About Bluenose II Sailing Experience
Sail on an exact replica of the famed racing schooner Bluenose, Canada's most famous ship. Experience the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of traditional sailing on this 2-hour harbour cruise.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
The Bluenose II is the schooner on the Canadian dime, and stepping aboard the Lunenburg-built replica is the closest most people will get to sailing on the original. The two-hour harbour cruise is a working sail, not a motorized loop of the bay: the crew sets the canvas, the deck heels over, and the waterfront looks different from the water than it does from Montague Street. A 4.7-star rating across a thousand reviews reflects a crew that treats every cruise as a proper sail rather than a shuttle run.
Practical Information
Planning your voyage aboard the iconic Bluenose II is straightforward with these key details. All information is current for the 2026 sailing season.
Location & Contact
- Address: 121 Bluenose Drive, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
- Phone: 1-855-640-3177 (for bookings and inquiries).
- Official Website: bluenose.novascotia.ca.
2026 Season & Schedule
- Operating Season: June 1 to October 15, 2026.
- Pricing: Adult $110, Children (3-12) $45, Infants (2 & under) Free. All taxes and fees included.
- Harbour Cruises: Two-hour cruises typically depart at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Schedules are subject to change.
- Free Deck Tours: Available during scheduled "open decks," usually between cruises and each evening until dusk.
Ticket Pricing
- Adult Cruise: $110 per person.
- Child Cruise (Ages 3-12): $45 per child.
- Infants (Under 3): Free.
- Free Option: Complimentary "open decks" tours offer crew interaction without a booking. All taxes and fees are included in paid ticket prices.
Booking & Policies
- Booking: Reserve online via the official website or by phone. Tickets are for a specific date and time.
- Cancellation: A 24-hour advance notice is required for refunds. Full refunds are issued for weather-related cancellations.
- Accessibility: The deck is wheelchair accessible, but daily tide times affect ramp access from the wharf. Certified service animals are permitted; regular pets are not.
- On Board: Only bottled water is allowed; no other food, drinks, or smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is permitted.
Planning Tips
- Book in advance to secure your preferred cruise time.
- Check tide schedules if wheelchair access is required.
- Arrive early for boarding and dress appropriately for maritime conditions.
- Follow Bluenose II on social media (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram) for real-time schedule updates.
For anyone who grew up with the dime in their pocket, sailing on the Bluenose II is the rare heritage experience that lives up to the myth — and for everyone else it is one of the best ways to see Lunenburg from the water. Between cruises the ship opens for free deck tours, so there is no excuse to miss it.
At a Glance
| Address | 121 Bluenose Drive, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1-855-640-3177 |
| Website | bluenose.novascotia.ca |
| Google Rating | 4.7 stars (1,000 reviews) |
| 2026 Season | June 1 – October 15, 2026 |
| Cruise Times | Typically 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM (two-hour cruises) |
| Tickets | Adults $110; children 3–12 $45; ages 2 & under free (taxes and fees included) |
| Free Option | Complimentary open-deck tours between cruises and evenings until dusk |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Bluenose II harbour cruise?
The cruise lasts two hours, typically departing at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Schedules are subject to change, so confirm your time when booking.
How much do tickets cost?
Adult tickets are $110, children ages 3–12 are $45, and infants 2 & under sail free. All taxes and fees are included in the ticket price.
When does the ship sail?
The 2026 operating season runs June 1 to October 15. Reserve online at bluenose.novascotia.ca or by phone; tickets are for a specific date and time.
Can I visit the Bluenose II without buying a cruise ticket?
Yes. During scheduled "open decks," usually between cruises and each evening until dusk, the ship offers complimentary deck tours with no booking required.
Is the ship wheelchair accessible?
The deck is wheelchair accessible, but daily tide times affect ramp access from the wharf, so check tide schedules before your visit. Certified service animals are welcome; pets are not permitted.
What is the cancellation policy?
Refunds require 24-hour advance notice, and full refunds are issued for weather-related cancellations.
