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Past Royal Tours

Members of the Royal Family have made several official and personal tours of Canada over the years, further strengthening the bond between the Crown and Canada.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall clapping, while standing next to the RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki.

2022 Royal Tour

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited Canada from May 17 to 19, 2022 to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall standing next to a woman in a red shirt, holding a plate with a dessert.

Private and official tours since 1953

History buffs will enjoy going back in time for a look at past monarchs who toured Canada from 1786 to 1951 .

Throughout her 70-year reign, The Queen made 22 official tours of Canada, more than any other Commonwealth country. She made her first tour as Princess Elizabeth in 1951 with her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh. She travelled to all regions of the country and was a constant presence in the lives of Canadians, witnessing growth and significant change in Canadian society.

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The Queen visits Halifax

The royal tour of Canada begins Monday afternoon when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive in Halifax.

Their plane is expected to touch down at Halifax's Stanfield International Airport at 2:20 p.m. AT. During their visit, the royal couple will take part in a Mi'kmaq cultural event at the Halifax Common and the International Fleet Review.

They leave Wednesday for Ottawa.

Check out the links on this site for the full itinerary, list of street closures and more.

Replay our coverage of the Queen's second day in Halifax.

The Royal visits

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  • In Depth - Queen comes to Canada June 28-July 6
  • Halifax visit - Street closures, traffic restrictions
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  • Biography - Queen Elizabeth II
  • CBC Archives - The princess bride: Nov. 13, 1947

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PlanetWare.com

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Annapolis Valley

Written by Chloë Ernst and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Annapolis Valley, in Nova Scotia's charming countryside , stretches northward from Digby and Annapolis Royal and runs parallel to the coastline of the Bay of Fundy . Sieur de Monts founded Habitation Port-Royal here in 1605, and although the British later destroyed Port-Royal, this region is still rich in tourist attractions that reflect this mixed Acadian and British past.

The valley is known for its orchards and farms, so be sure to stop at some of the farm stands and farmers' markets along with your sightseeing. In May, when the apple trees are in bloom, the valley is a wonderful sight. Historical sites aren't the only places to visit: the Bay of Fundy and its world-record tides provide plenty of natural attractions and things to do, from walking on the sea floor to discovering fossils and taking whale watching cruises.

Discover the best things to do as you plan your visit with our list of the top attractions in the Annapolis Valley.

See also: Where to Stay in the Annapolis Valley

1. Port-Royal National Historic Site

2. grand-pré national historic site, 3. annapolis royal historic gardens, 4. fort anne national historic site, 5. whale watching from brier island, 6. greenwood military aviation museum, 7. blue beach fossil museum, 8. burntcoat head park, 9. north hills museum, 10. fort edward national historic site, 11. sinclair inn museum, 12. blomidon provincial park, map of tourist attractions in the annapolis valley, where to stay in the annapolis valley for sightseeing.

Port-Royal National Historic Site

About 10 kilometers north of Annapolis Royal stands Port-Royal National Historic Site, the faithfully restored settlement of Sieur des Monts. The plain wooden buildings are in early 17th-century style. There is a Governor's Residence, a Priest's House, a smithy, and a room in which First Nations people used to barter their furs for European goods. Costumed interpreters give a sense of the daily lives of the settlers and their interactions with the local Mi'kmaq people.

Especially interesting is the house of the apothecary Louis Hébert, the first European farmer in North America who later settled in Québec. It was here, in 1606, that Samuel de Champlain founded "L'Ordre de Bon Temps," the first society in North America based on the doctrine of love for one's fellow man.

Address: 53 Historic Lane, Port Royal, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/portroyal

Grand-Pré National Historic Site

Grand-Pré was one of the main Acadian settlements in the early 18th century. By means of an ingenious system of dams and canals, the Acadians reclaimed fertile land from the sea and laid out large and productive fields for some 200 farms. But in 1755, the English drove out the Acadians, destroying their homes, taking cattle, and parceling the land out to colonists from New England and elsewhere.

The Grand Pré National Historic Site is in memory of the deported Acadian settlers. In the gardens stands a memorial to Henry Longfellow, who in 1847 immortalized the tragic fate of the Acadians in his poem "Evangéline." There is also a statue of his fictional heroine Evangéline. Acadian artist Philippe Hébert sculpted both memorials.

Address: 2205 Grand Pré Rd, Grand Pré, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/grandpre

Waterlily pond at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Thousands of roses, representing more than 270 cultivars, perfume the air of the Historic Gardens in Annapolis Royal, but these are only the beginning of its attractions. Named among the five finest show gardens in Canada, the 17-acre horticultural showcase represents the plants, designs, and methods used in the region for the past four centuries.

La Maison Acadienne, a reconstructed 17th-century Acadian house, is the only archeologically authenticated replica of a pre-1755 Acadian dwelling in the Maritime region. Its potager is based on original diaries, and the orchard was grown from heritage cultivars from the 17th century.

The Governor's Garden shows herbs, flowers, and 18th-century apple trees growing in the style of the early 18 th century, when Annapolis Royal was under British rule, and the Victorian Garden represents the tastes of a later era with more than 3,000 colorful and elegantly arranged annuals and exotic plants.

Paths lead through a rock garden, past the hydrangea and day lily collections, azaleas and rhododendrons, the heather collection, evergreens, and ornamental grasses. Trees range from local natives to exotics like the blossoming Paulownia and ginkgo biloba. Amid all this abundance of flowers and plants, be sure to take time to smell the roses!

Address: 441 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Official site: http://www.historicgardens.com/

Fort Anne National Historic Site

Fort Anne, the scene of so many battles in the past, is today preserved as Fort Anne National Historic Site. When the French ceded control of the region to the British, this former French fort on the Annapolis River became their stronghold. The only buildings remaining from that time are a 1700s gunpowder magazine and officers' barracks, but the impressive walls and ramparts are substantially intact and open for visitors to explore.

Tall chimneys mark the officers' quarters and there are memorials to Sieur de Monts; Samuel Vetch, Acadia's first governor; and Jean Paul Mascarene. On the fort flies a flag showing the English St. George's Cross and the Scottish St. Andrew's Cross.

Address: St. George St., Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/fortanne

Balancing Rock

A long peninsula and string of islands extend south from Digby, a fishing town near Annapolis Royal, and at its farthest end is Brier Island, Nova Scotia's westernmost point, known to birders for its abundant seabirds; in the fall it is a stopover for hundreds of migrating warblers, shorebirds, and raptors. Because of its position in the Bay of Fundy, it is also an important feeding area for whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals, making it one of the best places to embark on a whale watching cruise.

The first to arrive are finback and minke whales and the porpoises, followed in June by humpbacks and white-sided dolphins; in July you might see right and perhaps even pilot, beluga, sei, and sperm whales. Leaving from Westport, Mariner Cruises offers whale watching and birding tours narrated by local naturalists.

In Westport, be sure to see the outcrops of large hexagonal columns of basalt crystals found in the rock formations at Green Head, reminiscent of the Giant's Causeway in Ireland. On the way to Westport-you'll need to use two ferries to connect this string of islands-stop to see Balancing Rock , a huge piece of columnar basalt balanced over the sea on the edge of another cliff, where it has been poised for at least two centuries.

Greenwood Military Aviation Museum

World War II buffs and aviation aficionados will want to spend time perusing the exhibits and aircraft at this museum located near the still-active Canadian Forces Base Greenwood (formerly the Royal Air Force Station Greenwood). Exhibits within the museum include military and aviation artifacts, photos, and personal stories of pilots who flew at the base. Visitors can also see models and dioramas depicting various aircraft, and even inspect the internal workings of an airplane engine.

There are also over a dozen aircraft on the grounds that were either actual retired craft formerly used at the Greenwood base or examples of those that were in service here. All have been carefully restored by staff and volunteers.

Planes on site include an ARGUS CP-107, which was in service at the base from 1958 through 1980; the massive CC130 Hercules, which was flown by Greenwood's search and rescue squadron; and a Douglas C-47 Dakota, also flown by search & rescue. Other craft include a Piasecki H-44 helicopter and a tandem-rotor Boeing/Vertol Labrador CH113/113A.

The restoration process for each craft is documented and exhibited at the museum, including photos and details about the lengthy process of dismantling each craft, transporting it to the museum, re-assembly, and restoration. Visitors can also see current restoration projects in process, including a 1946 Willys CJA2 Jeep and the careful reconstruction of a Bolingbroke 9997 Mark IVT, the first stressed-aluminum all-metal aircraft to be built in Canada.

Visitors can explore the museum on their own, or book a guided tour in advance. There is also a Commemorative Garden next to the museum, which features memorials, a bronze statue of an airman, a rose garden, and a small pond.

