About Bluenose II Sails & Tours
Regular harbour cruises and deck tours of Nova Scotia's famous sailing ambassador, an exact replica of the undefeated champion schooner.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Bluenose II Sails & Tours
Introduction
Sailing aboard the Bluenose II is a working lesson in Canada's maritime heritage. As the iconic vessel that graces the Canadian dime, this exact replica of the undefeated racing schooner offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Nova Scotia's sailing legacy firsthand. Based in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, the Bluenose II is the province's official sailing ambassador, combining historical education with scenic harbour cruises along Nova Scotia's South Shore coast. With hundreds of reviews across platforms like TripAdvisor, this legendary schooner has become a must-see destination for history enthusiasts, sailing aficionados, and families seeking an authentic maritime adventure.
Practical Information
Location:
Bluenose II is berthed at the Lunenburg Waterfront Marina, Bluenose Drive, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia B0J 2C0. The marina is in historic downtown Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Contact:
Phone: 1-855-640-3177 (booking) or 902-640-3177 (store)
Email: BLUENOSE@gov.ns.ca
Hours & Schedule:
Sailing season runs through September 30, 2026 (the ship is closed for the season from October 1). Two-hour harbour cruises depart twice daily from Lunenburg and Halifax. When not cruising, enjoy free "open decks" to explore the ship. Check bluenose.novascotia.ca/schedule for updates.
Cost:
Adults: $110
Children (3-12): $45
Infants (under 2): Free
Booking:
Reserve online or by phone. Tickets are date- and time-specific. Full refunds for weather cancellations; 24-hour notice required for other refunds.
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible, but tide conditions may affect access. Contact the booking office in advance for assistance.
Notes:
The 2026 season's final public cruises are September 29-30, after which the ship is closed for downrig. Check bluenose.novascotia.ca/schedule for the latest schedule. Follow Bluenose II on social media for updates.
At a Glance
| Vessel | Exact replica of the undefeated racing schooner on the Canadian dime, and Nova Scotia's official sailing ambassador |
|---|---|
| Home port | Lunenburg Waterfront Marina, Bluenose Drive, in the UNESCO World Heritage town |
| Experience | Two-hour harbour cruises departing twice daily from Lunenburg and Halifax |
| Open decks | Free deck tours whenever the ship is not out sailing |
| 2026 season | Through September 30; final public cruises September 29 and 30, then downrig for winter |
| Cost | Adults $110; children 3 to 12 $45; infants under 2 free |
| Booking | Online or by phone; tickets are date- and time-specific |
| Refunds | Full refund for weather cancellations; other refunds need 24-hour notice |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluenose II?
It is an exact replica of the undefeated racing schooner that graces the Canadian dime, and it is Nova Scotia's official sailing ambassador. Based in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, the ship combines historical education with scenic harbour cruises along the South Shore coast.
When does the Bluenose II sail?
Two-hour harbour cruises depart twice daily during the sailing season, which in 2026 runs through September 30. The final public cruises of the year are September 29 and 30, after which the ship is closed for downrig. The official schedule page carries the latest updates throughout the season.
Can you visit the Bluenose II without buying a cruise?
Yes. When the ship is not out cruising, free open decks let visitors explore the vessel at the Lunenburg waterfront. Checking the schedule before you go tells you whether a sailing day or an open-deck day awaits, and either one pairs well with a walk through the historic town.
How do you book a Bluenose II cruise?
Reserve online or by phone through the booking office. Tickets are date- and time-specific, so pick your sailing day deliberately. Weather cancellations are refunded in full, and other refunds require 24-hour notice, so plan around your travel dates when booking.
Is the Bluenose II wheelchair accessible?
The ship is wheelchair accessible, but tide conditions may affect access at the gangway. Contact the booking office in advance for assistance, and the crew will help make boarding as smooth as possible on the day of your sailing.
Where is the Bluenose II berthed?
The ship is berthed at the Lunenburg Waterfront Marina on Bluenose Drive, in historic downtown Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The marina sits within walking distance of the town's shops and restaurants, making the ship easy to fold into a day on the waterfront.
