October 12th
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
I like walking tours. I feel that I learn/see/experience a place better when I am more immersed and not just passing by in a bus. So when I spotted another walking tour option that mentioned a UNESCO site for our Halifax stop, I jumped right on it.
Silly me.
I had not realized that to get to our walking tour, we would need to take a two-hour bus ride 😦 The end result was that we did not see any of Halifax, other than brief glimpses through the bus window as we drove through. One such moment was passing by Fairview Cemetery where over 100 of the casualties from the Titanic are buried.
Titanic casualties are buried here. (Blurry shot from the bus)
This waterfront town has been called the “Fishing Capitol of the World”. Established in 1753, it is the oldest colonial settlement outside of Halifax.
“Old Town Lunenburg is one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Considered to be the best surviving planned British colonial town in North America” ~ NovaScotia.com
By the time we actually arrived in Lunenburg, I think most people were simply anxious to get off the bus and explore on their own as only a few of the 40ish passengers even stayed with our guide. The walking section of the tour lasted about 15 minutes.
The end result was that we had a couple of hours to wander around this well-preserved town on our own. This harbor specialized in ship building, fishing fleets, and home for the occasional pirate. It is also home port for the famous, Bluenose II schooner.
Bluenose II
The Bluenose II winters in her home port of Lunenburg
The Bluenose II is a “replica of her famous mother, the original Bluenose schooner that was launched in 1921 and raced undefeated in international competition for 17 years” ~ NovaScotia.com
One can not help but by charmed by the flagrant colors of the buildings, waterfront reflections, and historical church architecture.
Vibrant colored paint brings the original buildings to life
Well preserved moments in time
Another bit of trivia we learned is what they call a “Bump” on a house. This cantilevered addition was often built above the entry door expanding the square footage on the upper floor, but not increasing the initial building footprint which was what the local taxation was based upon.
An example of a “bump”
The St. John’s Anglican Church was hard to miss. Being founded in 1753 and crafted in the Carpenter Gothic style, it is the second oldest Protestant church in Canada. It is both a Provincial Heritage Property and a National Historic Site.
St. John’s Anglican Church
Sadly, this church was burned to the ground in 2001 and has been lovingly and accurately restored. A couple of points I found quite interesting include the stars behind the altar and the Vinegar Bible.
The 700 gold stars appear to be randomly placed in the chancel ceiling. However, Dr David Turner, Professor and Astronomer at Saint Mary’s University discovered that was not the case. It turns out that the placement depicts what would have been the Lunenburg sky back on December 24th, 1 BCE – the FIRST CHRISTMAS.
Note the stars on the ceiling, directly behind the cross
The beautiful King James “Vinegar Bible” was first printed in 1717. It got its name due to a printing error where it was supposed to state, “The Parable of the Vineyard”, but instead, is labeled “The Parable of the Vinegar”. I believe this is one of only seven copies known to still be in existence.
Note the heading, where it says “The parable of the vinegar”
We continued to walk the town and soak up the local ambiance.
Does anyone know what this fruit/berry/seed is? ***
*** UPDATE: I am so sad and frustrated. One of our readers kindly sent me a comment identifying this as a Magnolia tree based on the leaf. I did a bit of research and found that the Caerhays Belle Magnolia seed seems to be a pretty good match. However, I hit something (still don’t know what I did), and the comment got marked as spam and disappeared. I can’t find it to properly say thank you and give credit to the right person. My sincere appreciation for your help and an even bigger “I’m sorry”.
***A most sincere thank you to Simple Things Adventures for coming forward and letting us know that they were the mystery person to identify the Magnolia seed for us.
Another highlight of Lunenburg was the beautiful harbor.
Red reflections in the water
Another view of the waterfront
Mahone Bay
Back on the bus, we headed back toward Halifax with a brief stop scheduled in Mahone Bay. We had just missed seeing their annual Scarecrow Festival, but evidence was still in plain view for us to see some examples of local works of art.
Scarecrow Festival
The town’s setting, right on stunning Mahone Bay, made you want to have much more than 30 minutes here. Certainly one of the drawbacks to cruising, when you are rushed from place to place and can’t explore to your heart’s content. Some days one just has to give in and be thankful for what you do get to see.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for the opportunity to visit and explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seeing these beautiful old harbor towns, soaking up the colors, capturing a reflection, plus learning about the Parable of the Vinegar made for a winning day. And it was perfect weather…
A Note From Abroad 
Thank you – love the photos, too!
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The photos are fabulous! And I so enjoyed the write up of all you saw tyvm
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Thank you for the kind comment ❤
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I truly meant it . I live in Canada and have been to Halifax so I really appreciated this.
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Love it
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Thanks!
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I want to go there soon. My sister took pictures of all those colourful houses and I fell in love with them.
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They definitely make a statement!
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What stunning towns! I love all the history and architecture. It’s hard being on the West Coast, where everything is so much newer.
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It did indeed take a bit longer for the “West” to get settled 🙂 We have different beauty here on the West Coast. I think our abundance of National Parks are pretty special.
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These are such interesting places. I know you enjoyed them.
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We did indeed enjoy them…
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I see places like this and always wonder what are the people like who live there? How can they stand to live in such an idyllic place without just bursting from contentedness? Lovely photos!