Address: 1 Ward Road, Box 786, Greenwood, Nova Scotia

Official site: http://www.gmam.ca/

Blue Beach

Fossils found along the Nova Scotia shores of the Bay of Fundy have unlocked the secrets of evolution, with evidence of the world's oldest four-legged creatures. These fossils provided scientists with the link between sea creatures and the amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals of today.

Many of these were discovered at Blue Beach, and the museum at the top of its cliffs displays the world's oldest collection of fossil footprints and the bones of the creatures that left them behind. Here, too are the fossilized bones of a five-meter sea creature that could crawl on its fins.

Visit the museum first, then explore the beach below to discover more fossils (collecting these is forbidden). The best way to understand the site is on one of the three tours offered with one of the specialists who work here and who will explain how these fossils unlocked the mystery that had puzzled generations of scientists. This is an especially good thing to do for families, a chance for kids to find fossilized foot prints, amphibians, plants, fish, horseshoe crabs, and plants, including trees.

Address: 127 Blue Beach Road, Hantsport, Nova Scotia

Official site: http://www.bluebeachfossilmuseum.com/

Burntcoat Head Park

Every 13 hours, 160 billion tons of water flow daily in and out of the Minas Basin, a long arm of the Bay of Fundy. Burntcoat Head has an average tide of 14.5 meters (47.5 feet) with an extreme range of 16.4 meters (53.6 feet). At Burntcoat Head Park, you can walk for miles on the ocean floor when the tide is out and discover a whole world of ocean life, small creatures left behind in the pools as the tide sweeps out.

A replica lighthouse houses an interpretive center, where you can learn more about the world's highest tides and the area's history. Explore the three-acre park on its walking trails and stay for the spectacular sunset that makes this park one of the favorite places to go in the evening. Try to visit at both high and low tides, six hours apart.

Address: 627 Burntcoat Head Road, Noel, Nova Scotia

Official site: https://www.burntcoatheadpark.ca/

One of the free things to do in the Annapolis Valley, North Hills Museum is also one of the most fascinating for those interested in antiques. The 1764 farmhouse has been restored as home to a collection of exquisite Regency and Georgian furniture and decorative art. Rooms are arranged for living, so you get a real sense of what life would have been like for a prosperous family able to afford the latest to decorate and furnish their home.

This outstanding collection of Georgian antiques features oak, mahogany, and walnut furniture in Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheridan, as well as English porcelain and period paintings. The guided tour is excellent. Although admission to the museum is free, donations for its maintenance are always welcome.

Address: 5065 Granville Road, Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia

Official site: https://northhills.novascotia.ca/

Fort Edward National Historic Site

Overlooking the point where the Avon and St. Croix rivers join, Fort Edward played a key role in the British struggle for North America in the 1700s. Built in 1750 by the English to defend the route between Halifax and the Bay of Fundy, the fort only five years later became a principal staging area for the deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia.

Inside the original wooden blockhouse- one of the oldest existing buildings of its kind in Canada-you can see graffiti left by soldiers stationed here in the 18th century, and the musket slits through which they fired their rifles.

From the earth-wall surrounding the fort there is a beautiful view of the Avon River valley and the Bay of Fundy.

Address: 67 Fort Edward Street, Windsor, Nova Scotia

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/edward

Sinclair Inn Museum

The earliest surviving Acadian building and the second oldest wooden structure in Canada, Sinclair Inn is a unique museum in that it literally strips away layers of history to show how the house was constructed and how its residents changed it since the 1700s. Beginning as a single house, it was enlarged to create an inn, and the walls and floor have been cut back so that the visitor can see the construction and subsequent alterations. It's especially interesting to see how the architectural features and finishing became more refined over time.

In the mid-1990s, murals painted in the 1840s were discovered under layers of wallpaper, and today the "Painted Room" and its story are the highlights for many visitors. An innovative interpretive technique encourages visitors to interact with the "ghosts" of 10 people who lived or worked at the Sinclair Inn at various points in its history.

Address: 230 Saint George Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Official site: http://annapolisheritagesociety.com/sinclair-inn-museum

Hiker in Blomidon Provincial Park, Nova Scotia

Blomidon Provincial Park is best known for its multiple vantage points that offer stunning views of the Bay of Fundy's Minas Basin and the surrounding cliffs. The site is home to some of the highest tides in the world , alternating between beachfront and vast tidal mudflats.

The park offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty, with easy hikes to a scenic lookout via the Woodland and Lookoff Trails. More ambitious hikers can brave the 5.4- kilometer (1.3-mile) Jodrey Trail, which traverses the cliffs and provides rewarding views.

The park has campsites, as well as a day-use area that includes accessible restrooms with freshwater showers, picnic tables and shelters, and a park office that sells firewood and ice.

Official site: https://parks.novascotia.ca/park/blomidon

Hotels in Annapolis Royal:

  • As you might guess from the name, the Queen Anne Inn is in a beautiful Queen-Anne-style Victorian home. Two additional rooms and a sitting room are in the Carriage House, which also has a patio with Adirondack chairs. Common rooms are furnished with antiques. Breakfast is included, as is parking. The inn is a 10-minute walk from Annapolis Royal historic center.
  • Close to the Historic Gardens, The Garrison House Inn has well-appointed guest rooms above its popular restaurant. Breakfast is included in the rates.
  • The Annapolis Royal Inn has air-conditioned motel-style rooms set in 15 acres of landscaped grounds, a two-minute drive from the center of Annapolis Royal. Rooms have kitchenettes, and there is a seasonal, heated saltwater swimming pool.

Hotels in Wolfville:

  • With beautifully furnished rooms in a historic setting, the Tattingstone Inn is close to restaurants, galleries, and shops. There is an outdoor pool set in the spacious grounds, and breakfast is included in the moderate rate.
  • In the same price range, The Stella Rose B&B is a 10-minute stroll from the center. Spacious rooms have four-poster beds and sitting areas; some have private balconies and jetted tubs.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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Where to Go in Nova Scotia : If you want to see more of the top attractions in Nova Scotia , not far from the Annapolis Valley is the capital city of Halifax . Also on the southwestern coast are the historic ship-building towns of Lunenburg and Mahoney Bay , and at the far eastern end of the province, the Cabot Trail is a scenic drive around beautiful Cape Breton Island .

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Where to Go in Atlantic Canada : From Digby, at the southern end of the valley, you can take a ferry to Saint John , where you'll see many of the top tourist attractions in New Brunswick . This is a good starting point for exploring the natural wonders of the Bay of Fundy . You can also take a ferry from the north coast of Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island , or you can get here by crossing the Confederation Bridge, near the border between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

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Cradle of Our Nation

Located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral lands of the Mi'kmaq, the area's history dates back thousands of years. Port-Royal, founded by the French in 1605, was the country's first permanent European settlement. Site of colonial capitals of France, Scotland and Great Britain, the area was renamed Annapolis Royal by the British in 1710 and served as Nova Scotia's first capital until the founding of Halifax in 1749. The EXPLORER Official Visitors Guide has showcased "What to See and Do" in the Cradle of Our Nation since 1995. It includes Maps, a Business Directory and information about Attractions, Tours, Restaurants, Lodging, Shopping, Festivals and Events. Like & Follow EXPLORER GUIDE on Facebook ~ Your 24/7 Information Destination for Annapolis Royal & Area.

Acadian Visitors Guide

Links to the monarchy, attractions, festivals & events, accommodations, food & drink, shops, galleries & artists' studios, professional services, plan your trip, information destination, haunting tales videos, official visitors guide, holiday explorer, stroll through the centuries.

Fundy Rose Ferry in Digby - 35 minutes; Cat Ferry in Yarmouth - 90 minutes; Halifax Stanfield International Airport - 120 minutes

Explore Annapolis Royal

Historic ~ Scenic ~ Fun

16 things to know before visiting Nova Scotia

Darcy Rhyno

May 22, 2024 • 7 min read

royal visits to nova scotia

Get the most out of your visit to Nova Scotia with these local tips and insight © aprott / Getty Images

As a born and bred Nova Scotian and a one-time tourism promoter, I’ve been welcoming and advising visitors for decades.

This is my home and my playground, and I never tire of exploring Nova Scotia ’s nooks and crannies. There’s always a new winery or restaurant, a kayaking tour or an Indigenous experience to renew my appreciation of the home I thought I knew.

The good news is that my fellow Nova Scotians are just as eager to receive visitors. On a whale-watching tour, the captain will invite you into the wheelhouse for a yarn. It’s their fishing boat – they're eager to show it off. At a winery, the vintner is more than happy to talk about varietals and the organic approaches to growing them. Inside a rural museum, an interpreter might invite you to help fit that next board onto the dory they're building. Their great-grandparents might have built similar boats here. 

