Where to See the Bluenose II, as She Sails Around Nova Scotia This Summer

Want to know where to see the Bluenose II this summer?  In celebration of her 100th birthday, this beautiful schooner will sail around the province as part of a tour called Sail Past Summer. Due to Covid-19 restrictions you won’t be able to board the ship, but rest assured, she will put on a magnificent display for any well-wishers who greet her from the shore. The Bluenose will sail past many communities in southwestern Nova Scotia, the South Shore, Halifax Regional Municipality and Cape Breton. It will also sail along parts of the coast of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Here are 5 great regions to see the Bluenose II this summer, with a few recommendations for what to do while you’re there.

Digby, Bay of Fundy, Grand Manan Island and Yarmouth

July 12-14th

You can imagine what an amazing vista the sailing crew will have as they watch the whales play in the water, against the tall red cliffs, and how pleased the local fishing communities will be to see the elegant Bluenose II sail past their ports. If you have never visited the Digby are before, now is the time (we recommend the iconic Digby Pines hotel). Then head to Digby Neck and Brier Island for some of the best whale watching in the world. And if you have never been to Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick – book a trip, now. It’s incredible.

Lunenburg

June 29-July 5th,  July 17th-July 22nd, August 7th-August 9th, August 17th-August 26th,  September 22nd onwards.

Lunenburg is the home of the Bluenose, so she’ll be there quite often this summer. New to Lunenburg, is the Big Boat Shed project, and it’s a must-see, especially if you love the Bluenose. While you’re in town check out the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and try some fish and chips at The Grand Banker or the Salt Shaker Deli. Just around the corner is one of Nova Scotia’s best locations for Sea Kayaking at Blue Rocks. Contact Pleasant Paddling for a great day out.

Terence Bay, Sambro, Bedford, St. Margaret’s Bay, Chester, Hubbards

July 24th – August 5th:  Sambro, Bedford, Indian Point, Mahone Bay, Chester, Head Harbour, French Harbour, Hubbards

The Halifax  portion of the sail takes the Bluenose II through Terence Bay into Sambro, Bedford and then toward St. Margaret’s Bay, Chester and Hubbards.  A weekend in the Mahone Bay region can include a night the newly refurbished Oak Island Resort – it’s a great place for families. Further toward Halifax, the  town of Hubbards is a fantastic place to stop for a few nights as you tour around the South Shore. Read our article: 17 Things to do in Hubbards, Nova Scotia.

Port Mouton, Shelburne, Liverpool

August 13-15th: Port Mouton, Shelburne, Liverpool

We love  this area of the province. A short road trip to this part of Nova Scotia’s South Shore makes a perfect family road trip (We’ve got some great ideas here in our article: a 5 day road trip through Southwestern Nova Scotia) After you’ve seen the Bluenose in Shelburne, why not head further into the Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores region?

Summerside, Charlottetown, Georgetown, Eastern Shore

August 28th- September 7th 

Dear Prince Edward Island: we can’t wait to share the Bluenose with you! This part of the tour begins in Pictou, travelling over to the beautiful city of Summerside, PEI. Bluenose crew, you MUST get an ice cream at Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour while you’re in Summerside (find out more here) ! On August 31st, the Bluenose stops in Charlottetown, before moving on to Georgetown, then back to Nova Scotia for a tour along the Eastern Shore.

If you want more information about when and where to see the Bluenose II, follow the Bluenose on Facebook.  We have also taken the liberty of copying the schedule below, from the Bluenose Nova Scotia website. To learn more about the Bluenose as she turns 100 years-old, spend some time on the Bluenose 100 website, which has a wealth of historical information and some great videos.

Bluenose II Summer 2021 Sailing Schedule