Annapolis Royal Nova Scotia

Annapolis Royal Nova Scotia is the oldest town in Canada, first settled by French immigrants. The European settlement started in nearby Point Royal in 1605, and shortly thereafter, centered around the mouth of the Annapolis River.

The first settlement was abandoned after being destroyed by British attackers in 1613 and a second settlement was established by France at present-day Annapolis Royal.

The French controlled the area, with some reversals, for over 100 years, until the British finally took control in 1710.

Annapolis Royal served as the first capital of the Colony of Nova Scotia from 1710 until the founding of Halifax in 1749. Incorporation as a town took place in 1893.

Since then Annapolis Royal Nova Scotia has been variously a military post town, a provincial capital, and a shipping and transportation center for the best Annapolis Valley products.

Today, the nearby scallop industry continues to generate millions of dollars of economic activity each year. It is a quiet town with a great number of attractions.

A popular attraction is Fort Anne, today classified as a National Historic Site.

It was the site of many battles in the past between the British attackers and the French immigrant defenders.

The old fortifications and the ramparts are all open to visitors. The remaining tall chimneys mark the locations of the officers' quarters.

The Historic Gardens,comprises several themed gardens representing different periods in the turbulent history of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

La Maison Acadienne et Potager shows an early French settler's dwelling, the Governor's Garden is reminiscent of the period following 1710, while the Victorian Garden reflects the prosperous days of shipbuilding and vigorous trade of the 19th century.

The themed gardens are linked by paths through other display areas including several plant collections, the largest being the Rose Collection which displays more than 230 types of roses in their historical context.

The Innovative Garden demonstrates modern horticultural methods and newly introduced plant material.

A Living History

From the outside of the Port Royal National Historic Site you will find buildings that have been reconstructed from the early 17th century that symbolize the early French colony.

Once inside, you will see the buildings where people worked and lived that border a courtyard with a well in the middle that provided water for the people at Port Royal.

People who are dressed in costumes relate back to this time period and will reenact the way life used to be for these people. You can explore the kitchen, the forge, the common room, and the tradesmen quarters at the Port Royal National Historic Site in Nova Scotia.

When you have spent the afternoon at the Port Royal National Historic Site, you will leave this tourist attraction with a new outlook on life and realize how simple life actually is nowadays, realizing that the struggle of everyday living is nothing compared to how these people lived.

It is a tourist attraction that both adults and the kids will find very interesting and inspiring.

Annapolis Royal also has the best collection of Victorian mansions in the province, and a walking tour that includes these old mansions on their itinerary. Pick up your copy of the official walking tour guide at the visitor’s bureau.

Annapolis Royal has a nice collection of fine inns and restaurants, second to none in Atlantic Canada.

Most surprising, it still maintains its peacefulness despite the fact that the town is highly visited by tourists. . The mild climate and scenic location make this a favorite destination in all seasons.

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