Nova Scotia is very safe, but more than that, its people are ready to welcome visitors with open arms, a glass of wine and a tale or two, some of which might even be true. Get the most out of your trip to Nova Scotia with these things to know before you go. 

People stroll along a boardwalk at a waterfront

1. Plan to spend at least three days in Nova Scotia

A common misconception among visitors to Nova Scotia is that it’s driveable in a single day. While technically true – a one-way trip tip-to-tip takes eight hours – you’ll want to immerse yourself in its rural charms and urban panache. Get off the 100-series highways onto the rural routes and scenic drives. Take that side road down to the wharf. When that beach tempts you to pull over and walk it, answer the call.

Looking for other ways to travel around Nova Scotia? Here's our transportation guide

2. Pack for changeable weather

Casual, comfortable clothing is ubiquitous – lots of denim, plaid, t-shirts, sneakers, sandals. Smart casual for the theater or a nice dinner is as formal as it gets. More importantly, pack layers and a waterproof windbreaker for cool nights, foggy coastlines and rainy days. Winter’s a different story when freezing temperatures require hats, mittens and warm coats.

Figure out which time of year you should visit Nova Scotia

3. Book accommodations and car rentals well ahead

Especially in summer and near the sea, accommodations fill up months in advance, sometimes a year out. Rental cars are hard to come by in summer, so book one well ahead of arrival.

A city waterfront with a small sail boat in the foreground

4. Getting into and around Nova Scotia requires creativity

Everyone needs a passport to enter Canada through Nova Scotia, including Canadians returning from abroad. Citizens of the US and many other countries need only a passport,  others need additional documentation .

Maritime Bus serves some parts of Nova Scotia with daily stops. A two-hour trip costs about $25. VIA Rail, the only  passenger train , links Halifax and Montréal three times a week. EV charging stations are coming online quickly, but the total number is only around 100. While useful in Halifax, ride-hailing apps won’t likely get you a ride in rural areas. A few taxi services survive in some small towns.

Halifax’s Metro Transit runs a network of efficient, affordable bus routes and the ferry service that makes several harbor crossings per hour. An adult fare for either is $2.75. Ask for a paper transfer each time you get off a bus or ferry so you can catch the next one for free. Sydney on Cape Breton Island has its own public transit , but that’s about where services that are useful to visitors end in Nova Scotia.

5. Call 911 in an emergency

That number gets you an ambulance operated by professional paramedics. In rural Nova Scotia, it gets you a first responder, a volunteer with extensive first aid training who can quickly reach the services required for whatever the emergency might be. Medically essential transportation by ambulance can cost over $1000 for tourists, so be sure to have adequate travel insurance and contact your insurance company immediately.

6. Cell phone options are expensive, so stick with your home plan

Picking up a SIM card upon arrival in Canada won’t land you the savings it does in other countries. Phone plans in Nova Scotia are notoriously expensive. It’s likely cheaper to stick with your own roaming plan.

First time in Canada? Here's what you need to know

7. Wi-fi is common and free

Hoping to cut down on expensive data use? Most bars, restaurants and attractions offer free wi-fi. Just ask a server for the password. Need a keyboard? Libraries across Nova Scotia are equipped with computers that are free to use.

A man buys sunflowers from a roadside farm stall

8. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, but take cash to farmers markets

Nova Scotia businesses of all sizes have gone fully electronic. Debit and credit cards are almost universally accepted. Just remember that small businesses have to eat the transaction fees, so debit is better than credit for them, and cash is better than both. Small companies like Wilson’s sell gasoline at a discount when you pay with debit or cash.

9. ...and tipping is expected

When paying by card, you’ll see a range of percentages pop up. The standard tip at Nova Scotia restaurants is 15%. There's no need to go higher than that, but do remember that many servers are paid minimum wage.  

10. Place names can be tricky to get right

Expect strange, hard-to-pronounce place names in Nova Scotia, many with Mi’kmaw, French or Gaelic roots. Nobody in Antigonish is against something called a “gonish,” as one visitor enquired. No one is looking for anything in Ecum Secum. There’s no bumper crop of fungi in Mushaboom. Nova Scotians are known for their healthy sense of humor and will happily help with correct pronunciation. Pronounce Musquodoboit as “mus-ka-dob-it.” When asking how far to Ben Eoin, it helps to think of a sleepy friend named “Ben Yawn.”

11. Practice your French in Acadian communities

In communities of Acadian ancestry such as Cheticamp, Isle Madame, Pubnico and Clare, French is the first language. It’s an older form of the language, influenced by English and Mi’kmaq, the local Indigenous language. Slipping into a conversation with a speaker of Acadian French will make an instant friend, but be prepared for a heavy accent and a hybrid language in which un pickup and un truck à garbage  are easily translated terms.

12. Canada is in the midst of a reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples

Centuries of mistreatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada by settlers has led to a process called  reconciliation . Governments at all levels and Canadians of settler descent are working to address the fallout of that mistreatment. At a musical performance, you’ll likely hear a land acknowledgment that declares the area as the ancestral home of the Mi’kmaq. Visitors are encouraged to seek out the welcoming Mi’kmaq, who offer interpretive experiences such as  Eskasoni Cultural Journeys and work as guides in places like  Kejimkujik National Park and the  Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre .

A lighthouse being buffetted by massive waves

13. Stand well back from breaking waves

If there’s one danger Nova Scotians want every visitor to be aware of, it’s unpredictable coastal waves. At popular sites, waves roll straight in off the Atlantic, gently washing over the rocks one minute and potentially rising up to swallow onlookers at the next. Stay well back from rocky shores where waves break. At Peggy’s Cove , watch the waves from the viewing deck. On beaches, learn how rip tides work and how to escape them .

14. Forget bottled water

All restaurants serve free water with meals, usually from the tap, that's safe to drink. There’s rarely a need to buy water in plastic bottles.

15. Put down that lobster bib

I know, I know. Cracking open and devouring a whole lobster is a messy business, and you don’t want stains on your shirt. But nothing marks a tourist faster than donning the plastic bib decorated with little lobsters that restaurants provide. Be bold. Go local. Dive into that big, red, delicious crustacean with both hands, bib-free.

16. Cannabis is legal but confined to private places 

Canada legalized cannabis in 2018. The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission (NSLC) is the only legal retailer of cannabis in the province, and it’s sold in the same stores as beer, wine and spirits. If you’re at least 19 (that’s also the legal drinking age), feel free to use it in the privacy of your accommodations. You can possess up to 30 grams in public, but it’s illegal to use in most public places and in a vehicle. Don't drive under the influence, and don’t forget it in your suitcase when flying out of Halifax. Otherwise, if you’re one for the weed, enjoy this rare freedom.

Plan your trip to Nova Scotia:

  • Save this list of the best things to do
  • These are the places you have to visit
  • Head out on one of these scenic road trips

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Passport & Pixels

The Perfect Nova Scotia Road Trip In 5 days

royal visits to nova scotia

Written by BELLA FALK

Lunenburg is an unmissable destination on any Nova Scotia Road Trip

I did this five-day Nova Scotia road trip as a guest of Tourism Nova Scotia. I was not paid for this post and the tourism board has had no say in what I wrote here. All opinions are my own and I don’t accept freebies or payment in exchange for positive reviews.

All prices are correct at time of writing. I wrote this piece myself based on my own first-hand experiences. It was not written by AI, so any errors you find are, I’m afraid, my own.

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For a small province, Nova Scotia packs one hell of a punch. Dramatic coastal landscapes, historic towns and colourful fishing harbours, six UNESCO sites, sensational food, beautiful places to stay, welcoming people… they even have beaches and, in the summer, perfect weather! Travel in Nova Scotia really does give you pretty much everything.

Since it’s relatively small compared with other provinces in Canada , the best way to get around Nova Scotia is on a road trip. The roads are good, there’s very little traffic, and distances are short, meaning you can see and do a lot without spending all your time driving.

Nova Scotia road trip Pinterest Pin

That said, there are masses of places to visit in Nova Scotia, and if you only have five days or a week, you definitely won’t be able to fit everything in. That’s why I’m here to help!

I did a 5-day Nova Scotia road trip, taking in most of the main highlights. It was pretty packed and of course there was a lot we left out, but I felt like this was a really great introduction to the province, and if you’re looking for a Nova Scotia itinerary, you could do a lot worse than following this guide.

The writer at Peggy's Cove lighthouse, Nova Scotia

About this Nova Scotia road trip itinerary

This itinerary was crafted by a fabulous lady named Pam Wamback. Pam grew up in Nova Scotia and now works for the tourism board – so there’s basically no one in the province who knows more about things to do in Nova Scotia than her.

Pam calls this her Golden Circle Nova Scotia tour , basically meaning that this is a circular route taking in all the highlights of Nova Scotia, from lighthouses and lobsters to landscapes and legends. If you’re looking to explore Nova Scotia and get a taste for this amazing province, its food, history and people, this is as good as it gets. Genuinely.

