As the last leaves fall and the summer tourism season comes to a close, Lunenburg County celebrates a successful year, with businesses reporting increased visitor numbers and strong demand for accommodations and outdoor experiences.
Sarah Hrdlicka, Owner and Operator of Cape LaHave Adventures, highlighted the season’s positive momentum, noting an increase in visitors compared to 2023. “It feels like a return to pre-pandemic business,” Hrdlicka said. The favorable weather contributed to the rise in both out-of-province travelers and Nova Scotians eager to explore the outdoors.
Liz Powers, Owner and Operator of Lunenburg Walking Tours, also saw a notable uptick in activity, though their season started slow. “August and September were our busiest months ever,” Powers said. “The majority of our guests came from Canada, the U.S., and Europe, but we also saw a significant number from Australia and New Zealand.” Powers noted a surge in French-speaking visitors in mid-August, coinciding with the 2024 Congrès Mondial Acadien.
Statistics from Tourism Nova Scotia reveal that the South Shore region saw a 2% increase in room nights sold in 2024, translating to 2,000 additional stays.
AirDNA’s short-term rental data mirrored this trend, with a 12% rise in bookings in Lunenburg County from October 2023 to September 2024. August 2024 set a new record for short-term rental stays in the county, with 7,505 nights sold—the highest ever recorded, driven by the county’s growing popularity and an expanding supply of rentals.
With kayaks packed away, walking shoes traded for cozy fall boots, and summer cottages now winterized, tourism operators in Lunenburg County can hopefully enjoy a well-deserved rest before they gear up for another busy season next summer.
