Lunenberg / Mahone Bay or Halifax for the day?
 

Cruise ship stopping in Halifax, been to Peggy's Cove already.
Tour Halifax for the day, or take tour to Lunenberg and Mahone Bay?
Opinions?
Thanks!
Linda

Hello, Linda:

Why not do both?
Chester/Mahone Bay/Lunenburg is only about hour & 15 minutes from Halifax. Maybe an hour and a half to Lunenburg.

Tour Halifax in the AM.

Rent a car & drive to Chester/ Mahone Bay/Lumenburg for the afternoon. Easy drive.

But if, for some reason, you feel you can only do one, then I would recommend Chester/Mahone Bay/Lunenburg.

When will you be in NS?

OB1

Afraid we won't have time for both, bringing a slow moving elderly Aunt! Will be docked in Halifax on Oct. 7, Sunday.
(Another question: Will shops be open?) Thanks!
Linda

Then do the Chester/Mahone Bay/Lunenburg tour. It's really beautiful. Make sure you stop at the beach in Hubbards.

You probably already know this, but if not: That weekend is Thanksgiving weekend. This year, Canadian Thanksgiving is Monday, Oct 8 so I do not know what is open/closed.

Thank you so much for your advice! We will be at sea on Monday, Oct. 8, so would that be the only day things would be closed?
Thanks!
Linda

I would think that everything would be open on Sunday in Halifax and Chester/Mahone Bay/Lunenburg although some shops may have limited "Sunday Hours" but I do not know for sure.

Any Halagonians here who can help Linda with this?

Also try www.cruisehalifax.ca for more info & contact numbers.

OB1

Lunenburg/MB will likely have most shops open on Sunday as this a big tourist destination and often the final weekend of the 'season'. Halifax, same thing.

Personally, I would be inclined to head down to Lunenburg-UNESCO World Heritage site (via Chester and MB)...it is a whole different experience than Peggy's Cove.

OTOH, Halifax has much to offer and if you make that your choice, I would be happy to supply my personal recco's for a day spent in town...if you can supply me with some details of your likes and physical limitations of your companion.

Haligonians

Having been to both and enjoying both, I agree with the above posters for Lunenburg/Mahone Bay for a day trip experience.
However, your choice should be based on your desire for a very interesting coastal city experience or more of a coastline, small town experience.
I believe the famous Bluenose is under renovation so may not be available for viewing. A local poster may have an update on that.

Relaunch of the Bluenose is September 29th.

Hi - visited all 3 (not for the first time) on our most recent East Coast vacation just a few weeks ago. I would agree with others in being inclined to recommend Mahone Bay and especially Lunenburg as they are somewhat unique. However you mentioned a "slow moving elderly Aunt" and my only concern is that Lunenburg is built on a hill. Take a look at the photos as http://www.explorelunenburg.ca/photo-galleries.html and see what you think. The Fisheries Museum is on the waterfront of course, buy many of the small shops and galleries are a bit of a climb.
Halifax is a very pleasant small city if that seems more suitable - although it's also built on a hill e.g. The Citadel is a few blocks climb from the waterfront. However there is quite a bit on and around the waterfront for a few hours wander with a boardwalk, Maritime Museum, Seaport Farmers Market (lots of craft booths), the Historic Properties (now turned into shops), and several waterfront restaurants.