Search for more Nova Scotia tours here .

Our fabulous group, including the legendary Pam (sitting next to me in the middle)

Introducing Nova Scotia

The second smallest province in Canada after Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia is about three-quarters of the size of Scotland, or twice the size of New Hampshire, with a population of about 1 million.

Located on Canada’s eastern coast with dramatic landscapes shaped by the powerful Atlantic, the province is made up of the Nova Scotia peninsula, Cape Breton Island and 3,800 other islands, and enjoys a stunning 8,000 miles (13,000 km) of coastline.

Thanks to its position on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia built its culture and heritage around the sea, with fishing and shipping the two major influences in the region’s development. In the 17 th and 18 th centuries it was also a crucial strategic location for French and British colonial expansion. In fact, the name actually means ‘New Scotland’, and you can still see many traces of this dramatic history as you travel in Nova Scotia.

Did you know: Nowhere in Nova Scotia is more than 42 miles (67 km) from the ocean!

Sunrise and mist over a calm sea at Summerville Beach, Nova Scotia

Where did we go on our Nova Scotia Road Trip?

Here’s a summary of where we went on our five-day trip round Nova Scotia.

  • Day 1: Arrive Halifax . Depending on what time you arrive, explore Halifax Waterfront.
  • Day 2: See Halifax on a Harbour Hopper tour and visit the Maritime Museum. After lunch, drive to Oak Island with a stop en route at Peggy’s Cove.
  • Day 3: Take a boat tour to learn about the mystery of Oak Island . Lunch in Lunenburg followed by a walking tour. Then drive to Summerville Beach with time for a walk on the beach before dinner.
  • Day 4: Free time to relax or go for a swim at Summerville Beach . Then head to Kejimkuik National Park to see historic petroglyphs and go kayaking or cycling. Later, drive to Annapolis Royal .
  • Day 5: Walk around Annapolis Royal and then drive to Halls Harbour for a tour of the lobster pound and fresh lobster for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Grand Pré National Historic Site . Wine tasting and stay overnight at the Grand Pre Winery .
  • Day 6: Drive back to Halifax and fly home, or continue your journey to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Cape Breton Island.

Nova Scotia 5 day itinerary: the details

And now it’s time to dive in! Here is, step-by-step, everywhere I went and everything I saw, did and ate during my five days in Nova Scotia.

Day 1/ Halifax

Most visitors to Nova Scotia will arrive by air to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Halifax. Pick up your rental car from the airport and drive to your hotel.

I flew from the UK and landed at about 6 pm, but if you arrive early in the day you’ll have plenty of time to explore some of the city on your first day.

The boardwalk on Halifax waterfront at sunset

Things to see and do in Halifax

As the provincial capital, Halifax boasts a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1749 as a strategic British military outpost. Over the centuries, it evolved into a bustling seaport and a key player in maritime trade. The city played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and both World Wars, serving as a major naval base, and traces of its rich and sometimes violent history are easy to find as you explore.

Today, Halifax is a welcoming and walkable seaside city that’s a charming blend of maritime history and modern style. Elegant 18th- and 19th-century architecture sits alongside modern towers of glass and steel, and the city has a generous helping of treelined streets, acclaimed restaurants, charming hotels, pavement cafes, galleries and museums.

Top places you could visit on your first day include:

  • Halifax Citadel National Historic Site : Discover Halifax’s military history and check out the epic views at this iconic fortress, perched 70 metres (230 feet) above the waterfront.
  • Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: This fascinating museum covers Nova Scotia’s seafaring history, including a moving Titanic exhibit (more about this below).
  • Halifax Waterfront: Wander along the waterfront promenade and explore the shops, street food stalls, historic boats and beautiful seaside views.
  • Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: Discover Canadian and contemporary art in this cultural institution.
  • Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market: North America’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market.

Or why not try a small group walking tour of Halifax to help you get your bearings?

Halifax waterfront, Nova Scotia

Where to stay in Halifax: Muir Autograph Hotel

Enjoying what may well be the best location in Halifax, right on the waterfront promenade, the brand-new and very fancy Muir Autograph hotel has 109 gorgeous rooms with sea views and bespoke, made-in-Canada furniture, as well as a high-end wellness centre, spa pool and art gallery. I loved this hotel because my room was huge, everything was immaculate, and I could walk out the front door and be at the sea in about 30 seconds!

My smart room in the Muir hotel in Halifax had waterfront views

Where to eat in Halifax: Drift at the Muir

I know it might be considered a bit lame to eat in the hotel restaurant, but Drift  is not your average hotel restaurant. Serving classic Atlantic Canadian dishes, but done really, really well, this is where to come for your first taste of Nova Scotia’s epic cuisine. The freshly-baked brown bread with onion butter was just the start, and my caught-that-morning halibut, baked in butter and served on a bed of bubble and squeak, definitely set the bar high for the rest of the trip (don’t worry, I wasn’t disappointed later!).

Halibut with bubble and squeak at Drift @ The Muir in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Day 2/ Halifax to Oak Island via Peggy’s Cove

Morning: halifax harbour hopper tour.

The Halifax Harbour Hopper is a fantastic way to see all of the city’s main sights in 60 minutes. The iconic amphibious vehicles were once used to transport troops and weapons during the Vietnam War, but have now found a new home taking tourists from city streets to ocean waves and back again.

The tour starts by driving around the downtown area, passing landmarks such as Citadel Hill, the Victorian Public Gardens and St. Paul’s Church, while the hilarious host gives you engaging commentary and fascinating facts about Halifax’s maritime history.

Then you drive down to the waterfront and keep going – the splash as you plough straight into the harbour is a hairy moment, especially if, like me, you’re holding an expensive camera! The car-now-boat then cruises around the harbour so you can enjoy the sea and cityscape views and learn more about key moments in the city’s history, before bringing you safely back to dry land.

The Harbour Hopper amphibious vehicle ready to start the tour of Halifax by land and sea

Most interesting thing I learned: One of the most famous events in Halifax’s history is the Halifax Explosion. On December 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax harbour. One of them was carrying a cargo of ammunition which caught fire and catastrophically exploded, killing more than 1,900 people and devastating the city. It’s said to be the largest man-made explosion before the atom bomb was invented.

Top tips for the Harbour Hopper Tour: sit on the right for the best views, avoid the front four rows if you don’t want to get splashed and bring a jacket. It typically feels 5 to 10 degrees colder on the water.

Me enjoying my trip on the Harbour Hopper. We were very lucky with the weather!

Late morning: Downtown Halifax

The Harbour Hopper Tour only takes 90 minutes, so you should still have time before lunch to do a bit more exploring. Here’s what I did:

Wander Halifax Waterfront. With 2.5 miles (4 km) of boardwalk, the waterfront is a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll. With sparkling sea views, historic ships, street food stalls, restaurants and bars, masses of public art, cute shops and places to sit and relax, you can easily spend several hours here.

Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic . I was really keen to see their world-famous Titanic exhibition. When the doomed liner hit an iceberg in 1912, Halifax was the closest major port and many of the recovered bodies and pieces of wreckage were brought here. There’s a moving display of artefacts including a perfectly-preserved deck chair, pieces of carved woodwork, and even clothes and shoes of some of the ill-fated passengers.

Alongside all this, there’s also a fascinating exhibit about the Halifax Explosion and masses more on Halifax’s seafaring history.

The Halifax Maritime Museum features a moving exhibit about the Titanic

Where to eat in Halifax: Waterfront Warehouse Restaurant

Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Maritime Museum is the Waterfront Warehouse , which was once used to repair ocean-going tugboats. Today it’s been converted into a legendary restaurant offering the chance to feast on Nova Scotia’s world-famous seafood, plucked fresh from the water. No food miles here!

I’m not a big seafood eater but I love to try all the local food when I travel, so I was delighted when we were served a massive seafood platter with fresh scallops, mussels, clams and a whole lobster, meaning I got to taste all of it! For my main I had poutine – a classic Canadian icon featuring chips usually topped with gravy and cheese curds – but here given a Nova Scotia twist of cheesy sauce and – yes! – lobster. Don’t worry if you don’t like seafood though, there are meat and pasta options too.

This amazing seafood platter was a great introduction to Nova Scotia's most famous food

After lunch: drive to Peggy’s Cove

About an hour by car from Halifax, Peggy’s Cove and lighthouse is one of the most photographed places in Canada. And when you see it, you’ll understand why. Huge granite rocks, weathered smooth by the ocean’s battering, are topped by a graceful red-and-white lighthouse, balanced alone like a figurehead on the prow of a ship.

Nearby, the village itself is a picture-perfect array of rainbow-coloured clapboard houses, craggy coves piled with lobster pots, weather-beaten fishing boats and charming artisan shops.

