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Bluenose II

4.7
·121 reviews·Lunenburg, Canada

Canada's legendary schooner, the Bluenose II, offers a glimpse into maritime history and the thrill of sailing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon (when docked)

Free deck access

CrowdMedium
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Arriving in Toronto for the Tall Ship Festival

Bluenose II

Best Time

Late afternoon (when docked)

Free deck access

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Canada's legendary schooner, the Bluenose II, offers a glimpse into maritime history and the thrill of sailing. TikTok

4.7
(121 reviews)

"This was a definite highlight of our east coast vacation. I can’t say enough good things about our 2 hour sail on this iconic ship. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Sailing Tickets Early

Tickets for Bluenose II sails sell out months in advance. Book early to secure your spot!

🚶‍♀️ Free Deck Access

Explore the upper deck for free when the ship is docked in the afternoon.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 128 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sailing Aboard the Bluenose II

Sailing Aboard the Bluenose II

Various ports, including Lunenburg and Halifax

Experience the thrill of sailing on Canada's most famous schooner, an icon of maritime history.

TikTok+1
Exploring the Upper Deck

Exploring the Upper Deck

When docked

Walk the historic decks of this legendary vessel and soak in the maritime atmosphere.

TikTok
Lunenburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lunenburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Discover the charm of this historic waterfront town, home to the Bluenose II.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Sail in Advance

Tickets for a sail on the Bluenose II sell out months ahead, especially during peak summer season. Don't miss your chance to experience this iconic schooner; book your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Free Deck Access When Docked

While sailing tickets are pricey, you can often walk aboard and explore the upper deck for free when the Bluenose II is docked in the late afternoon. It's a great way to see the ship up close without the cost. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon (when docked)
Why
Free deck access
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer sailings
Why
Best weather for sailing
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This hidden gem in Lunenburg needs to be at the top of your list next time you visit. The Bluenose Lodge is a beautiful 12 room hotel that has thr best restaurant in the town. We were visiting friends and stopped in for brunch. I got the Lobster Eggs Benedict. The hollandaise was buttery, the poached egg cooked perfectly and the lobster plentiful. Other amazing dishes were the Asparagus and Goat C...
@jamesmgoode
2.1K likes • 44.3K views

🎟️ Book Sailing Tickets Early

Tickets for Bluenose II sails sell out months in advance. Book early to secure your spot! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Free Deck Access

Explore the upper deck for free when the ship is docked in the afternoon. Reddit

ad SAVE for your trip to Nova Scotia! 🇨🇦 This is Lunenburg in Nova Scotia… located on Nova Scotia’s South Shore on the famous scenic Lighthouse Route, Lunenburg is not only beautiful to look at, but it packs a punch with so much to do there and incredible history and food! It’s also one of only two urban communities in North America that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to over 70...
@helenabradbury.travel
2K likes • 45.6K views
Bluenose II Captain’s Log — Aug. 30 Hello from Yarmouth! 👋 Hear all about our trip to Southwest Nova Scotia so far, and what we have ahead!
sailbluenoseii
109 likes • 2.3K views

📱 Follow for Location Updates

Check the Bluenose II's social media for real-time location and sailing schedules. Instagram

📸 Iconic Photo Op

The Bluenose II is a stunning sight, perfect for memorable photos. TikTok

Capt. Watson tell us about a particularly windy week on board Bluenose II 💨
sailbluenoseii
189 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Sailing Tickets Early

Tickets for Bluenose II sails sell out months in advance. Book early to secure your spot! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Free Deck Access

Explore the upper deck for free when the ship is docked in the afternoon. Reddit

📱 Follow for Location Updates

Check the Bluenose II's social media for real-time location and sailing schedules. Instagram

📸 Iconic Photo Op

The Bluenose II is a stunning sight, perfect for memorable photos. TikTok

🤝 Friendly Crew

The crew is knowledgeable and happy to share stories about the ship. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(121 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bluenose II as an iconic and well-maintained vessel, with many highlighting the passionate and knowledgeable crew. The opportunity to sail on this piece of Canadian history is a major draw, though tickets are expensive and sell out quickly. Some guests noted that the crew, while informed, could sometimes seem less overtly friendly, perhaps due to the demands of ship life. Reddit

