The Port-Royal National Historic Site, located in the Fundy Shore and Annapolis Valley region (Route 1 to Granville Ferry, left 11.5 km / 7.5 mi), features a reconstruction of the original Habitation (1605) built by Samuel de Champlain and Sieur de Mons. This reconstruction of early 17th-century buildings represents the former colony and fur trading post of the French. The buildings form a rectangle around a courtyard, similar to farms in Normandy, France.
Costumed interpreters and period demonstrations bring visitors back in time to one of the earliest European settlements in North America. Explore the Port-Royal Habitation and discover construction techniques of the early 17th century, find out how plants were used as medicine, learn about the fur trade, hear about the interaction between the French and the Mi'kmaq and much more.
This is the site of North America’s first European social club (the Order of Good Cheer) founded by Champlain to ensure the men at Port-Royal had a proper diet, a source of activity, and a source of entertainment to help pass away the long winter nights. Canada’s first European theatrical presentation, “Theatre of Neptune” was performed at this site, as well.
The Port-Royal National Historic Site is a Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience. Interact with the costumed interpreters and learn more about life in the early days of Acadia or take a self-guided tour. Bus tours are welcome.
Facilities / Services
- Bus tours
- Parking
- Picnic tables
- Public washroom
- Limited accessibility
- Bilingual/Multilingual staff available
Date details/Hours of operation
Sun–Thur 9am–5:30pm (daily Jun 26–Sep 1).
Admission
Details: Admission charged.