It’s very beautiful, but I did get a bit annoyed with all the tour groups crowding around the base of the lighthouse. Guys! Everyone wants to photograph the damn thing! Step back!

You only need an hour to wander the village and take some photos – but if you do have more time and the forecast’s looking good, I highly recommend sticking around for sunset, when most of the tour groups will have left and the setting sun behind the lighthouse will be sensational.

Peggy's Cove lighthouse is another must-see on your 5-day Nova Scotia trip

Stay: Oak Island Resort, Western Shore

Drive for another hour along the coast from Peggy’s Cove and you’ll reach the Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre , in the Western Shore area, overlooking Mahone Bay. The three-storey hotel has 102 recently renovated guestrooms and 10 chalets for families, plus a marina, golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centre, tennis court, and loads of activities on offer.

It’s not as fancy as the Muir Hotel in Halifax, but it’s welcoming and comfortable and, perhaps most importantly, it’s the perfect base for tomorrow’s adventure…

Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre in Nova Scotia

Where to eat: Oak & Oar Eatery

There aren’t loads of places to eat around Western Shore, but the hotel’s Oak & Oar restaurant has lovely bay views and serves an excellent selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes paired with local Nova Scotia wines. The special of the day was halibut, but since I ate that yesterday and was craving vegetables, I went for a delicious chickpea curry.

The Perfect Nova Scotia Road Trip In 5 days

Day 3/ Oak Island to Summerville via Lunenburg

Morning: boat tour of oak island.

Oak Island is a small, private island just across the water from the Oak Island Resort. It’s not much to look at, but it’s home to the world’s longest-running and most expensive treasure hunt, still going after more than 200 years!

Legend says that in 1795, three men saw a light coming from the island and rowed over to investigate. There they found clues that suggested someone – possibly pirates or the Knights Templar – had buried a vast fortune in treasure there, though what or how much no one knows for sure.

Excavations have only served to increase the mystery – uncovering artefacts, cryptic symbols and unexplained objects that have no reason to be here. Six people have died trying to find the treasure – but it remains elusive.

Excavation machinery and equipment clearly visible on Oak Island in Nova Scotia

Today the story is so famous that there’s a long-running TV show about the quest: The Curse of Oak Island, now filming its 11th series. Some people say the real treasure is actually all the money that’s been made from tourism as a result of the mystery and TV show!

Since the island is private you can’t land there, but Salty Dog Sea Tours run fascinating boat cruises so you can learn about the mystery and this region’s dramatic pirate history.

Tony, our lively boat captain and guide, is an archaeology diver on the series. He showed us some amazing historic coins and other artefacts he’s found from other shipwrecks. This whole area is a shipwreck graveyard, which is why many people believe the stories of the treasure are true.

Tony, our guide from Salty Dog Sea Tours at Oak Island, Nova Scotia

Lunchtime: Drive to Lunenburg

It only takes half an hour to drive from Oak Island to Lunenburg , one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can have lunch before taking a walking tour.

If you have time, make a quick stop in Mahone Bay , another very pretty waterfront town with brightly-painted houses and, in September, a hilarious and creative scarecrow festival. It’s a lovely place to wander around, admire the views, and maybe grab a snack or a souvenir in one of the quirky shops.

The Mahone Bay scarecrow festival has dozens of fun designs, including this homage to Oak Island

Where to eat in Lunenburg: Grand Banker Bar and Grill

Conveniently located right on Lunenburg’s waterfront, the Grand Banker has a huge menu with masses of fresh seafood and fish options. But if, like me, you fancy meat for a change, you might want to try the cleverly-named Lunenburger: 6 ounces of local beef, smoked mozzarella, bacon, lobster and tarragon butter sauce, all crammed into an artisan bun and topped with a bacon wrapped scallop!

The legendary Lunenburger. And yes I ate it all!

Afternoon: Lunenburg Walking Tour

After lunch, it’s time to explore the famous town. You can easily wander around by yourself, but if you want to make sure you don’t miss anything and get all the best stories, I recommend booking a walking tour with Lunenburg Walking Tours.

Founded in 1753, the UNESCO town of Lunenburg is a living museum of 18th-century architecture, featuring well-preserved historic buildings painted in vibrant hues.

Some of Lunenburg's historic buildings as seen from across Lunenburg Harbour

First established as a British settlement, the town thrived on shipbuilding, fishing, and trade – the source of its wealth as well as many of its woes. A sobering monument on the waterfront bears the names of the many citizens, whole families and even entire ships, lost at sea. The iconic Bluenose racing ship, symbolizing Canadian maritime prowess, was built here in 1921.

The hour-long tour will show you the most important sites including St. John’s Anglican Church , a wooden church recently restored after a devastating fire, and the stunning Lunenburg Academy, known as ‘the castle on the hill’. The town’s history was brilliantly brought to life by our energetic guide June, and I really enjoyed hearing her stories.

Our group in front of Lunenburg Academy

Late afternoon: drive to Summerville Beach

On the way out of Lunenburg, take Tannery Road to the iconic Lunenburg photo spot, where you can admire the magnificent view of the town’s colourful skyline across Lunenburg Harbour. If you haven’t dawdled for too long, you should still arrive at your next stop in time to stretch your legs with a walk along the beach before dinner.

Summerville Beach

Did you know that Nova Scotia has beautiful beaches? I certainly didn’t, but I discovered that Summerville Beach is up there with the best – a mile-long stretch of white sand, fringed by dunes and evergreen forests and looking out over a shallow, protected bay that’s perfect for swimming.

In summer, temperatures here can hit 30 degrees, but it’s a huge beach so it’s never crowded, making Summerville a surprisingly brilliant beach destination . And if you visit in autumn as I did, you can still enjoy calm weather and clear skies, perfect for soaking up some of that Vitamin Sea. I even went for a swim!

The writer going for a sunrise swim at Summerville Beach, Nova Scotia

Where to stay in Summerville Beach: The Quarterdeck

The idea of Canada as a beach destination may have been new to me, but people have been coming to the Quarterdeck for more than 85 years. Today the place has been modernised, with a selection of 58 rooms, villas and apartments, many of which are newly-built or recently-refurbished in a rustic, beachy style. The room I stayed in also had a sea view balcony, and there’s a recreation hub with indoor and outdoor pools, fitness equipment and a lounge. The beach is just a short walk away.

My balcony at the Quarterdeck looked over the swimming pool with the sea in the distance

Where to eat: The Quarterdeck Grill

The Quarterdeck Grill is just along the road from the accommodation, and is something of a local icon serving classic Nova Scotian food. I was craving something healthy, so I ordered the vegan harvest bowl with kale, beans and sweet potato – obviously balanced out with a ‘Trapped Lobster’ cocktail! The jalapeno and cheddar biscuits (more like small cheesy scones) with honey butter are something of a signature starter – don’t miss them!

Cheese 'biscuits' and a cocktail at the Grill at the Quarterdeck

Day 4/ Summerville Beach to Annapolis Royal via Kejimkujik

Morning: drive to kejimkujik.

You might want to enjoy a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast back at the Quarterdeck, or if the weather’s nice, I recommend nipping down the beach for a bracing morning swim. Then it’s time to pack up and resume your Nova Scotia road trip by heading an hour inland across the peninsula to Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site .

I doubt you’ll be bored of stunning coastal views, but Kejimkujik makes a nice change anyway: a scenic inland wilderness with dense woodland crisscrossed by hiking trails and waterways once used by the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people. They carved their presence into the rocks here, and the historic petroglyphs they left behind, which date back between 300-1000 years, are one of the reasons why this is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Canoeing the calm waterways is just one of the activities you can do in Kejimkujik National Park

You can spend the whole afternoon here doing whatever takes your fancy – exploring some of the 40 hiking trails (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!), going mountain biking, or renting a canoe or kayak from Whynot Adventure and taking it out on one of the many waterways used for thousands of years by the Mi’kmaq people.

If you want to see the petroglyphs, you’ll need to take a guided tour as non-native people are not allowed to wander the protected areas alone – and to be honest you’d need help spotting them! We were shown around by Mi’kmaq guide Nick from Parks Canada who pointed out many of the different designs included faces, stars, a whale and even a boat.

This face is just one of the historic petroglyphs you can see at Kejimkujik in Nova Scotia

Where to eat in Kejimkujik National Park

You could stop en route and pick up a picnic, but we swung by the park’s new Lakeview Café & Eatery and ordered from their menu of pizza, burgers and sandwiches. Our host Pam pronounced the lobster roll ‘very good’ – high praise indeed!

Afternoon: Drive to Annapolis Royal

It’s only about 40 minutes from Kejimkujik to your next destination – the historic town of Annapolis Royal . Yay for all those short Nova Scotia distances!

