The Best of the Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley Region

Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site

Route 8, Maitland Bridge

Spanning more than 380 square kilometres of scenic inland wilderness country, “Keji” features abundant lakes and rivers, lush woodlands and a variety of wildlife. Visitors will find adventure here year-round: historic canoe routes and portages, backcountry camping sites, hiking and cross-country ski trails abound.

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

441 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal

Follow the winding paths through 17 acres of lush greenery, flowers and horticultural displays, including a formal Victorian garden, an expansive collection of roses and the heritage Acadian cottage and garden.

Fort Anne National Historic Site

323 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal

The restored Officers' Quarters Museum proudly displays the 18 foot Heritage Tapestry, the Royal Charter of Nova Scotia, and a wealth of history to explore.

Port-Royal National Historic Site

Lower Grandville Rd., Port Royal

Raise a toast to Samuel de Champlain and his hardy crew: on this site in 1605 they built the original Port Royal Habitation and founded North America’s first social club, the Order of Good Cheer, to combat the hardships of winter.

Upper Clements Park

2931 Highway 1, Upper Clements

Plan for a whole day’s worth of family fun at this expansive amusement park. It’s jammed with rides, including a waterslide and roller coaster, along with summertime entertainment.

Oaklawn Farm Zoo

Highway 101, Aylesford

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Interact with a wide variety of mammals, birds and reptiles, including the largest display of big cats and primates in Atlantic Canada.

Grand-Pré National Historic Site

Sweeping gardens and a memorial church are built on the site of the 17th-century Acadian village and the Deportation that were both immortalized in H.W. Longfellow’s epic poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie.

Burncoat Head Park

611 Burncoat Road, Noel

Walk on the ocean floor at the site of the world’s highest-ever recorded tide shift. A wooden staircase built over this rocky red cliff face offers safe passage to the beach floor below, where you can hunt for fossils at low tide.

Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park

149 Creighton Road, Stewiacke

Visit up close with the sturdy little Sable Island ponies who make this natural habitat park their home, along with dozens of other species of native Nova Scotian mammals and birds.

Glooscap Heritage Centre

Highway 102, Millbrook/ Truro

Follow the giant roadside statue of Glooscap (Kluscap) as he points the way to an innovative multimedia presentation of Mi’kmaq heritage and legends. You’ll enjoy the extensive displays of ancient artifacts and traditional crafts and don’t forget to try speaking a few Mi’Kmaq words.

Five Islands Provincial Park

618 Bentley Road, Lower Five Islands

Ninety-metre sea cliffs provide a spectacular oceanside setting for camping, hiking, beachcombing, rockhounding and kayaking.

Fundy Geological Museum

162 Two Islands Road, Parrsboro

Discover prehistoric Nova Scotia: unearth the secrets of 200-million-year-old dinosaur bones, marvel at the fossilized remains of giant dragonflies and bugs, and explore the area’s rich mineral treasures. The beach walk program provides an up-close view of the areas unique geology.

Anne Murray Centre

36 Main Street, Springhill

See firsthand the incomparable mix of awards, photographs, memorabilia and audio-visual highlights of Anne Murray's life and singing career celebrated in her home-town of Springhill.

Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

1108 West Advocate Road, Advocate Harbour

Towering sea cliffs rise from the Bay of Fundy, while the world’s highest tides lap at their base. This park features a pristine coastline wilderness trail, sheltered coves, steep ravines and old-growth forests.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs and World Heritage Site

100 Main Street, Joggins

Take a guided tour of the beach and cliffs at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where 300-million-year-old fossils are continually revealed by erosion from the world’s highest tides. The interpretive centre features lots of interactive displays.

Balancing Rock

Long Island

Enjoy the picturesque three minute ferry ride from Digby Neck, and you’ll be rewarded with an up-close view of Long Island’s striking basalt rock formations. The most photographed is a narrow column of basalt standing straight up in the air, balanced only on its tiny tip.

Digby Wharf

Photograph picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf, as the brightly painted hulls of the world-famous scallop fleet dip and dance in the sparkling blue Annapolis Basin.

Hall’s Harbour Wharf

Highway 359

In picturesque Hall’s Harbour, lobster boats bob at the wharf’s high-tide mark. A mere six hours later, when the tide recedes, the colourful fleet of vessels lies grounded on the harbour floor.

Blomidon Lookoff

Highway 358, Arlington

Just north of Canning, stop along the roadside to see a breathtaking panoramic view of the Annapolis Valley, stretching out in a patchwork of greens to the red-hued Minas Basin beyond.

Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre & Observation Deck

9865 Hwy 236, South Maitland

Overlooking the majestic Shubenacadie River, enjoy a stunning view this tidal environment that changes by the minute! If you time your visit right you'll witness the natural phenomenon known as a tidal bore.

Victoria Park

Truro

Winding through a deep gorge, a bubbling stream leads to two waterfalls in this thousand-acre natural park with great hiking and biking trails.

Cape d’Or Lighthouse

This cliff-edged Cape of Gold provides shutterbugs with a picturesque lighthouse, glorious ocean views and incredible sunsets. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals.

Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

Advocate Harbour

Hike along the edge of the park’s 200-metre cliffs or the beaches below for some of the most magnificent sunsets in the province. Further inland, steep ravines and old-growth forests provide lots of photo ops.

Annapolis Royal Farmers & Traders Market

Town Centre, Annapolis Royal, (902) 245-4824

Meadowbrook Meat Market

318 Pleasant Valley Road, RR#2 Berwick (902) 538-1106

Blueberry Acres U-Pick

1225 Middle Dyke Road, Centreville

Chipman’s U-Pick

Tupperville, (902) 665-2333

Crops: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pears

Hennigar’s Farm Market

10272 Highway 1, Wolfville

Noggins Corner Farm

10009 Highway 1, Greenwich

Wolfville & Kentvillle Farmers Markets

Wednesdays 10-2pm

Fox Hill Cheese House

1678 Church St, Port Williams (902) 542-3599

Truro Farmers' Market

Between Havelock & Outram Street, Truro

Saturday Mornings May–October

Masstown Market

Exit 12, Highway 104, Masstown

That Dutchman’s Farm

112 Brown Road, Upper Economy - (902) 647-2751

Saint-Famille Wines

Sainte-Famille Wines in Falmouth, known for its Marechal Foch and L’Acadie Blanc. Tours are offered from May to October.

Domaine de Grand Pré Winery

Domaine de Grand Pré Winery is located just outside Wolfville. Known for its Vintner’s Reserve label and on-site restaurant, Le Caveau, the winery offers tours as well as special events such as tastings, wine-and-cheese nights and winemaker’s dinners.

Muir Murray Estate Winery

The Muir Murray Estate Winery in Wolfvile offers free tours and tastings of its nine varieties and is committed to wine education.

Blomidon Estate Winery

Blomidon Estate Winery near Canning has won national awards for its chardonnay and L’Acadie Blanc; the wine shop is open year-round.

Gaspereau Vineyards

Gaspereau Vineyards is gaining notice for its impressive reds like DeChaunac and Lucie Kuhlmann. It’s open from mid-May to mid-December with complimentary guided tour.

L’Acadie Vineyards

L’Acadie Vineyards, located in Gaspereau, specializes in traditional-method sparkling wines and is Nova Scotia’s first certified organic winery.

Bear River Vineyards

Bear River Vineyards, with its steep, south-facing terraces form a “bowl” of heat to create a Mosel terroir, perfect for producing Baco Noir and Pinot Noir. Tours are available.

Annapolis Highland Vineyards

Annapolis Highland Vineyards wines include Geisenheim Riesling and the specialty Highland Blue. This wine blends wild Nova Scotia blueberries with a hint of Cabernet Franc. Their newest wine, Highland Blue Dolce, is a blueberry dessert wine. A gift store, tours and viticulture clinics are offered on site.

Lucky Rabbit Pottery

15 Queen Street, Annapolis Royal

A hand-modelled porcelain bee drowses lazily atop a red honey pot, while a tiny pink-eared mouse peeks from the lip of a teacup. This charming studio shop offers functional pottery with a playful touch.

deWeevers Wovens

3486 Highway 1, Aylesford

Flora by Cora

2088 Grand Pré Road, Grand Pré

Bold sunflowers, daisies, wild roses and pansies adorn the backs of these Adirondack-style cedar lawn chairs. Tables, planters, rockers, settees and window boxes are also available.

Tangled Garden

Highway 1, Grand Pré

Tantalizing gourmet oils, vinegars and jellies infused with flavours from the two-acre herb and sculpture garden.

Captain Hall’s Treasure Chest

Route 359, Hall’s Harbour

Pick up a piece of functional pottery art and catch the members of the Paints and Pots Creative Artists collective at work in the studio. (902) 678-3855.

