The Annapolis Valley, in Nova Scotia’s charming countryside, extends northward from Digby and Annapolis Royal and runs parallel to the Bay of Fundy coastline. Sieur de Monts founded ‘Habitation Port-Royal’ here in 1605. Although the British later destroyed Port Royal, this region of Nova Scotia is still rich in tourist attractions such as historic sites, forts, and gardens. The valley has fertile soil which is protected from cold and unfavorable winds by mountains on both sides. Sheltered from the weather, fruits and vegetables flourish. In May, when the apple trees are in bloom, the valley is a beautiful sight.
1 Port-Royal National Historic Site
Outside of Annapolis Royal, about six miles to the north, stands the Port-Royal National Historic Site – the faithfully restored settlement of Sieur des Monts. The simple wooden buildings are in the early 17th century style. There is a governor’s residence, a priest’s house, a blacksmith shop and a room where First Nations people traded their furs for European goods. Most interesting is the house of the pharmacist Louis Hébert, the first European farmer in North America who later settled in Québec.
In the “Habitation” in 1606, Samuel de Champlain founded “L’Ordre de Bon Temps”, the first society in North America based on the doctrine of love for one’s fellow man.
Adres: 53 Historic Lane, Port Royal
Official Site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/portroyal/index.aspx
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2 Grand Pre National Historic Site
Grand-Pré was one of the most important settlements of Acadia in the early 18th century. Through an ingenious system of dams and canals, the Acadians have reclaimed fertile land from the sea and created large and productive fields for some 200 farms. But in 1755, the English drove out the Acadians, destroying their homes, taking livestock, and distributing the land to New England settlers.
The Grand Pré National Historic Site is in memory of the deported Acadian settlers. In the gardens is a memorial to Henry Longfellow, who in 1847 immortalized the tragic fate of the Acadians in his poem ‘Evangéline’. There is also a statue of his heroine Evangéline. Acadian artist Philippe Hébert sculpted both memorials.
Official Site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/grandpre/index.aspx
3 Hall’s Harbor
This tidal village is a favorite on the Nova Scotia side of the Bay of Fundy . At high tide, the fishing vessels sit neatly next to the village wharves. But when the tide goes down, the boats sink to the harbor floor. There is the popular Hall’s Harbor Lobster Pound, a restaurant near the sandy beach and park. For an excellent hike, head northeast to Cape Split on the Blomidon Peninsula .
4 Fort Anne National Historic Site
Fort Anne, the scene of so many battles in the past, is today classified as a Fort Anne National Historic Site. The old fortifications, powder magazine and ramparts are all open to visitors. Tall chimneys mark the officers’ quarters. There are memorials to Sieur de Monts; Samuel Vetch, the first governor of Acadia; and Jean-Paul Mascarene. A flag with the English St. George’s Cross and the Scottish St. Andrew’s Cross flies over the fort.
Official Site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/fortanne/index.aspx
5 The Lookoff
It sounds like an unofficial name, but even in Nova Scotia, this roadside viewpoint atop North Mountain is simply called The Lookoff. The panoramic view encompasses the vast fields, orchards and Bay of Fundy coastline . Blomidon Provincial Park lies to the northeast with Cape Split beyond.
Address: 3374 Hwy 358, Arlington
6 Fort Edward National Historic Site
Near the levee in Windsor is Fort Edward, built in the mid-18th century by the English to defend the Halifax to Bay of Fundy route. It was also here that the sad deportation of the French-speaking Acadians was organized. This wooden fort is one of the oldest existing structures of its kind in Canada.
From the earth wall surrounding the fort there is a beautiful view of the valley of the River Avon and the Bay of Fundy.
Adres: 67 Fort Edward Street, Windsor
Official Site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/edward/index.aspx
7 Tidal Power Station
Outside of Annapolis Royal, about six miles to the north, this tidal power station is the first of its kind in North America. It started in 1984 and uses hydro energy released by the tidal rise, the highest in the world. The station uses approximately 80 to 100 megawatt hours daily. It is also a pilot project for a much larger power plant based on the same principle.
Address: 236 Prince Albert Rd, Annapolis Royal
8 Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
South of Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal are a number of very well-maintained gardens and reconstructed historic buildings, including a 17th-century Acadia-style house. The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens are divided by theme to represent different eras. Plantings include the early 18th century Governor’s Garden, a Victorian garden, and a very pretty rose garden.
Adres: 441 St. George St, Annapolis Royal
Official Site: https://www.historicgardens.com/
9 Digby
The small but busy fishing village of Digby, famous for its scallops, is located on the connecting road between the Annapolis Valley and the Bay of Fundy . From Digby it is possible to take a ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Saint John in New Brunswick.
A scenic drive cuts past the narrow peninsula and islands of Digby Neck. Small ferries connect to Brier Island , which is home to whale watching tours, historic lighthouses, and coastal parks with hiking trails.
Where to Stay in the Annapolis Valley for Sightseeing
We recommend these charming inns and hotels in the beautiful Annapolis Valley:
- Queen Anne Inn: heritage bed-and-breakfast, 1865 Victorian mansion, wonderful hosts, delicious breakfast.
- The Stella Rose B&B: affordable bed-and-breakfast, quaint decor, home-away-from-home, wonderful hosts, four-poster beds.
- Annapolis Royal Inn: mid-range pricing, breakfast included, saltwater pool, free parking
- Beach Breeze Motel: budget Grand pre hotel, beautiful setting, brightly colored cottages, seasonal outdoor pool.
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