Established in 1605, Annapolis Royal is a colourful town set on the south bank of the Annapolis River, that claims the title of the oldest permanent European settlement in North America. Originally founded as Port Royal by the French, the area changed hands between the British and French many times, before eventually being handed back to the British in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht. The town was then renamed Annapolis Royal and was the capital of Nova Scotia until it was moved to Halifax in 1749. 

As you drive into town, you’ll quickly get a sense of its historic feel, with grand colourful clapboard houses lining the roads, as well as the 17-acre historic gardens and the former British military base at Fort Anne National Historic Site .

The officers barracks and defensive earthworks at Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal

Where to stay in Annapolis Royal: Hillsdale House Inn

The quintessential Annapolis Royal historic house, Hillsdale House Inn  was built in 1859 as a travellers’ inn, and it still welcomes visitors today. Each of the 13 individually-decorated rooms is a charming and quirky mix of historic charm and modern comforts, each with its own style and fascinating features like four-poster beds, antique furniture and some fabulous wallpaper!

We drew keys at random and I was very happy with the room I got, but if you get the chance, make sure you take a tour and check out some of the other gorgeously decorated rooms as well!

My quirky historic room at Hillsdale House in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Where to eat in Annapolis Royal: Restaurant Compose

Taking a break from all that seafood, Restaurant Compose is run by a lovely Austrian chef and serves an innovative menu of Austrian dishes with a Nova Scotia twist. Yes of course you can still order the lobster risotto (and it was delicious), but I recommend the schnitzel! With a waterfront setting, it’s also a gorgeous place to enjoy a glass of local wine as you watch the sun set on the fourth day of your Nova Scotia road trip.

The schnitzel with spätzle at Restaurant Composé was delicious!

Day 5/ Annapolis Royal to Grand Pré via Halls Harbour

If you didn’t have time the previous day, make sure you take a wander around the beautiful town of Annapolis Royal. Head to the Historic Gardens, learn about Mi’kmaq, French and British history at Fort Anne, or simply do what I did and walk around the waterfront and main streets taking photos of all the stunning houses.

One of the magnificent houses in Annapolis Royal, as seen on a Nova Scotia Road Trip

Morning: Drive to Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound

Since it must have been at least 24 hours since you had lobster, it’s time for some more! Hall’s Harbour , about 75 minutes’ drive along the coast of the Bay of Fundy from Annapolis Royal, is a working lobster pound, where fishermen bring their catch to be weighed, sorted and shipped.

Here, as well as buying all the lobster-themed souvenirs you can carry from the gift shop, you can take a tour to learn everything you ever wanted to know about lobsters (plus a whole lot more).

A man holds two lobsters during a tour of Halls Harbour lobster pound

My favourite lobster fact? I learned that lobsters can be right or left handed, depending on which of the two front claws is bigger. The larger of the two is the strong ‘crusher’ claw, used for – yes – crushing, and the smaller claw is the ‘pincher’ claw, for holding stuff.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can choose your lunch out of the tank and it’ll be taken away to be cooked for you. But if you don’t fancy wrestling a lobster, don’t worry – there are plenty of wraps, burgers and fish baskets to choose from. Though as you might expect the vegetarian options are decidedly limited!

A lobster - Nova Scotia's most famous dish - served plain and simple. But you need to work for your meal!

Afternoon: Grand Pre National Historic Site

It’s only 40 minutes’ drive from Hall’s Harbour to Grand Pre, the final stop on your epic Nova Scotia Road trip.

During the 17 th century, this area was home to the Acadians. Descended from the first French immigrants, they settled here and established homes and farms, using clever engineering to reclaim land from the sea and create fertile, irrigated soil for farming. They were peaceful and non-partisan, trading equally with the French, British and local Mi’kmaq.

But by the mid-18 th century the British controlled this area and were at war with France, and they didn’t trust the Acadians because of their French roots. Even though they had done nothing wrong and had been living there for over 100 years, in 1755 the British rounded them all up and forcibly deported them in a tragic event known as Le Grand Dérangement or the Great Expulsion. Over 11,000 were evicted and around 5,000 died of starvation, disease or in shipwrecks.

You can learn more about Acadian history at Grand Pré National Historic Site , named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012. Watch a short film that tells the stories of some of the families, discover their impressive agricultural skills, and visit the Memorial Church. If you want to spend the night here, you can sleep in the park in one of the new oTENTik rustic cabins.

For many descendants of those first Acadians, Grand Pré represents their ancestral homeland and the symbol of the ties that unite them.

The church and statue at Grand Pré Historic site, Nova Scotia

Where to stay and eat: Grand Pré Winery

This fertile land wasn’t only good for the Acadians. The Annapolis Valley, where Grand Pré sits, enjoys a microclimate with mild temperatures that are great for growing grapes. So where better to spend your last night in Nova Scotia than at The Inn at Grand Pré Winery , where you’ll be able to taste some of the best local wines alongside some pretty spectacular food. My tuna tartare and fillet steak were sensational!

The inn itself was extensively renovated in 2021, with gorgeous modern rooms and a communal kitchen and lounge area.

My very smart room in the Inn at Grand Pré Winery, Nova Scotia

Day 6/ Drive back to Halifax 

It’s only an hour from Grand Pré back to Halifax, and just like that, your Golden Circle Nova Scotia Road Trip is over! Depending on where you’re headed next, you could spend some more time in Halifax, head east up to Cape Breton Island or north to Prince Edward Island, or explore beautiful New Brunswick.

One thing I know for sure, there’s a whole lot more to see in Atlantic Canada than can possibly be managed on a 5-day road trip, so I’m just going to have to go back!

Inspired? Check out some similar Nova Scotia tours here.

Enjoying fresh, crisp Nova Scotia white wine at Grand Pre winery

Some Nova Scotia FAQs

Is nova scotia a country.

Apparently this is a frequently-asked-question on Google, so I’m putting it here, even though I’m pretty sure by now you know the answer! Sing it with me… Nova Scotia is not a country, it’s the second-smallest province of Canada.

Is Nova Scotia worth visiting?

If you’re asking this question, you clearly haven’t been paying attention to this post! There really is something for almost everyone – whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, a nature lover or a city fan. So yes Nova Scotia is definitely worth visiting at least once!

Nova Scotia is full of pretty coastal villages - like Peggy's Cove - that are definitely worth visiting

How long do you need for a Nova Scotia Road trip?

How long is a piece of string? Nova Scotia has masses to see and do and I reckon you could easily fill two weeks, especially if you wanted to head up to Cape Breton Island as well, and maybe take it at a slightly slower pace. That said, I felt that I really saw and did a lot on this five-day tour, and although I didn’t see everything, I got a really great taste of the place. And now I have a good reason to come back and see more!

When is the best time to visit Nova Scotia?

For the best weather, you’ll want to visit between May and October. Winters can be harsh and snowy with rough weather along the coasts. Summers are hot but also can get more crowded, so if you want cheaper prices and fewer people, try visiting in May or October. When we visited in October we still had bright sunshine and very pleasant temperatures.

Wearing a t-shirt and light trousers in Nova Scotia in October

Where to next?

If you enjoyed this Nova Scotia itinerary post, why not check out some of my others?

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  • 11 Things To Do On A Thessaloniki City Break in Greece
  • An Epic Uganda Itinerary In 2 Weeks
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The area was founded by the French in 1605 as the first permanent European settlement in Canada. It was then destroyed by the British in 1613, rebuilt again by the French as the main town of Acadie, and then fought over for the better part of a century. In 1710, New England colonists claimed the town, once and for all, and renamed it in honour of their queen, Queen Anne. Annapolis Royal would then serve as Nova Scotia’s first capital, until 1749, when it was succeeded by the new town of Halifax . Today the town’s pretty and serene appearance certainly contradicts its turbulent past!

How to spend a weekend in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia including things to see and do, places to eat, and where to stay in a 48-hour itinerary.

How to spend a weekend in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia including things to see and do, places to eat, and where to stay in a 48-hour itinerary.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Heritage Buildings on the Waterfront

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Annapolis Royal thrived during the Great Age of Sail and became a bustling town with several industries, including shipbuilding which reached its peak in the late 1800s. Around that time Fort Anne was abandoned and the town started to decline. Thankfully, in the 1970s, a group of concerned and motivated citizens lobbied the government for help to preserve the town’s heritage and their efforts have paid off beautifully. In 2004, Annapolis Royal was designated the “ World’s Most Liveable Small Community ” and in 2005 it was listed as one of five “Cultural Capitals of Canada”.