Flight of Fancy

1869 Clementsvale Road, Bear River

This internationally acclaimed gallery offers unique shopping from the work of over two hundred Nova Scotian and Canadian artists. Wood, pottery, glass, metalwork, clothing, fibre arts—just pick your favourite medium.

Inklings in Wood

Maitland

Take home a functional salad bowl or a decorative vase, hand-turned from solid Nova Scotian maple, birch, ash, beech, oak, elm or cherry wood.

Studio Glass

Highway 215, Maitland

Luminous fused-glass suncatchers, wind chimes, tableware and jewellery are available in ocean, Celtic and floral motifs.

Glooscap Heritage Centre Store

Millbrook

Dream catchers, quill jewellery and contemporary artwork with traditional Aboriginal style, handcrafted by local Mi’kmaq artisans.

Joy Laking Gallery

6730 Hwy # 2, Bass River

A visit to the Gallery is enhanced by stepping into Joy's Painting Studio to see work in progress including the opportunity to see how a serigraph is made.

Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival

Kentville, May 30-June 4, 2012

Let the aroma of apple blossoms waft over you as you celebrate the bloom of springtime at the Queen Annapolisa pageant and one of Canada’s largest and most revered annual street parades.

National Aboriginal Day at the Glooscap Heritage Centre

Millbrook, June 21, 2011

At this annual celebration of Mi’kmaq culture and heritage, you’ll find traditional drumming, dancing, storytelling, art and crafts.

Ship’s Company Theatre

Parrsboro, Performances from July through September, 2011

Take your seat for dynamic and engaging performances from this acclaimed professional company, which stages several shows—comedy, drama and family entertainment among them—each summer season.

Tastes of the Valley

Wolfville, July 23, 2011

Make sure you come hungry to this culinary celebration of fresh local food. At the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, some of the province’s hottest chefs will create tasting plates using fresh Valley-farmed ingredients.

Windsor West Hants Summer Fest

Windsor, July 28-31, 2011

Honouring the popular character, Sam Slick, created by humourist and politician Thomas Chandler Haliburton, this three-day festival is jam-packed with activities including a street fair and craft show, music on the waterfront, parades, dances, fireworks and more.

Digby Scallop Days

Digby, August 8-12, 2012

Authentic and colourful, this festival celebrates its 36th anniversary in 2011. Celebrate the world-famous scallop fleet with entertainment including a street parade, music stage, raft races and lots of delicious scallops.

Dutch Mason Blues Festival

Truro, August 12-14, 2011

A weekend of blues, bikes, beer and barbecue contests, this annual festival is three days of outdoor concerts and late-night jams featuring international, national and local blues musicians.

Millbrook Powwow

Millbrook, August 12-14, 2011

Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Aboriginal culture during the annual Powwow in Millbrook. Weekend festivities for the whole family include performances by traditional dancers, drum groups and entertainment from all over Atlantic Canada.

Acoustic Maritime Music Festival

Kempt Shore, July 15-17, 2011

From a stunning location overlooking the beautiful Minas Basin enjoy some of Canada's best artists in Acoustic music. Also learn about the popular Bluegrass and Oldtime music festival held at the same location in August.

Annapolis Valley Exhibition

Lawrencetown, August 15-20, 2011

From antique tractors and equine competitions to kids’ chuck wagons to wild-and-woolly sheep races, there’s sure to be something for everyone at the 2010 Ex.

Nova Scotia’s Gem & Mineral Show

Parrsboro, August 19-21, 2011

During the 45th annual Rockhound Roundup, tour the beach at Joggins, Five Islands or Wassons Bluff, then check out the fossils, minerals, gems and jewellery that originated deep in these cliffs.

Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition

Truro, August 24-28, 2011

You’ll have lots of old-fashioned family fun at the Ex’s horse, ox and antique tractor pulls, tug-of-war competitions, demolition derby, draft horse competitions, barrel racing and rodeo events.

The Wharf Rat Rally

Digby, September 1-6, 2011

Atlantic Canada’s largest motorcycle rally brings tens of thousands of bikers to town for driving, burnout, stunt and strongmen competitions, show-and-shines and lots of family entertainment.

Hants County Exhibition

Windsor, September 16-18 & 23-25, 2011

First established in 1765, this two-weekend event is the oldest continuously run agricultural fair in North America.

Deep Roots Music Festival

September 23-25, 2011 Wolfville

Enjoy concerts from local singer-songwriters as well as Canadian and international performers. You’ll also find folk dancing, drumming and singing workshops for all ages.