"Impressively cared for and run by the group of passionate and mostly young sailors who love the ship and the water. We weren't able to sail on the ship. Tickets must be bought well in advance. We're talking months in advance for the summer high season. $100/pp for a 2 hour sail. It's steep but if you love this iconic ship on the 10 cent dime, then it will easily be worth it. The good news is, when they come in in the late afternoon, you are able to walk on board and explore the upper deck for free. Staff were ok. Weren't really friendly and welcoming. Maybe it was the end of the day or maybe they were just done with tourists. Really, most of those sailors just want to sail it not host people. The company store is pretty cool to visit as well and is just a block away."

Cory Sakai

"This was a definite highlight of our east coast vacation. I can’t say enough good things about our 2 hour sail on this iconic ship. The staff came around and answered any questions we had about the ship and they were very well informed and seemed to be so happy to be able to have the opportunity to work aboard this ship. Definitely purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment. I’m from Ontario and I wish I was closer so I could go on this tour more often. The Bluenose is such a great ambassador for Nova Scotia and the east coast in general. For added information on the Bluenose it is well worth it to follow on Facebook"

Riversong Pond

"Amazing, crew were awesome with my elderly mother. Attentive and compassionate. We had to wait for other boats coming out of harbor but overall great experience."

Tiffiney Gurney

What People Like

Iconic historical vessel
Passionate and knowledgeable crew
Unique sailing experience

What People Dislike

Expensive sailing tickets
Crew can seem reserved

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bluenose II is primarily based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Lunenburg is accessible by car via Highway 103. Parking is available in town, though it can be limited during peak season. TikTok

Yes, the Bluenose II frequently sails to other ports along the Nova Scotia coast and beyond, including Halifax, Yarmouth, and Peggy's Cove. Check their schedule for specific locations. Instagram+1

When the Bluenose II is docked, you can often walk aboard and explore the upper deck for free, especially in the late afternoon. Reddit

While the ship itself has historical limitations, the crew is known to be accommodating. Contact them directly to discuss specific needs. Reddit

Yes, the Bluenose II often provides a location tracker on their website or social media, allowing you to follow its journey. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for a 2-hour sail can be around $100 per person, but prices can vary. It's recommended to book well in advance as they sell out quickly. Reddit

Tickets are best purchased directly through the official Bluenose II website or authorized ticketing partners. Booking months in advance is highly recommended for summer sails. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, purchasing tickets for the Bluenose II may offer reduced admission to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic nearby. Reddit

Sailing trips are weather-dependent. Policies can vary, so it's best to check the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the Bluenose II directly for details. Instagram

Children can go on the ship, but it's primarily a scenic boat cruise rather than a specifically geared children's activity. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

During a sail, you'll experience the open sea, learn about the ship's history from the crew, and enjoy the picturesque coastal views. The route changes daily based on conditions. Reddit

Most sails are around 2 hours long, offering a good balance of sailing time and experiencing the vessel. Reddit

Dress in layers as the weather on the water can change quickly. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Instagram

Absolutely! The Bluenose II is incredibly photogenic. Be sure to capture the sails, the historic details, and the stunning coastal scenery. TikTok+1

The Bluenose II is a replica of the original Bluenose, a famous Canadian fishing and racing schooner that was undefeated in her class. She's a symbol of Canadian maritime heritage. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, food and beverages are not sold onboard during sails. It's advisable to eat before or after your excursion. Reddit

Lunenburg offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants. Many are located within walking distance of the Bluenose II's berth. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) often provides beautiful light for photographing the ship. Also, capture her sailing against dramatic coastal backdrops. TikTok

From the waterfront in Lunenburg, or from elevated points overlooking the harbor, you can get fantastic shots. When she's sailing, any coastal vantage point will offer great opportunities. TikTok

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and may require permits. Always check and adhere to aviation rules before flying. Instagram

Her classic schooner design, majestic sails, and historical significance make her a captivating subject for photographers of all levels. TikTok

Generally, photography is encouraged. However, be mindful of the crew's work and avoid obstructing their duties. Instagram

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