Category: Fundy Shores and Annapolis Valley

This is another restoration that Parks Canada is maintaining.  Close to Annapolis Royal, Port Royal houses the restoration of Samuel de Champlain’s Habitation, where he lived in 1605. It’s much smaller than Fortress Louisbourg but, consider the age difference.  The habitation is 1605, about 140 years older than Fortress Lousibourg. There are people in period costume who can explain a great deal about how the place was reconstructed (1939 – 1941) and what each of the rooms was used for. For me the vital importance of these historical sites is to keep the past from fading away.  There was so […]

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I had no idea in the pouring rain what I was in for when I entered Dawn Oman’s gallery.  We drove up to her door in Bridgetown Nova Scotia ran from the car to her door and were soaked.  “Do I have drowned rats at my door?” she said, laughing.  We said yes. My expectations were nil; I was checking out a gallery that I was told was cool. Well, it was a gallery/home/former church/concert hall.  I had not realized it was a decommissioned United Church with intact stained glass.  Because Dawn is First Nations from Yellowknife with European heritage […]

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We did not stay at the Garrison House, but we did enjoy brunch there. The house itself is fascinating as it’s a restored heritage property, right across the street from Fort Anne, which, not surprisingly, had a garrison of soldiers throughout history.  If you were to stay there, you’d be in walking distance of everything in Annapolis Royal. Our brunch was great.  You choose something like French Toast, and then they bring a plate of toast, bacon, sausages and others that people like me really enjoy, because I live with vegetarians. For more information:  garrisonhouseinn.ca Where to Stay in Annapolis […]

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This Annapolis Royal Museum is more the normal point-in-time display.  In this case, O’Dell House Museum is the former home of Nova Scotia Pony Express rider Corey O’Dell and his family. There is a guide who’ll describe the rooms’ various functions and what’s displayed from the Annapolis Heritage Society’s collection of artifacts. For me these museums help have a glimpse into the past as to how people lived. More information:  annapolisheritagesociety.com/odell-house-museum Where to Stay in Annapolis Royal

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On St. George Street in Annapolis Royal, on Saturday mornings from late May to early October, there’s a market with lots of local vendors. Plus the stores along the street are open.  We had a Town Crier join the festivities as we happened to be there on Canada Day and there was a new store opening. People were socializing a great deal as the locals often bump into each other at the market. My son picked up a hoodie with Annapolis Royal on it. For more information: annapolisroyalfarmersmarket.com Where to Stay in Annapolis Royal

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Because of Annapolis Royal’s long history (from the European perspective) dating back to 1605, it’s not surprising that you’ll find some old buildings. The Sinclair Inn is the 2nd oldest wooden structure still standing in Canada.  It’s now a museum, but it’s a museum of the building itself.  When the town was re-invigorating itself in the 1980s, they were trying to figure out what to do with the Sinclair Inn.  As they started looking behind the walls, they found that it was far older than they thought. There was a construction style used by the Acadians called wattle and daub, […]

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The people of Annapolis Royal sure know what they’re doing about baked goods.  It was the first morning and I was fairly jet-lagged and breakfast was at Arch & Po Bakery.  We were on a weekday and despite it being lunch time for locales, it was not too busy.  The baked goods taste as good as they look.  You go to the counter to order and self-serve coffee.  I had their breakfast croissant.  My wife had an almond croissant and a maple scone that were best in class. Because everything in Annapolis Royal feels like you are in an antique […]

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Kejimkujik National Park, located in the south centre of Nova Scotia, is a natural preserve and recreational park as well as a national historic site. The park, affectionately called Keji by its enthusiasts, is 174 km (106 mi.) from Halifax and 86 km (53 mi.) from Digby. Visiting a park of the magnitude of Keji without staying overnight is to miss a lot of the outdoor experience. The camping facilities in the park are excellent. At Jeremys Bay Campground there are three beaches, an internet station, interpretive programs, a playground and a walking trail joining the campsites to the shores […]

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Tourists to Nova Scotia should definitely not miss visiting the town of Parrsboro located at the head of the Bay of Fundy not far from Amherst and Truro. I recommend that you swing into Parrsboro before you leave the province for New Brunswick or just after you enter the land of “Bluenosers”. Before you get upset at the use of this epithet, let me explain. It’s fine to call Nova Scotians “Bluenoses” or “Bluenosers”. They are proud of the nickname which some say comes from the Irish Bluenose Potato, once a major product of the province. Others say it comes […]

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Situated at the south end of the Annapolis Valley is the town of Annapolis Royal. The picturesque town has some of the most beautiful heritage buildings in Nova Scotia. Take a leisurely walk through the town past the stately Victorian homes and explore the many shops that offer some of the highest quality Nova Scotia crafts to be had anywhere in the province. Right in the centre of Annapolis Royal are the extensive Historic Gardens that are sure to inspire enthusiasts of horticulture as well as photographers and children who will enjoy the Rose Maze. This garden, one of the […]

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