Even with these accolades, and all the great things to see and do, Annapolis Royal is never crowded or busy, except maybe on summer Saturday mornings at its popular Farmers Market. You can definitely leave your busy week behind you and feel like you’ve taken a step back in time as you soak up the beauty and atmosphere in Annapolis Royal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WEEKEND IN ANNAPOLIS ROYAL, NOVA SCOTIA

Notes About this Itinerary

Arrive in Annapolis Royal and Check-In

Friday Evening

  • Waterfront Boardwalk and Annapolis Royal Lighthouse
  • Dinner at Restaurant Composé
  • Evening Show at King’s Theatre

Saturday Morning

  • Fort Anne National Historic Site and Garrison Cemetery
  • Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market

Saturday Afternoon

  • Picnic Lunch on Grounds of Fort Anne
  • Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Saturday Evening

  • Dinner at Garrison House
  • Candlelight Graveyard Tour

Sunday Morning

  • Hike at Delap’s Cove Wilderness Trail

Sunday Afternoon

  • Lunch at Crow’s Nest
  • Port-Royal National Historic Site

Weekend Budget

Weekend in Annapolis Royal Map

NOTES ABOUT THIS ITINERARY

This itinerary is based on visiting Annapolis Royal during the summer (high season).

Some attractions in Nova Scotia are closed or have limited hours during the off-season. Generally, the high (summer) season runs from early May to early October (Thanksgiving weekend), however, some attractions may not open until June.

We recommend you check opening times early in your planning process before you visit.

ARRIVE IN ANNAPOLIS ROYAL AND CHECK IN

Annapolis Royal is about 200 km (2.5 hours) west of Halifax on Hwy 101. If you are coming from New Brunswick on the Fundy Rose ferry , it is about 35 km (30 minutes) east of Digby on Hwy 101.

While Annapolis Royal is on the bus route with Kings Transit , it is best to have your own car for this itinerary. Depending on where you are coming from, it could take the better part of a day to reach Annapolis Royal by bus. With a car, you can get there quicker, and you’ll be able to reach the attractions on this itinerary that are outside the town proper.

Once you arrive in Annapolis Royal, check in to the beautiful and historic Queen Anne Inn on St. George Street, which is Canada’s oldest street. From the inn, it is about a 10-minute walk along the pretty street that is lined with trees and heritage home to the centre of town where many of the attractions on this itinerary will be found.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Queen Anne Inn (Tourism NS)

Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia

FRIDAY EVENING

After settling into your room, take a walk into the heart of Annapolis Royal for a stroll before dinner along the waterfront boardwalk to relax in some of the chairs looking out across the river, or wander along the street visiting some of the town’s little shops.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Waterfront Boardwalk

On the boardwalk, you’ll pass the c1889 Annapolis Lighthouse which is located on the site of the old Government House that burned down in 1833. In days gone by, the Annapolis waterfront was quite busy, especially in the days of the steamer, City of Monticello , that transported passengers between Saint John, NB and the Windsor and Annapolis Railways that served the wharf in the Annapolis harbour.

Today the Annapolis Lighthouse continues as a working lighthouse signalling the end of navigable waters for vessels on the Annapolis River. It also serves as a visitor centre and the starting point of the award-winning National Historic District and Acadian Heritage tours.

READ MORE:  Learn about great lighthouses in Nova Scotia (including the Annapolis Lighthouse)!

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Annapolis Lighthouse

For dinner, continue soaking up the views of the Annapolis River at the Restaurant Composé .

Located next to the Annapolis Lighthouse on the boardwalk, you can enjoy a fine dinner on the waterfront patio while watching the sun start to go down. The restaurant offers innovative, fresh dishes using locally sourced ingredients from the land and sea, complemented with a great selection of fine wines – some of which come from nearby wineries in the Annapolis Valley such as Tidal Bay , Nova Scotia’s signature white wine.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Restaurant Composé on the Waterfront

After dinner, if it’s not too late, head just a few doors down the street to the historic King’s Theatre for an evening show. Opened in 1921 as a movie house, this intimate, but up-to-date theatre now offers shows ranging from movies, musical and dance performances, variety shows, to touring plays. Stop by, call, or check out their website to see what’s on their program during your visit.

Alternatively, continue your wander along the boardwalk after dinner, stopping at one of the benches to watch the sunset before walking back to the inn for a nightcap on their garden patio or in one of the sitting rooms.

SATURDAY MORNING

Start your day in Annapolis Royal with a delicious and filling three-course breakfast at the inn. Enjoy coffee, tea, or juice with options such as homemade blueberry scones, locally preserved jams, Belgium waffles, omelets, smoothies, and seasonal fruit.

Head out about 8:45 for the 10-15 minute to Canada’s first National Historic Site – Fort Anne – which overlooks the Annapolis Basin from the heart of Annapolis Royal.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Fort Anne

Considered a key stronghold for Nova Scotia or Acadie (depending on if you were British or French), Fort Anne is a lovely place to learn about the early history of the area and the newly developing nation of Canada. First fortified in 1629 when the Scottish built Charles Fort   (actually a separate National Historic Site on the same grounds), this land has been fortified on at least eight occasions since then and is considered the “most attacked spot in Canadian history”.

Designed in a star-shaped layout, the earthworks from the French fort of 1702 remain and have been made into the 530 metre long ‘Perimeter Trail’ that locals come to for hikes, or to let the kids play on the grassy knolls.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Gunpowder Magazine at Fort Anne

The site features officers’ quarters (c1797) that were built by the British and now house a museum about the fort and the Acadians in the area. Of particular note is the Heritage Tapestry which depicts 400 years of history and settlement that even Queen Elizabeth II had a little hand in creating with a few of the stitches!

Also at Fort Anne, you’ll also find the 1708 gunpowder magazine which is the oldest building in Canada’s National Historic Site collection. There is a lot of history here!

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - The Garrison Cemetery

On the grounds of Fort Anne, you’ll also find the Garrison Cemetery which is the oldest English cemetery in Canada and worth a little stroll if you have time. You’ll be back to this cemetery in the evening but is an interesting place to visit in the daylight too.

Originally the burial grounds for the French military forces, it later served both the British military and the local parish. The earliest tombstone still in place dates back to 1720, and there are quite a few different types of headstones to see, including early slate markers.

After a couple of hours exploring Fort Anne, make your way along St George Street for the five-minute walk to the Annapolis Royal Farmers & Traders Market . Open Saturday until 1:00 pm in the summer months, you’ll find everything from artisanal bread, cured meats, homemade sweets and preserves, fresh Annapolis Valley produce, and handcrafted items to remember your visit to the town and Nova Scotia.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

The market is THE place in Annapolis Royal to stock up on supplies for a picnic lunch back on the grounds of Fort Anne, which we highly recommend! There are a few picnic tables (some with great views of the fort and Annapolis Basin) or you can just find a shady spot under a tree.

Do save a little room for dessert though as you can pick up a cone of ice cream at a local favourite called ‘ 1 Scoop 2 Scoop ’ that is just across the street from Fort Anne (if you are near the Town Hall end of the fort grounds).

After lunch, it’ll be time to make your way to the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens to spend a couple of hours before dinner. Along the way, you can browse some of the little shops or pop into ARTSPLACE , a contemporary gallery and arts centre with exhibitions that change frequently so there is always something new to see.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Historic Gardens

It is just a few more minutes walk along St. George Street to the gardens – one of the most popular attractions on the scenic Evangeline Trail in Nova Scotia.

Set on a gentle hill overlooking a tidal river valley, the beautifully designed Historic Gardens reflect various periods of local history through a gardening perspective.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Historic Gardens Flowers

With 17 acres to explore with historic themes such as a Victorian Garden absolutely full of colour, a Knot Garden styled after a hedge garden from the Middle Ages, a wooden boardwalk and Dyke Trail, and an Acadian house and vegetable garden from the 1600s.

After a visit to the gardens, you’ll see why there were named the 2015 Canadian Garden of the Year. They are a wonderful resource for avid heritage gardening enthusiasts, but even for novice gardeners (like us!) they are gorgeous and a lovely way to spend an afternoon in Annapolis Royal.

READ MORE:  Complete Guide to Visiting the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

After your visit to the gardens, it is only about a three-minute walk back to the Queen Anne Inn to relax with a drink in their lovely gardens before freshening up for dinner.

SATURDAY EVENING

Keeping with the historical feel of the weekend, the Garrison House , built in 1854, is a registered heritage property that makes a lovely place for dinner.

Located across the road from Fort Anne, the Garrison House is a B&B but has a restaurant that is open to everyone, not just guests of the inn. The chef is known for sourcing seasonal produce and using local ingredients to make specialties such as Digby scallops or pork medallions served with Annapolis Valley fruit chutney.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Graveyard Tour

After a leisurely dinner, head back to Fort Anne for what might possibly be the highlight of your weekend in Annapolis Royal – a Candlelight Graveyard Tour .  The award-winning tour began in 1991 and has been consistently rated as one of the most popular events in Nova Scotia ever since!

