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Annapolis Valley

Historically, the fertile and sparsely populated Annapolis Valley was known as the breadbasket of colonial Canada. Today, the region still produces much of Nova Scotia's fresh produce, especially apples, but the real excitement surrounds the growth of the valley's wine industry. The valley's vineyards, which boast a similar latitude to that of Bordeaux, France, have taken advantage of the sandy soil and reconnected with the area's French roots.

Regional highlights include the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival in late May, visits to the Fundy coast at Annapolis Royal for tidal vistas over patchwork farmland, the vibrant and spirited town of Wolfville, and taking a moment to contemplate the past while gazing upon the World Heritage landscape of Grand Pré.

Explore Annapolis Valley

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Annapolis Valley.

  • Historic Site

    Fort Anne National Historic Site

    The strategic importance of Annapolis Royal, particularly its access to the Annapolis River, led to decades of conflict, mostly centered on this…

  • Historic Site

    Grand Pré National Historic Site

    This interpretive center explains the historical context for the deportation of the French-Acadian people from Acadian, Mi'kmaw and British perspectives,…

  • Gardens

    Tangled Garden

    A one-woman passion project, these glorious terraced gardens are a must-see for horticulturalists. Split into a series of 'rooms' by hedges of beech, box…

  • Winery

    Lightfoot & Wolfville

    This organic, biodynamic winery has a fast-growing reputation across Nova Scotia and beyond, producing vintages ranging from a bubbly rosé and blanc de…

  • Winery

    Luckett Vineyards

    One of the best destination wineries in the region, Luckett has palatial views over the vines and hillsides down to the Bay of Fundy cliffs. After…

  • Historic Site

    Port Royal National Historic Site

    Some 14km northwest of Annapolis Royal, Port Royal National Historic Site is the location of one of the earliest permanent European settlements in North…

  • Winery

    Domaine de Grand Pré

    A great destination winery and one of the best known in the province, Domaine de Grand Pré has a delicious spicy muscat and a nice sparkling Champlain…

  • Gardens

    Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

    These gorgeous gardens cover a rambling 6.5 hectares and have various themed areas, such as an Acadian kitchen garden one might have seen in the late…

  • Museum

    Prescott House Museum

    This museum is housed in what is considered to be one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Nova Scotia: the former home of the…

  • Winery

    Blomidon Estate Winery

    This renowned winery is well worth a stop, particularly for its sparkling crémants and crisp Tidal Bay (a blend of local varieties that makes up an…

  • Winery

    Bear River Winery

    All the estate-produced, award-winning wines made at this adorable little winery are created using solar energy, biodiesel, wind power and the natural…

  • Winery

    Casa Nova Fine Beverages

    Formerly known as Annapolis Highland Winery, this place specializes in craft cider made with 100% Nova Scotia apples, sometimes mixed with soft fruit. It…

  • State Park

    Blomidon Provincial Park

    Known for its dramatic red cliffs (some 180m high) overlooking the fast-moving tides of the Bay of Fundy, this beautiful 760-hectare park makes a great…

  • Museum

    Kings County Museum

    The Kings Historical Society runs this local-history museum where you can visit a replica courtroom and Victorian parlor, and view exhibits exploring…

  • Park

    Wolfville Waterfront Park

    Waterfront Park offers a stunning view of the tidal mudflats, Minas Basin and the red cliffs of Cape Blomidon. Displays explain the tides, dikes, flora…

  • Museum

    Islands Historical Society Museum

    Island life is explored at this little museum, which has lots of boat models, vintage fishing gear, sepia-tinted photos and a small exhibit on one-time…

  • Lighthouse

    Brier Island Lighthouse

    Originally built in 1809, this rugged outpost has seen many incarnations over the years. Its present form, a striking red-and-white-striped concrete tower…

  • Museum

    Haliburton House

    Haliburton House was once home to Judge Thomas Chandler Haliburton (1796–1865), writer of the Sam Slick stories. Many of Haliburton's expressions, such as…

  • Winery

    L'Acadie Vineyards

    Overlooking the Gaspereau Valley, this geothermally powered winery grows certified-organic grapes to make a range of sparkling wines, plus whites, reds…