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I did not find the people to be any different than those I rub elbows with here in Southern California. But yes, they are fortunate indeed to have such natural beauty right in front of them.
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That berry looks almost poison mushroom-ish! … I’d love to live in one of those cottages, but I think the stairs might do me in. 😀
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I am hoping that someone will be able to identify that berry thing for us. I too am not a big fan of stairs these days, but I’m proud of myself that I pushed to climb them often on board the ship instead of taking the elevator. Must admit that I prefer going DOWN v.s. going UP, lol.
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Yes, it’s that damn up-side of hills that gets me too! 😀
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Love your architecture photos!
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Thank you Sandra.
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That was a really nice tour, and your photos are spectacular. It would be fun to explore the cemetery where some of the Titanic victims are buried. Thanks.
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I too would have loved to explore that cemetery and look for some of their graves. Speeding by on the bus was such a tease!
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But at least now if you all go back you will have ideas what you want to further explore. 👍
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True!
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Absolutely gorgeous photos. I’ve never seen a berry like that before!
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Glad you enjoyed our photos. That berry has me stumped.
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Wow what a beautiful place! I have a friend who lives in Halifax and never knew it had such beautiful surroundings!
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Perhaps it is time to go visit your friend and see all this beauty for yourself. Or perhaps wait until the summer months 😃
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We visited both Mahone Bay and Lunenburg on our Nova Scotia roadtrip a few years ago. Unfortunately, it was a pouring wet day so we didn’t explore as much as we wanted too. Couldn’t dim the colours of those houses though!
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Anabel, I’m so sorry you were there on a rainy day as walking the towns was such a treat. I do think that you would notice those colorful houses though even in a hurricane or a white out blizzard!
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Beautiful photo essay! We’re hoping for a long-awaited return trip to Nova Scotia (via Maine and other New England states) in a year or so. You’d made me wonder about doing a cruise, but I’m now convinced a road trip will be much more to our liking so we can stay long enough in one place to really get the feel of it. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
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I enjoyed our cruise and it gave us a snapshot of the area, but if given a choice between the two, a road trip would win hands down. Have a GREAT time!
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Thanks–looking forward to it.
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Thanks for the vicarious experience…it’s on my list of places to relocate to, someday (soon!).
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Sounds like exciting changes are in your future. Wishing you all the best!
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I’ve never been to Maritime Canada, but this post makes me want to go. Lovely!
Alison
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Alison, we thought it was beautiful and well worth exploring further.
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Thank you for the wonderful tour. I love all the colors in the buildings, the “Bump” on the houses and their “raison d’être”, the stars on the ceiling of the church that was so lovingly restored and the ‘Bluenose II’ is strikingly slick and beautiful. Your photographs so make me want to visit these places and walk around!
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Arati , I’m so pleased that you now want to visit. It is always my goal to encourage people to get out the door, explore and find the beauty in a place.
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More fascinating places and faces to add to your growing list. All most colourful and interesting and some beautifully captured on film. Onwards…
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Joy, I took some time yesterday reading some of my older blog posts and revisiting pictures taken a couple years ago. What fun it was looking back and remembering each special place.
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Thanks so much for liking my blog personaljourneyswithgramma. Your journeys look fascinating. What a wonderful way to share the joys of discovery across the globe! Like you, my favorite part is coming to know new people.
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Through our written word and photography we have the great honor of taking others to see/visit/experience places they might otherwise never get to see first hand. We regard that as both a challenge and a gift that we are humbled to share. The friendships made along the way become our rewards.
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Some lovely photos, Joanne. I always like the colorful houses found In Nova Scotia. –Curt
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This was our first trip to Nova Scotia, and certainty hope not the last.
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I biked around it once, Joanne, and then Peggy and I drove around it last lear. Truly beautiful. –Curt
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The weather, the water, the houses, the church, and the scarecrow all seem perfect, indeed. As usual your photographs capture their beauty and your descriptions and interesting tidbits educate us. Thank you, Joanne.
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Thank you Janet. You are always so kind and encouraging.
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Amazing pictures. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks Bobbi
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Haha! It was me! I sent the Magnolia comment, I’m so glad you got it 😄 No problem at all and no apology needed, your photos and info are greatly appreciated, the light in Nova Scotia looks fantastic. Keep on enjoying!
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It was me! I put the comment about the Magnolia 😄 No apology necessary, just glad it helped. Your photos and words are lovely and the air in Nova Scotia appears so crystal clear I want to visit all the more 😃
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Thank you for your help! I have updated the post to properly give credit where it is due.
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😳 not at all necessary but thank you 😊
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Sorry had a little problem at login oops ended up commenting twice ha!
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The picture of the red buildings set against the blue water and sky is stunning!
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Thank you Sue. It was a picture perfect day and all the very colorful buildings were showstoppers.
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Thank you for liking my blog post 🙂
This was such a lovely read – I learned so much from your detailed notes. I am glad that they rebuilt and restored the church – that starry ceiling is fascinating!
Shall stay in touch to do some more armchair travelling through your blog 🙂
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Welcome! We are delighted to have you join us.
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Oh your post and beautiful photos bring back fond memories of both Lunenburg and Mahone Bay!
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Good! Happy we could trigger those happy memories. 😁
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