If you are planning a trip to Nova Scotia’s South Shore, there are two towns that absolutely must be on your itinerary: Mahone Bay and Lunenburg.
Located just an hour outside of Halifax, these neighboring coastal towns look like they were pulled straight from a storybook. Mahone Bay is famous for its tranquil harbor and iconic three churches, while Lunenburg is a brightly colored UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich seafaring history.
During our recent East Coast road trip, we spent some time exploring this stunning stretch of the coast. From where we stayed to the best wood-fired pizza in town, here is how to spend a perfect day in Mahone Bay and Lunenburg!
Where We Stayed: The Magnolia Inn (Mahone Bay)
To truly soak in the charm of the South Shore, you want to stay somewhere that feels authentic to the area. We chose the Magnolia Inn in Mahone Bay, and we could not have been happier.
This charming, 19th-century boutique hotel is absolutely gorgeous. It has been beautifully restored, perfectly blending historic elegance with modern, luxurious comforts. Because it is located right on Main Street, we were able to park the car and walk to all the colorful waterfront shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you are looking for a romantic, quiet place to base yourself on the South Shore, this is it.
- Book Your Stay or compare prices?
Breakfast: Famous Town Pie Shop
You cannot start a day of exploring on an empty stomach. For breakfast, we headed to Famous Town Pie Shop right in Mahone Bay, and everything was amazing!
Housed in a charming, butter-yellow building, this local bakery is famous for its scratch-made hand pies. Whether you are craving something sweet (like a classic fruit pie) or something savory to fuel your day, their flaky, buttery crusts are to die for. Paired with a great cup of coffee, it was the absolute best way to start a crisp, coastal morning.
What We Saw: The Iconic Bluenose II (Lunenburg)
After breakfast, we made the quick, scenic 15-minute drive from Mahone Bay over to Lunenburg.
Walking the steep, cobblestone streets of Lunenburg is an activity in itself, but the highlight of our visit was walking down to the waterfront to see the Bluenose II.
If you aren’t familiar with Canadian history, the original Bluenose was a legendary racing schooner that went undefeated for 17 years (she is so famous she is actually the ship stamped on the back of the Canadian dime!). The Bluenose II is an exact replica, and seeing her towering masts up close in the harbor is breathtaking.
- Good Journey Tip: “To really experience the history of the town, I highly recommend booking a guided Lunenburg Walking Tour here.”
Dinner: Wood-Fired Pizza at Betty’s at The Kitch
After a long day of sightseeing, we headed back to Mahone Bay for dinner at Betty’s at The Kitch.
Located on the ground floor of The Kitch’inn, this spot is an absolute hidden gem. They specialize in tapas, wine, and unbelievable wood-fired pizza. The crust was perfectly blistered, thin, and crispy—hands down some of the most delicious pizza we’ve had in a long time. The vibe in the restaurant was incredibly warm and cozy, making it the perfect way to cap off an amazing day on the South Shore.
Summary: Is Mahone Bay Worth It?
Absolutely. The combination of incredible local food, rich maritime history, and the charming hospitality of the Magnolia Inn made this one of the major highlights of our East Coast road trip.
Have you ever seen the Bluenose II in person or tried a slice from Betty’s?
Read Next: The Ultimate 7-Day Canadian Maritimes Road Trip Itinerary (NS, PEI & NB)