be a wonderful place to escape to. Why not make that escape a very long one? Did we mention that you might find a beautifully renovated historic home for perhaps a third of the cost in many parts of the country? Join us in historic, vibrant Lunenburg. We invite you to contact The Lunenburg Board of Trade for the enticing details.

“My goal was to live by the water but not have to drive to get my paper, milk and bread.”  Nancy Wilson

“My wife and I have lived in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.  We wanted affordable quality of life and Lunenburg has it.”  Mike and Janise Brouse

“An attraction was that Lunenburg was one of only two urban UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North America but we stayed because of the people and the year round activities.”  David Friendly

“My wife and I barely have time to go to all the events and friend’s invitations here unlike what we found in Delaware, New Jersey and New Mexico.”  Dave McCoy

Say Goodbye to Urban Woes!

When you're ready to give up your urban woes for a weekend of cool salty breezes, friendly hospitality, incredible scenery, and remarkable history, then follow the coastline to Lunenburg, "where streets are straight and the corners are square."

Only an hour's drive south of Halifax and before you know it, you're sitting on a wharf talking with an old salt who's spinning yarns of life at sea.

Read more: Say Goodbye to Urban Woes!