hi folks,

Have you started to make plans for your 2022 Nova Scotia Holiday? I am here to help!

This issue will focus on the Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Chester areas. These communities are located along the beautiful South Shore and are part of the scenic Lighthouse Route.

I wasn’t able to visit everything but I hope I can entice you to explore this gorgeous part of Nova Scotia.

Lunenburg is one of the most historical towns in Nova Scotia. Founded in 1753 and made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 it has lots to offer all visitors.

Like many small communities in Nova Scotia, Lunenburg is meant for people who love to explore on foot. You can take as much time as you want and stroll around the downtown area located right on the waterfront. The beautiful architecture of Lunenburg will delight you.

If you are lucky the Bluenose II will be in her birth along the waterfront. Lunenburg is her homeport. The original Bluenose was built here and was launched from here in 1921. Bluenose II offers sails in Lunenburg harbour. It is a thrill to be aboard this beautiful vessel. You’ll get a chance to see the crew in action as they hoist the sails.

You can learn about the history of the original Bluenose and the Nova Scotia fishing way of life at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. This wonderful museum is also on the waterfront and is not far from the Bluenose. The Fisheries Museum has an impressive display of Bluenose artifacts including her racing trophies.

One important attraction along the waterfront not to miss is the Fishermen’s Memorial. A touching tribute to all those lost at sea.

This is a gorgeous community. Did you know there are about 100 islands in Mahone Bay? The waters of Mahone Bay are ideal for sailing so you’ll see lots of people sailing in this area. There are races through the spring, summer and fall at the local marina. Mahone Bay is also an easy place to discover on foot. There are plenty of shops to visit.

The Mug & Anchor Pub is an awesome spot with a harbour view patio.

The famous Three Churches in this little community are a photographer’s dream. Be sure to visit and get your pictures.

Chester

Another wonderful community located directly along the coast. Chester has been a sailing and boating community for years. It is home to Canada's largest Keel Boat Regatta every August. As Mahone Bay does, Chester hosts races throughout the spring, summer and fall.

The Fo'c'sle Pub is the oldest in Nova Scotia so is a must to visit when in Chester. It dates to 1764. I loved it!

Of special note is a pedestrian-only ferry that leaves Chester several times each day and travels to Big Tancook Island in Mahone Bay. A fascinating destination! If you are looking for a peaceful place to spend a day this might be it!

Check out a wonderful story written by one of her visitors.

This is another small place along the Lighthouse Route that is a must visit. It is less than 10 minutes from Lunenburg and has been attracting photographers and artists for many years. It is simply gorgeous. It has actually been called the “Little Peggy’s Cove” but without the crowds.

Do you like to cycle or hike? The Rum Runners trail is a 119km long hiking and cycling trail stretching from Halifax to Lunenburg. It was a rails-to-trails project and is a gem. You can basically hike or cycle from community to community. It has a full range of facilities and is very well maintained.

The Ovens Park is a great adventure exploring sea caves along the Atlantic Ocean coastline. There is a short hiking trail along the cliffs with several look-offs and viewing platforms. There are also sets of stairs that will take you down to the sea caves. I loved it there! The park is about 30 minutes from Lunenburg and is an awesome spot.

About 15 minutes from the Ovens is Hirtles beach and the Gaff Point hiking trail. This is a great coastal hiking trail. You’ll walk about 1.5km along the beach before you see the trail that leads you into the woods. The views of the ocean on this trail are exceptional. I loved this hike.

If you want something closer to Mahone Bay or Chester check out the Castle Rock trail. You actually hike to a huge rock that overlooks Mahone Bay and its many islands. There are 3 trails at Castle Rock that will lead you to this view. They vary in difficulty but all lead to the same view. A large map at the trailhead will show you the choices.

The first part of the Castle Rock trail is a section of the Rum Runners trail. The Chester Connection trail, part of Rum Runners, will lead you to the Castle Rock trail.

Spotlight on Lunenburg

Lunenburg has a vast assortment of accommodations for your Nova Scotia holiday. From a bed & breakfast, an inn, an apartment, a motel, a loft to quaint cottages. Many have views of the harbour and are in the middle of the town. This is a gorgeous spot for some vacation time.

Have a look through the Trip Advisor pages for Lunenburg and find what is right for you!

I am excited to announce that I have launched the Your Nova Scotia Holiday YouTube channel.

Check it out, please subscribe and comment on the videos. And share with your friends. I’ll be adding more videos on a regular basis.

For the moment, these are some of the videos on my channel:

Welcome Piper at the Nova Scotia Information Centre in Amherst

Crossing the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton

The Bluenose II sailing during the 2017 Tall Ships Parade of Sail in Halifax

The Gaff Point hiking trail

The Ovens Sea Caves

Blue Rocks

The Skyline hiking trail

I need your vacation stories!

Do you have a story about your Nova Scotia vacation? It doesn't need to be long or too detailed. Something short & sweet is good. Whatever you are comfortable with.

You will get your own page on the Your Nova Scotia Holiday website featuring your vacation story and your pictures. I'd love to hear from you. Send me an email. I look forward to hearing from many of you.

Nova Scotia e-books

Why not order a copy of my e-book: 44 Awesome Things on the Cabot Trail plus 14 awesome tips for along the way. This indispensable guide will give you a ton of information about what to see and do on your tour of the Cabot Trail.

Maybe you are planning to spend some time in Halifax and Cape Breton for your vacation? Check out my 2nd ebook:

Itineraries for 3 days in Halifax & 3 days in Cape Breton.

Both ebooks are great guides. They will certainly be useful to you during your Nova Scotia Holiday. You can get a special 'bundle' deal if you want to purchase both. Go to my website and check it out!

Nova Scotia Travel Map

Do you have a Nova Scotia travel map?

Call TOLL FREE 1-800-565-0000 and Nova Scotia tourism will send you one for FREE.

Find accommodations on Trip Advisor

Seriously, Trip Advisor is a great tool when planning a trip. I use it all the time and try to write reviews when I can.

Use this link Nova Scotia accommodations on Trip Advisor for your search and to make your accommodations booking. I earn a small commission with each reservation made via my site and this helps pay my expenses.

I would really appreciate it!! Cheers!!

Nova Scotia covid info

Don't forget to follow me on social media!

That's it for now. See you next month.

Best to everyone,

Ann Marie, Editor, Your Nova Scotia Holiday