Annapolis Royal

Annapolis Royal is a town in and the county seat of Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, Canada. The community, known as Port Royal before 1710, is recognised as having one of the longest histories in North America, preceding the settlements at Plymouth, Jamestown and Quebec. Wikipedia.
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Top attractions in Annapolis Royal

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
1. Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
4.7
(806)
Nature & Parks
Gardens
Landscaped park on a tidal river, known for its roses & Acadian house built to 17th-century plans.
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Lovely place for a peaceful stroll. They currently have early-bird prices for the month of May, so we got in at a discount. Not everything was in bloom quite yet, but the tulips, and the rhododendrons were absolutely lovely. We'll have to come back when the rose garden is in bloom!
This is a beautiful gem hidden in the Valley! So peaceful, pretty, and a great place to spend a few hours. We didn't try the cafe, but it looked adorable. Also, don't let the map intimidate you - you can do the entire grounds in no time!
Had not planned on visiting but drove by and decided to return after buying some farm produce nearby. On the pricier side at $20 person but worth it. Beautiful gardens and a nice little café. I especially enjoyed the rose and Victorian gardens.
Very nice visit today. It is a a little past peak but still pretty things to see and discover, like the birds hidden on a path! Gift shop has a lot to offer, with many local items for sale. We ate at the cafe- it seemed 'tired' and not very inviting . The sandwiches were dry and uninspired but the butter cake was good! We were glad it was open.
The historical gardens is a must see, even if flowers are not your thing. Very peaceful, the gift shop has unique NS items at reasonable prices.
Beautiful well maintained garden. Highly recommended to visit during summer season. It's very calm and peaceful.
Beautiful gardens. Wide variety of plants in a lovely rolling landscape. Relatively young historical gardens, as they have only been in existence for 44 years.
Beautiful display of flowers, plants and greenery that would give any gardener envy and ideas for their own. The bumblebees here were in the tens of thousands or more (and very friendly).
Fort Anne National Historic Site
2. Fort Anne National Historic Site
4.6
(1104)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historic grounds of a 17th-c. fortress, with a history museum, guided tours & interpretive signs.
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Fantastic, very informative. Well manicured grounds. Lots of informative maps and pictures along your journey. I feel terrible i didn't visit the gift shop/museum and pay admission. Places like this monument to be able to show the sacrifices of our grandfather's and grandmother's. The bravery of these men and the sacrifices the women and children of these great brave men made. Not for a guaranteed new free, wonderful life but a small hope that one day, maybe a day they will never see. But one day dammit. FREE AT LAST! Always wanted to say that.
Great little museum. $9 for two adults. Took us about 30 min to walk around the entire exhibit and the grounds. The inside portion in the Officer's Barracks was very informative, I just wish there were more plaques or descriptions on the outside attractions (perhaps they don't want to take away from the actual exhibit).
Took a day trip to Annapolis Royal to visit the sights. The grounds are beautiful and the museum is full of historical facts. Would recommend even for children because there are activities to keep them interested and engaged while learning history of the area. There are many opportunities, outside, for roaming safely and walking. The site is the centre piece of the town. The town does have many historical and interesting homes and buildings. A walk down the Main Street will show you the many historical features of the town. Bonus- free entry until mid September (i believe). Also the cleanest public toilet I’ve ever been in!
Most of the information and experience is within the one existing building, since the rest of the structures are all long gone. It's kind of heavy with historical writings and storytelling so not great for kids. There are some outfits to try on. Outside there are more areas to run around and they may enjoy that more. The walls of the fort are pretty much gone and only the built up sand soil berms are left. Everything is well cared for though. If you want something more immersive and interactive, you should try visiting Port Royal down the road.
Excellent displays that teach a lot of early history here. Neat grounds to visit..helpful, pleasant staff. Im glad I dont have to mow these lawns with a push mower.
we were on a day trip and stopped for a return trip after over 50 years (school trip 1st time) found the site to just as interesting as 1st time the building are well laid out displays very well described and lit grounds are a pleasure to walk with amazing views of the Bay of Fundy
Who’d have known that this was the earliest established European settlement in N America? Earlier than Québec city! Fascinating little museum, packed with interesting artifacts and history.
It isn't hard to envision why this was one of the most hotly contested areas of Canada, having changed hands seven times between the French and English.
Port-Royal National Historic Site
3. Port-Royal National Historic Site
4.7
(634)
Temporarily Closed
Historical landmark
Museums
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If you love history, this place is for you. The historic site features a fort which was built in 1605 and then destroyed in 1613. Through paintings and story telling a replica was built in the 1930's. You will receive a map of the building which includes a bakery, a dining hall, trading store, guarding house, artisan dormitory and the governor's home among others . There are park rangers, some dressed in time period clothing, are there to answer any questions.
