Surrounding much of Holden Lake, Holden Lake Wilderness Area protects about 1,700 hectares of older mixed forest in the Gold River watershed. The area includes 10 km of shoreline on Holden Lake and about 4 km along the Gold River. The lake and river give the protected landscape two distinct points of reference: on one side is the lakeshore, and on the other, the course of the Gold River.
Forests, Trails and Coastal Landscapes
Indian Path Common adds a 350-acre reclaimed Acadian forest to this landscape. It has 7 km of natural walking trails laid out as a series of loop trails. Indian Falls also offers hiking trails. For those interested in trail lengths, the Bay to Bay Trail has a different figure: it is a 10 km multi-use trail section. Access and trail conditions can change, so check current conditions before planning an outing.
Camping and swimming are among the activities available at the sandy beach of Rissers Beach Provincial Park. Interpretive signs and a boardwalk through a salt marsh add a view of this landscape to a beach visit. If you plan to camp or swim, check current park conditions in advance.
Access to the water also takes different forms throughout the county. Sawpit Wharf Park provides access to the waters of Lunenburg’s Back Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. The park has a boat launch and a floating dock. Seasonal work may affect operations, so check current conditions before planning to use the facilities.
Oakland Conservation Area provides public access to the water and land for conservation purposes. It includes a 1.77-acre oceanfront property as well as 3 acres of wetland. Alongside forests, lakes and rivers, the oceanfront and wetland are also distinct landscape features to explore.
Maritime Heritage in Lunenburg
Old Town Lunenburg is one of only two urban communities in North America designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colourful architecture defines the hilly streets by the sea, where you’ll find shops, restaurants and private homes. This street layout makes maritime heritage not just a museum subject but also part of the townscape.
On Lunenburg’s historic waterfront, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is housed in red buildings that once accommodated a fish processing plant. Its exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of Nova Scotia’s fishing industry, particularly its connection to Lunenburg County. Fort Point Museum focuses on something different: the history of the mouth of the LaHave River and its hinterland.
At the Rosebank Cottage at Ross Farm Museum, you can see how food is prepared over an open fire. As the demonstration schedule can vary, it’s worth checking what’s currently on offer before your visit. The Bluenose II also offers a time-dependent opportunity to visit: while the ship is in Lunenburg, visitors can walk the deck and talk with the crew when the decks are open. Check in advance whether a visit is scheduled.
If you’re looking for hotels in Lunenburg County, your trip’s different areas of interest can help guide you: protected landscapes, trails, water access or maritime heritage.
Discover more destinations: Bridgewater, Western Shore, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Hubbards, Chester, Barss Corner, Colchester County.
For the broader travel overview: Nova Scotia.
