Mahone Bay: Shipbuilding History and Trails

Mahone Bay brings together several surprising facets: at the museum, you can explore the region’s history and shipbuilding, while a former railway trail runs through town. The three church spires also tell the story of the town’s connection to the harbor: for most of a century, they helped ships line up their approach. You can shape your stay around a range of interests—from local history and craftsmanship to outdoor activities.

History at the Museum and in the Townscape

The small, free Mahone Bay Museum is located at 578 Main Street, in the historic Begin family home, built around 1874. Its main exhibits include the history of the Mi’kmaq, the settlement of the region in 1754, shipbuilding in Mahone Bay, and the Three Churches of Mahone Bay. This offers different perspectives on Mahone Bay’s past.

The shipbuilding exhibit brings this craft to life. It features a variety of tools, a diorama of the McLean & Sons shipyard, and a list of more than 500 ships built in Mahone Bay. The three church spires are another prominent feature of the town’s history. For most of a century, ships used them to line up their approach to the harbor.

Bayview Cemetery also tells the story of the town’s past. It is recognized as a Municipal Heritage Property and has a rare collection of upright gravestones. Some are inscribed in German and belong to the first generation of European settlers. A visit to the cemetery complements a museum visit with a different perspective on early settlement.

Exploring the Rum Runners Trail

If you’d rather explore Mahone Bay actively, the Rum Runners Trail runs through town just inland from Main Street. The route follows a former railway line for a total of 119 km from Halifax to Lunenburg. The trail has a firm, fine-gravel surface and is almost entirely flat; it’s suitable for hybrid bikes and walking. It is also part of Nova Scotia’s Blue Route. Its length and flat route give you a clear point of reference if you’d like to include cycling or walking in your trip.

The Bay to Bay Trail is the southernmost 11 km section of the Rum Runners Trail. It connects Mahone Bay with Lunenburg’s UNESCO Old Town. If you’re interested in this section, you can take its stated length into account when planning your day. This gives you both a short, named section and the longer Rum Runners Trail route as different options in the area.

Crafts to See and Try

At Amos Pewter, an open studio in Mahone Bay designs and makes pewter gifts and souvenirs. A free tour is available with advance notice by phone. In the interpretation workshops, artisans show how molten pewter is cast into sculptures, candleholders, jewelry, collectible ornaments, and other souvenirs. Visitors can also complete and personalize their own pewter piece. This is a different way to engage with local craftsmanship than looking at tools and ship models in the museum.

Planning Your Stay

Main Street has sidewalks throughout. Most shops are accessible at street level, though some historic buildings have a single step at the entrance. The visitor information center is wheelchair accessible. If these differences matter to your travel party, you can take them into account when planning your day. For finding a vacation rental, Main Street offers a specific location to focus on, while the trail, museum, and crafts give your stay different points of interest.

More places: Western Shore, Barss Corner, Chester, Lunenburg, Bridgewater, Hubbards.

Back to the main travel overview: Lunenburg County.