Vacation Tips: Nova Scotia's Hidden Gems, Annapolis Royal - Canada's TRUE birthplace

Annapolis Royal has a lot of impressive 'firsts' to boast about. At the same time though, this little town is humble and very aware of the responsibilities that come with so much historic significance. Some quick facts about Annapolis Royal:

• Annapolis Royal is Canada’s largest National Historic District
• The area is the oldest permanent European settlement in Canada
• Fort Anne National Historic Site is Canada’s first National Historic Site
• This little town of just over 500 people holds 143 heritage properties and 8(!) National Historic Sites. (With thanks to Ryan Scranton, museum curator at Annapolis Royal for correcting me!)
• The Annapolis Royal area is the most fought over piece of land in Canadian history
• This little town was Nova Scotia's original capital

After having failed miserably at Ile St. Croix (right at the border of New Brunswick and Maine) in 1604 and loosing nearly half the crew, Samuel de Champlain and Pierre Dugua de Mons decided to try again in 1605. This time they picked the Port Royal area (now called the Annapolis Royal area). Soon after arriving an agreement was made with Chief Membertou, leader of the Mi’kmaq within the Port Royal area, which aided in the early success of this settlement. Samuel de Champlain went on to found Quebec City in 1608, a full 3 years later.

Over the years this piece of land went back and forth in ownership between the French and the British an astonishing 7 times, the British finally came out winning the final battle. This is why what was once called the Port Royal area is now called Annapolis Royal, in honour of the British Queen Anne. It is hard to imagine the battles once fought here when standing on the green slopes of Fort Anne overlooking the scenic Annapolis River.

This little town is almost literally submerged in historical value and treasure. Just imagine: if in those early days the outcome of the battles fought here had been different the old Acadian (the New France) might still have existed, while the Cajuns in Louisiana might simply never have ended up there. Canada as it stands today would not exist. It is hard to imagine that this peaceful, quiet area played such a huge role in the formation of today's Canada.

National Historic Sites
There are 8(!) National Historic Sites in the Annapolis Royal area, I will focus on the two most significant: Fort Anne and Port Royal. Imagine that, there are so many National Historic Sites in the Annapolis Royal area that even the museum curator in the town had to go down the list a few times to make sure we included all!

Fort Anne is located right in the town of Annapolis Royal and is Canada’s first National Historic Site. This fort thrived in the 17^th and 18^th century when Annapolis Royal was the capital of Nova Scotia.
It is now a magnificent looking fort, with peaceful grass slopes overlooking the Annapolis River. It really is hard to imagine this area was once a major battlefield where so many deciding battles were fought.

Port Royal is located on the other side of the Annapolis River and is the (estimated) location of that first French settlement back in 1605. Since the original “Habitation” was burnt down in 1613 by Samuel Argall of Virginia the reconstruction (built in 1939-1940) was built as commemoration of the historic events that took place here. It was built making use of old drawings by Samuel de Champlain and is though to be quite precise and within a few hundred meters of the original site. Since Goat Island, on which they based their estimate of the original site, has moved over time it was impossible to be more exact.
Port Royal is now open from May to October, with period dressed interpreters around the site that are simply treasure troves of information while giving demonstrations of the old crafts.

Other Sights and Attractions

Historic Gardens
The Historic Gardens are located on 17 acres of land right in Annapolis Royal. These gardens are a horticultural paradise that tell the historic tales of Nova Scotia’s settlement throughout the times from an agricultural and horticultural perspective. Some of the highlights (for me) are the Maison Acadienne, which shows the life and hardships of the early Acadian settlers, and the Victorian garden, which shows the prosperity of the shipbuilding and vigorous trade of the time. Their rose garden with over 230 cultivars and thousands of blooms overwhelms your senses. The vibrant and delicate mix of colours, combined with the sweet smells and the buzzing of busy bees make this place the ultimate snack for your senses when the roses come to bloom.

Tour Annapolis Royal
These award winning tours will show you the essence of the history of this little town, which is hidden everywhere in plain view. There are tours that focus on the Acadian Heritage, the Historic District and then there is the fascinating Graveyard Tour.
For more information about the Mi’kmaq history in the area I would suggest visiting Bear River and the Native Cultural Center at the nearby native reserve.

Farmers and Traders Market
This market has a wonderful atmosphere. People come here to enjoy, relax and get their fill of good food, and you can just feel it in the air. The gentle sound of local musicians mixes with the friendly buzz of people genuinely happy to be there and meet each other. This market goes on from May to October every Saturday morning, Wednesday’s as well in July and August. In winter the market moves indoors at the Historic Gardens.

King’s Theatre
“Engaging, exciting, eclectic and inspiring, King’s Theatre offers an exhilarating mix of stage performances, concerts, professional comedy, independent films and more.” (www.kingstheatre.ca). I couldn’t have found a better description than that. This little theatre dates back to 1892, although the waters of the Annapolis Basin were truly North America’s first stage with the production of “The Theatre of Neptune” by Marc Lescarbot in 1606.

There are many more fascinating museums, heritage buildings, and attractions in the area, you could easily spend several days submerged in this little town’s fascinating history and its founding cultures that form the very core of this little gem. You can find more information on Annapolis Royal and it’s many sights and attractions at http://www.annapolisroyal.com/visitorinformation.php.