Valley Pumpkin Festival

Region-wide, October 1–31, 2011

Sharpen your artistic skills in a pumpkin-carving contest, meet the famous Kentville pumpkin people, cheer on your favourite paddler at the 12th annual pumpkin regatta and place your bet at the annual giant pumpkin weigh-off in Windsor. Vineyard tours, winemakers’ dinners, community teas and special harvest menus at local restaurants round out the month’s festivities.

Admiral Digby Museum

95 Montague Row, Digby

This mid-1800s Georgian home presents period rooms containing important collections of furnishings, and artifacts and archives.

Greenwood Military Aviation Museum

Ward Road, Greenwood

Trace Greenwood’s military history from its beginnings as an RAF Station in 1942 to its present-day status as the largest airbase in Atlantic Canada, with displays of Argus, Lancaster, Neptune and T33 aircraft.

North Hills Museum

5065 Granville Road, Granville Ferry

Boasting a fine collection of English furniture, ceramics, silver and Georgian glass, this beautifully restored mid-18th-century farmhouse is a must-see for antique buffs.

Prescott House Museum

1633 Starr’s Point Road, Starr’s Point

Learn about the advent of commercial agriculture in the Valley at this gracious Georgian house; it belonged to Charles Prescott, a horticulturalist who helped establish the Fruit Growers Association.

Shand House Museum

389 Avon Street, Windsor

Architecture and design enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this Victorian home, which features detailed woodwork and some marvelously crafted furniture from the Windsor Furniture Factory.

Haliburton House Museum

414 Clifton Avenue, Windsor

Judge Thomas Chandler Haliburton’s elegant villa is furnished with some of his own Victorian-era possessions, including the desk where he may have written his famous “Sam Slick” stories.

Lawrence House Museum

8660 Highway 215, Maitland

From his study window, William D. Lawrence would have watched his bustling shipyard on the shore of Cobequid Bay. The museum depicts life in Maitland in the late 19th century and a tour through his home’s 23 room’s will take you past many of the heirlooms he collected in his world travels.

Watson Smith & Sons Tinsmith Shop and Hardware Store Museum

Main Street, Shubenacadie

In this furnished heritage home and shop, see a display of vintage milk cans and hardware store items.

Mastodon Ridge

Highway 102, Stewiacke

A life-sized replica of an 89,000-year-old mastodon beckons from the ridge overlooking the main highway. Venture in and you’ll discover petroglyphs by local Mi’kmaq artists, A/V presentations on Nova Scotia’s past, a fossil sandbox for children and 18 holes of mini-golf.

Colchester Historical Society Museum

29 Young Street, Truro

Focusing on the social history of Colchester County, the museum’s genealogical resources include family and community histories, photographs and archival papers.

Debert Military Museum

35 Acadia Avenue, Debert

In World War II, Debert was a staging area for an estimated 300,000 soldiers being shipped overseas. A barracks hut now houses a huge collection of WWII & Cold War-era militaria.

Age of Sail Heritage Centre

Route 209, Port Greville

This family-oriented centre depicts rich heritage of the Minas Basin timber and shipbuilding industries within a restored Methodist church, blacksmith shop and historical lighthouse.

Springhill Miners Museum

145 Black River Road, Springhill

Tour the depths of a Springhill coal mine, famous in song and legend, and see unique artifacts depicting the town’s remarkable industrial heritage.

Whalewatching off Digby Neck

The Fundy coast is a unique marine environment that’s as popular with whales as it is with people. Experience a whalewatching adventure on boat or zodiac for a thrilling encounter with up to 15 species of whales that spend their summers here, including the rare right whale.

Tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River

Various sites, Maitland to Urbania

Shoot the white-water rapids as the tide rushes from the Bay of Fundy up the Shubenacadie River, past eagle nests, Acadian dykelands and geological formations. Prepare to get wet — the force of the incoming tide against the outflow of the river forms roller-coaster waves that can be up to four metres high (14 feet).

Sea Kayaking at Advocate Harbour

From Cape Chignecto Provincial Park to the tidal Sissiboo River experience a sea kayaking adventure for an amazing perspective on towering cliffs, rock spires, and geological wonders sculpted by the world's highest tides!

Going to the Birds

Brier Island, at the tip of Digby Neck, is recognized as the #1 bird watching location in Nova Scotia in the fall. Take your camera, binoculars and bird book to Pond Cove, the Nature Conservancy site on the island. You’ll experience unparalleled opportunities to study hundreds of migrating shorebirds and raptors up close.