Visiting Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Canada Travel || Tags: Nova Scotia ||During my summer of “staycation”, I was happy to visit Annapolis Royal for the first time. I’ve heard so many great things, so my mom and I spent the day here during our girls weekend. I can say I’m totally obsessed and I can’t wait to visit again! It’s a charming small town with lots of interesting things to do and see.
Getting To Annapolis Royal
Located in the Annapolis Valley, on the Bay of Fundy, Annapolis Royal is about 2 hours and 10 minutes from Halifax. We traveled from Wolfville, which was only an hour and 15 minutes away. If you’re coming from my hometown of Liverpool, you can get there on Trunk 8 in an hour and a half.
What To Do In Annapolis Royal
Historic Gardens
Our first stop driving into Annapolis Royal was the Historic Gardens. They boast 17 acres of paradise and they aren’t wrong! It’s a beautiful place to visit and wander for an hour or two (or more!).
I particularly enjoyed the vegetable section, but even if you aren’t interested in gardening I think you’ll still have a great time here. If you get hungry during your visit the Elm Tree Cafe is there to serve coffee, sandwiches, treats and more.
The usual cost for entrance is $14, however in 2020 due to the Pandemic they lowered the price to $10! Your entrance fee is good for the whole day, so you can leave and come back if you wish. They are open 7 days a week 9-5, they close for the 2020 season on October 31.
Fort Anne National Historic Site
We always enjoy visiting National Historic Sites when we travel. Fort Anne became Canada’s first National Historic Site in 1917. The land Fort Anne sits on is some of the most contested land in Nova Scotia. It is the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq, however it was also occupied by both the French and the English, as it changed hands many times.
Today when you visit you can walk the grounds, soak up the view of the Annapolis River, visit the Officer’s Quarters Museum, and see demonstrations and reenactments.
Admission is $3.90 for an adult, and $3.40 for a senior. Youth under 17 are free. The grounds are open all year, however the Officer’s Quarters Museum, gift shop and washrooms are open June 1 2020 – October 11 2020.
*In 2020 during Covid-19 the Officer’s Quarters Museum is closed
Candlelight Graveyard Tours
The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal operates the Candlelight Graveyard Tours in the graveyard on the grounds of the Fort Anne National Historic Site in the summer and fall. Internationally acclaimed heritage interpreter Alan Melanson takes you through Canada’s oldest English graveyard by lantern light.
*Sadly the tours are cancelled in 2020 for Covid-19! Hope to catch this tour in 2021!
Looking for other things to do in Nova Scotia in the Fall?! Check out our amazing list here.
Wander Lower St George Street
Annapolis Royal is small and very walkable. We parked near Fort Anne and wandered St George Street, popping into many shops along the way. We really enjoyed Bainton’s Tannery Outlet where they have a bookstore and leather goods, many art galleries such as Tripps Handmade Gallery, and I picked up the cutest whale mug at Crooked Floor Gifts (on Victoria Street, just off the main road)
We ate lunch at the German Bakery, and I am still dreaming about the pretzels we got there. The soup and sandwiches we got for lunch were delicious and homemade. I highly recommend stopping in!
Sissiboo Coffee Roasters has a cafe on the main street. I didn’t stop in this time but we love Sissiboo Coffee, and visited their location in Bear River. Highly recommend their Fundy roast!
If you’re into craft beer, Annapolis Brewing Co has a taproom also on St George Street. Beer is not my thing but I love their branding and labels!
One of my favorite things about St George Street is all the historic buildings that line the streets. Some are inns, some are museums and stores. If you’re a regular reader you’ll know I’m totally obsessed, so Annapolis Royal was a dream to visit!
Waterfront Boardwalk
Circle back from your stroll on St George Street via the waterfront boardwalk. The Annapolis Royal Lighthouse is still standing, although no longer operational, it was built in 1889 and was recently restored!
Near Annapolis Royal
Port-Royal National Historic Site
In Nearby Granville Ferry, only about a 12 minute drive away, you can visit another National Historic Site of Canada.
Port-Royal Habitation is a compound that was established in 1605 by Samuel de Champlain. It was one of the earliest European settlements in Canada, on land that is the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq. The Mi’kmaw people welcomed these settlers and taught them how to live in their new climate.
The Habitation is now a living history museum where costumed interpreters will teach you what life was like for the French, as they adjusted to their new land.
Admission is $3.90 for an adult, and $3.40 for a senior. Youth under 17 are free. The grounds are open all year, however the Habitation is open seasonally.
*In 2020 during Covid-19 the Habitation is closed.
Wolfville
We visited as a day trip from Wolfville, only an hour and 15 minute drive away. Wolfville is a small university town with many shops and amazing restaurants. Wolfville is my favorite small town in Nova Scotia and if you visit you’ll know why!
Read more about what to do in Wolfville
Digby & Bear River
Digby is also not far, only about a 30 minute drive. If you’re looking for fresh scallops Digby is a must stop! We also enjoyed visiting the Maud Lewis replica house. Nearby Bear River is a charming village that I thoroughly enjoyed visiting as well, make sure to get some Sissiboo Coffee and check out the shops on Clementsvale Road.
Read more about what to do in Digby & Bear River
Final Thoughts
I think Annapolis Royal is an underrated small town here in Nova Scotia! We had a great day trip and I would love to visit again, stay overnight and do the graveyard tour. I’ve also heard they do a great job decorating for the Christmas holidays.
Have you visited Annapolis Royal? What did you think?
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