Very interesting, clean, well preserved historical site here. Staff members very friendly and welcoming. Lots of stuff to see with staff members to ask questions. Beautiful view on the red chairs as well. Highly recommended stop.
Great little stop to learn more about the fur trade from the French back in the 1600s. Amazing what rich men would do to either eliviate boredom, get richer or avoid their wives. 😂 Lucky to show up and the entry was free thanks to our tax collectors. 🍀
Easy 5 stars. Makes this place great is that you get to walk around in the settlement and it is all set up like the people just disappeared one day. You get to walk, touch, and explore. It's quite immersive. The self-guided tour that is provided is very helpful. During the summer they have staffed, dressed up and performing in their period roles. Easy access and parking, but people with mobility issues will have difficulty going up to the second floor of two of the buildings. If you have to choose between this place and Fort Ann definitely choose this location.
Very pretty and quiet fort to see in Nova Scotia. It was similar to visiting forts in Europe, and it was wonderful to find this little gem in the province. It’s a nice 30 minute stop in a quaint environment that can help you learn more about local history while enjoying a nice view.
You actually feel like you are in the 1600s when visiting Port-Royal. The tools, weapons, kitchenware, furniture, etc. are so well constructed, you feel like you are stepping back into the past. The reinactors are dressed in the clothes of the period and invite you to interact with them. A great tour and historical experience from a French and Mi'kmaq perspective.
Costumed interpreters brought history to life. The entire museum is reconstructed so we could go everywhere, upstairs, downstairs, in the cellar, on the guard platform, in the artisans' dormitory, and in the governor's quarters.
To me, an unknown part of Canadian history, the first European settlement in North America. The first exploration by Champlain, before the St. lawence. Buildings are very interesting and well constructed using period techniques. Well worth the visit Definitely recommend.
Annapolis Royal Generating Station
4. Annapolis Royal Generating Station
3.6
(5)
Permanently Closed
Power station
Sights & Landmarks
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This was a spur of the moment stop for us on a day of driving through the countryside on Route 1. Les the Interpreter was great conducting the tour. If you are interested in things mechanical don’t miss this stop.
This tide-based power generating station is a beautiful art deco like building. The facility itself is not operating. A part broke a few months ago and it apparently will take several more months before it’s received and things can restart. What is truly interesting is to sit and listen to the docent, an accomplished engineer, explain how tidal generating stations work, why they won’t work everywhere and what the future of tidal energy might be. Totally worth our time.
The plant is no longer operating.
Was pretty impressed, until environmentalists got it shut down!
Annapolis Royal Lighthouse
5. Annapolis Royal Lighthouse
4.4
(47)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
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Cute little lighthouse right in town with some nice grass to have a picnic or a nap.
Smal park with bench is perfect plsce for relax next to the lighthouse.
This is a beautiful little waterfront town. A small lighthouse on the main drag along with a beautiful boardwalk.
Nice light house, unfortunately without any flags.
Beautiful town with very nice and humble people
Small but well preserved
Beautiful has the 2nd oldest house in Canada Definitely worth going
Small lighthouse in a small town, but with a lovely boardwalk
Annapolis Royal Farmer's & Traders Market
6. Annapolis Royal Farmer's & Traders Market
4.6
(257)
Market
Shopping
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This is a really lovely market at the end of the Annapolis Valley. The organizers go through a lot of effort to have a good selection of vendors, special events, live music, and more. Extra seating has been added in recent years and parking is never too difficult to find.
A really nice farmers market to stop at. A ton of great vendors and local products and produce. Well organized and somewhat well laid out event with convenient local parking. Worth a visit and a great place to listen to live music too.
My favourite farmers market in NS. Food, fresh veggies, live music, it's my go to for a casual Saturday outing.
Unique crafts, baked goods, take out lunch and dinner ideas moonshine, etc. A town crier and music add to the festive atmosphere.
A great selection of vendors and a warm friendly atmosphere. My spouse and I like to visit every summer. The small town is very charming and a great place to spend a morning.
Great place to visit and shop, nice tonwalk around, picturesque and relaxing, even live music!
This was fun! The town criers opened the market and there was live entertainment. A good variety of booths. Food, jewelery, hand made goods, plants, drinks etc. All quality items.
Fresh local produce, baked goods, multiple talented craftsmen. Not to be missed!!
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Other notable attractions

Sinclair Inn Museum
Historical place museum
Museums
North Hills Museum
Temporarily Closed
Museum
Specialty Museums
Far-Fetched Antique & Art Gallery
Art gallery
Museums
King's Theatre
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Mickey Hill Provincial Park
Park
Nature & Parks
O'Dell House Museum
Temporarily Closed
Museum
Heritage museum
Delaps Cove Waterfalls and Meier Point
Nature preserve
Outdoor Activities
Victoria Beach Lighthouse
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Annapolis Brewing Company
Brewery
Food & Drink
ARTSPLACE Gallery (Annapolis Region Community Arts Council)
Arts organization
Sights & Landmarks
Best-of categories in Annapolis Royal

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Weather in Annapolis Royal

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Monthly temperature highs and lows in Annapolis Royal
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