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Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

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samepenny
samepenny
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5 out of 5
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Lunenburg and Fisheries Museum

  • March 16, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by hagnel2 from Hamilton, Ontario
Lunenburg and Fisheries Museum

Lunenburg once home of the largest deep sea fishing fleet in the world and a UNESCO heritage site is also home to the famous Bluenose 11 an enduring symbol of Nova Scotia’s maritime spirit.

We stopped here for lunch mainly to visit the Fisheries museum and to view the beautiful Bluenose. The picturesque town center, narrow steep streets, harbor and well preserved colonial buildings provide a very pleasant interlude and insight into Lunenburg’s fishing and sailing roots. I wished we had planned an overnight here, but there is always a next time.

We had lunch at The Old Fish Factory Restaurant in the Fisheries museum and enjoyed the superb view of the harbor. The staff were very friendly {a Nova Scotia norm} and the fish fresh that day. There are numerous choices of eateries in Lunenburg but we kind of stumbled upon this Restaurant when we went to buy tickets for the museum. {Lunch with beer and dessert for two $25}

You cannot miss the fisheries museum it is a bright red building, in it is old life it was a fish processing plant. Now it houses three floors of exhibits and has one of the largest saltwater aquariums in the world plus a great gift shop where you can purchase top class souvenirs. For me the highlight of the museum was on the second floor which houses an impressive age of Sail exhibit, plus on that floor you can try your hand at rug hooking, quilting, and other traditional Nova Scotia crafts.

There are a couple of outdoor exhibits including a former fishing boat the Theresa E O Connor. Visitors can step aboard and explore this re furbished 1938 vessel. Docked alongside the museum is the 143 foot Schooner Bluenose 11.

This lady glistens in the sunshine with her many coats of varnish, shiny brasses and impeccable rigging, she certainly stirs the imagination of its visitors especially those with a touch of salt in their veins.
Visitors can book tours {reservations a must} for a two hour cruise. Unfortunately visitors were not allowed the day that we visited. We observed the youthful crew performing various tasks, during the past year this ship has welcomed aboard over forty thousand visitors.

The original and beloved Bluenose was launched in 1921 she was not really a racing yacht her main purpose was fishing, She was captained by Captain Angus Walters from all accounts a tough but Skilled sailor, he oversaw all aspects of her construction and under his command she became the fastest schooner in the world and an undefeated champion of the Fisherman’s trophy race.

This ship is a beloved symbol of Canada and the Maritime spirit, even King George the fifth remarked on her beauty and lines. Sadly the ship struck a reef near Haiti in 1946 and was not salvageable. Her likeness can still be seen on our dime and Captain Walters little Cottage is open to the public. Most of the information I have was obtained from the age of Sail in the fisheries museum and you will be enthralled by the old photographs and plans of this schooner. Plan to spend a couple of hours especially if you stay for the film {Aprox 30min}

As I wandered around the town I couldn’t help thinking of my ancestors. My mother’s ancestry is from Montbeliard on the Swiss French border. Lunenburg was settled in 1753 by German Swiss Huguenots, Protestants fleeing persecution and many of them made their homes in Lunenburg and so I could have been treading in their footsteps.

In summary this is a town to savor on foot, stroll the quayside, then wander into the center which house an interesting colony of up market craft shops, small cafes and art galleries. It is a delightful place deserving of much longer than a days visit.

From journal Out n About in Nova Scotia

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

  • October 31, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by samepenny from Fort Worth, Texas
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

Lunenburg has long been considered to be the most active fishing port in Nova Scotia. A great museum with a great gift shop also (priorities, please) on the harbour. Real ships to tour, a 'touch' tank for children, great guides/story tellers. Open seasonally (May thru Oct, telephone to find out). Best views of Lunenburg. (902) 634-4794 Restaurant and bar on the upper floor have a fantastic view, excellent food and drinks & very good service.

The two historic ships which are part of the museum are: the Theresa E. Conner and the Cape Sable.

From journal Nova Scotia / Halifax Wonderful

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