Getty Images/All Canada Photos

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.

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 impressive fort. The first redoubt was built by the French in the 1630s; the current structure was designed by French military architect Vauban in 1702. You can wander the bulwarks and battlements (now mostly grassed over), and there's an interesting museum in the old officers' quarters with exhibits including a four-panel tapestry depicting 400 years of the fort's history.
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, and traces the many routes Acadians took from, and back to, the Maritimes. Beside the center, a serene park contains gardens, an Acadian-style stone church, and a bust of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who chronicled the Acadian saga in Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie, and a statue of his fictional Evangeline, now a romantic symbol of her people.
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 and yew, and stocked with a wonderful array of flowers, trees and herbs, this is a lovely place to wander. At the delightful tearoom (open 11am to 4:30pm Wednesday to Sunday) all the jams and chutneys are made with garden goodies.
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 blancs to a crisp Chardonnay and an ice wine. The tours ($15) are informative and last about 45 minutes, exploring the estate's eco-friendly approach and ethos, and including a taste of three wines. There's also an excellent bistro (mains $13 to $26), serving wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie and cheese boards, and lobster salads.
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 sampling the red, white, fruit and dessert wines, and the particularly good ice wine, chill on the patio and have lunch at the Crush Pad bistro (mains $10 to $18, open 11am to 4pm, plus evenings Friday and Saturday in summer).
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 America, established by French colonist and explorer Samuel de Champlain as a fur-trading outpost. A replica of the settlement, complete with wooden stockades and timber buildings, has been created here. Brought to life by guides in period costume, it gives a surprisingly convincing insight into early colonial times.
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 Brut. Tours take about 45 minutes or you can do tastings and stroll through the vines by yourself. The winery's restaurant, Le Caveau, is locally renowned.
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 1600s and an innovative modern one. Munch blueberries, ogle the vegetables and look for frogs. The Secret Garden Café offers lunches and German-style baked goods.
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 horticulturalist who introduced many of the apple varieties grown in the Annapolis Valley. The museum is about a 9km drive from Wolfville via Port Williams.