Discover 6 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Annapolis Royal (Canada). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Port-Royal National Historic Site, Fort Anne, and Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. Also, be sure to include Upper Clements Parks in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Annapolis Royal (Nova Scotia).
Table of Contents
Port-Royal National Historic Site
Historical landmark in Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia. Port-Royal National Historic Site is a National Historic Site located on the north bank of the Annapolis Basin in the community of Port Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada. The site is the location of the Habitation at Port-Royal.
The Habitation at Port-Royal was established by France in 1605 and was that nation's first permanent settlement in North America, as although Fort Charlesbourg-Royal in the future Quebec City had been built in 1541, it did not last long. Port-Royal served as the capital of Acadia until its destruction by British military forces in 1613. France relocated the settlement and capital 8 km (5.0 mi) upstream and to the south bank of the Annapolis River, the site of the present-day town of Annapolis Royal.
The relocated settlement kept the same name of Port-Royal and served as the capital of Acadia for the majority of the 17th century until the 1710 British conquest of the colony, at which time the settlement was renamed Annapolis Royal.[1]
Address: 53 Historic Ln, B0S 1K0 Annapolis Royal
Fort Anne
Historical place in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Fort Anne is a four-bastion fort built to protect the harbour of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. The fort repelled all French attacks during the early stages of King George's War.
Now designated a National Historic Site of Canada, it is managed by Parks Canada. Two buildings remain intact:
- The 1708 stone powder magazine in Bourgogne Bastion
- The 1797 Officer's Quarters was renovated in the 1930s and now house the museum with exhibits about the fort's history and historic artifacts from the area. It was former site of two separate structures: Governor's house and chapel.
Other structures were replaced by later work by British:
- Bake house in Dauphin Bastion later became underground magazine
- Powder magazine in Berry Bastion now vacant
Lieutenant Governor house and dry storage building in front of current officers quarters demolished. Currently vacant area.
A 1⁄2-kilometre (0.31 mi) trail runs along the fort's earthen walls, and provides a view of the Annapolis River and basin.[2]
Address: St. Geroge St., B0S 1E0 Annapolis Royal
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
Garden, Nature and wildlife, Park, Relax in park
Address: 441 St. George St., B0S 1A0 Annapolis Royal
Upper Clements Parks
Theme park in Nova Scotia, Canada. Upper Clements Parks was a seasonal theme park located in Upper Clements, Nova Scotia, Canada owned and operated by a non profit community group, The Upper Clements Parks Society. It was composed of two parks; Upper Clements Theme Park and Upper Clements Adventure Park.
Upper Clements Parks was open daily from the beginning of June until the end of September. The park had a wooden coaster and a water coaster and over 40 rides and attractions.[3]
Address: 2931 Highway 1, B0S 1A0 Annapolis Royal
Town of Annapolis Royal
Annapolis Valley Regional Library is a public library system based in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada. It serves a population of just over 101,000 in Annapolis County, Kings County and the district of West Hants with eleven branch libraries. Established in 1949, Annapolis Valley Regional Library was the first regional library system in Nova Scotia.[4]
Address: 285 St. George Street, Box 310, Annapolis Royal
Catfish Moon Folk Art and Craft
Museum, Gift shop, Shopping
Address: 170 Saint George Street, Annapolis Royal