On the tour, you’ll examine the gravestones in the Garrison Cemetery, the oldest English graveyard in Canada, while learning about the lives and customs of the people who shaped Fort Anne and the surrounding area. You don’t need to make a reservation, just show up about 15 minutes before the tour begins wearing comfy shoes and be ready to enjoy a great evening out in Annapolis Royal.

READ MORE:  To learn more, check out this video about the Annapolis Royal Candlelight Graveyard Tour

SUNDAY MORNING

Before checking out of the Queen Anne Inn on Sunday morning, be sure to fill up with their hearty breakfast so you’ll be ready for the morning’s hike.

Just a short drive from Annapolis Royal, the Delap’s Cove Wilderness Trail offers two nature trails – Charlie’s Trail and Bohaker Trail – that are linked by the Shore Road Trail. If you were to complete all the trails it would take about 3-4 hours but for your weekend in Annapolis Royal, we recommend just the Bohaker Trail which takes about an hour to walk.

The Bohaker Trail is a 2.2 km loop that is relatively easy, yet very rewarding. The trail starts with a path in the woods and quickly makes its way to the rocky shore (if you follow it counterclockwise). You’ll then walk along the coast on a mix of dirt paths and wooden boardwalks until you reach a small cove with a waterfall!

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Delap's Cove Paths in Woods

The waterfall is fed from a small stream so depending on the time of year you visit, it could be anything from a trickle to quite a rushing waterfall. The trail is well marked so you’ll see signs that will direct you to a viewing platform right at the top of the falls where you can see the basalt lava rocks and out to the Bay of Fundy. If the tide is out, you can make your way down into the cove, but we’d only recommend doing this if you are aware of the tides so you don’t get trapped by an incoming tide and you are very sure-footed as it can be a difficult, steep climb down.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Delap's Cove Hike

After visiting the falls, you’ll head back on the trail which again runs through a wooded area back to the parking lot. This trail is especially nice on warm summer days because you’ll be in the shaded woods for most of the trail and along the rocky coastline with cooler breezes off the bay. That said, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat!

At the parking lot, you’ll find a small picnic area and washrooms along with information and a map for the trails. To read reviews and see more photos and a trail map, check out the Bohaker Trail on All Trails .

IMPORTANT NOTE:   Unfortunately, ticks are becoming more common in Nova Scotia and are something you should be aware of any time you spend time in wooded areas or where there is long grass. You don’t need to be afraid of them, but you do need to be mindful because some ticks can carry Lyme disease. It is important to take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing appropriate clothing, and checking for ticks on yourself and your pets when you complete your hike.

For more information, click for tick safety from the Government of Nova Scotia and check out the eTick app that can help you identify ticks (as not all species of ticks are a concern).

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

After your hike in Delap’s Cove, it is time for one of my absolute favourites for lunch – seafood chowder from the Crow’s Nest . So, so good!

About a ten-minute drive from Delap’s Cove, the Crow’s Nest is located in the little community of Hillsburn and is much loved by locals. They have many options on their menu , including non-seafood for those that aren’t fans. If you like seafood though, I highly recommend their seafood chowder.

Made fresh daily, this rich chowder is packed full of haddock, scallops, potatoes, and lobster and is served with crackers and a roll. They have two sizes – a cup or a bowl – depending on how hungry you are. I’ve personally only had the bowl size and I have almost always had some to take home with me, it’s that filling. Bon appétit!

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Fish Chowder at Crow's Nest Restaurant

To finish off your weekend in Annapolis Royal, head to Port-Royal National Historic Site  which is one of the most historically important sites in not just Canada, but all of North America!

In 1605 Sieur de Mons and Samuel de Champlain, both from France , established this first European settlement north of St. Augustine, Florida after spending the disastrous winter of 1604 on St. Croix Island between New Brunswick and Maine.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Port Royal Habitation from the Air (Tourism NS)

The Port-Royal Habitation is also the site of many other firsts for Canada including the first tended crops, first staged play, first water mill, and the first social club called the ‘ Order of Good Cheer ’ which still exists today. Unfortunately, it didn’t have the first fire department and the original fortress burned down within a decade.

Weekend in Annapolis Royal, NS - Port Royal Habitation

Between 1939-1940 the Canadian government built the reconstruction of the c1605 French fur-trading post, that you can visit today, based on de Champlain’s drawings and using 17th-century construction techniques were possible. The buildings form a rectangle around a courtyard and include a governor’s house, priest’s dwelling, bakery, guardroom, kitchen, communal dining room, and a blacksmith’s shop – all furnished with period reproductions.

The costumed interpreters will show you the techniques and tools the pioneers brought with them and will talk about life in the colony for a fascinating look into the life of the early French settlers in this region. As you sit in the dining room, you’ll almost be able to imagine the chatter and laughter as the men ate their meals together over four centuries ago!

WEEKEND BUDGET

The approximate costs for a weekend in Annapolis Royal (based on this itinerary) are as follows:

Accommodations at Queen Anne Inn – $350.00/two people

  • Based on a two-night stay for two people in Room Seven that includes a four-poster bed and separate sitting area and is a guest favourite for romantic weekends

Things to Do in Annapolis Royal – $46.00/person

  • King’s Theatre – $12.00
  • Fort Anne National Historic Site – $4.00
  • Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens – $16.00
  • Candlelight Graveyard Tour – $10.00
  • Delap’s Cove Wilderness Trail – Free
  • Port-Royal National Historic Site – $4.00

Dining in Annapolis Royal – $135.00/person

  • Restaurant Composé – $60.00 (+ drinks) for a three-course dinner
  • Farmers Market Picnic Lunch – $10.00
  • One Scoop Two Scoop – $5.00
  • Garrison House – $45.00 (+ drinks) for a three-course dinner
  • Crow’s Nest – $15 for seafood chowder

Total Cost Per Person ( based on double occupancy at the B&B ) = $356.00

Annapolis Royal is a perfect romantic getaway for couples looking to treat themselves to some fine dining and a stay in a historic B&B.

Have you ever visited Annapolis Royal? Do you have any tips to add on what to see, do, and eat?

Looking for more information to plan your visit to Nova Scotia? You may find these articles helpful.

  • 21 Things to Do in Nova Scotia
  • 8 Great Places to Visit in the Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley Region
  • 21 Things to Do in Halifax
  • Discover the Lighthouses of the Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley Region

WEEKEND IN ANNAPOLIS ROYAL MAP

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR WEEKEND IN ANNAPOLIS ROYAL

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

Our favourite guidebooks for planning our adventures in Nova Scotia:

  • Fodor’s Travel: Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada
  • Frommer’s Easy Guide to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick
  • Moon Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador
  • Lonely Planet: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island
  • Nova Scotia Book of Everything
  • Bradt: Nova Scotia   – This book is the most comprehensive and what I consider to be the very best Nova Scotia guidebook.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

royal visits to nova scotia

RELATED POSTS

A weekend guide to berlin, things to do in nova scotia, 8 great places to visit in the annapolis valley and bay of fundy region, weekend guide to bath, england, guide to visiting the annapolis royal historic gardens.

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Shares of Royal Bank of Canada ( RY Quick Quote RY - Free Report ) have gained 5.3% since the release of its fiscal second-quarter 2024 (ended Apr 30) results late last week. Quarterly adjusted net income of C$4.2 billion ($3.09 billion) grew 11% from the prior-year quarter. During the reported quarter, RY completed the previously announced deal to acquire HSBC Bank Canada for C$13.5 billion. Results were driven by higher revenues and loans and deposit balances. However, an increase in expenses and provisions acted as a headwind.

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Royal Bank Of Canada Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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  3. Remembering Queen Elizabeth: Looking back on her 5 visits to Nova

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COMMENTS

  1. List of royal tours of Canada (18th-20th centuries)

    Nova Scotia: Halifax, Dartmouth, Pictou: To celebrate 75th anniversary of Beaumont-Hamel, visit Royal Newfoundland Regiment, attend the Gathering of the Clans, visit the Black Community Centre 9/13 - 9/16 The Duke of Kent: Ontario: Toronto, Brampton: To visit the Lorne Scots: 10/23 - 10/29 The Prince and Princess of Wales, Princes William ...

  2. Royal Visitors

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  5. Royal tours of Canada

    As an officer in the Royal Navy, Prince William Henry (later King William IV) was the first member of the royal family to visit the Newfoundland Colony, the colony of Nova Scotia, and the Province of Quebec (later Lower and Upper Canada), arriving halfway through 1786 and remaining until 1788, with a posting to the Caribbean and a return to the ...

  6. Looking Back at Royal Tours at the Nova Scotia Archives

    The Nova Scotia Archives also has a colour video clip from 1939 that shows the C.P.R. ship Empress of England leaving Halifax at the end of the visit. Although the clip does not show the King and Queen, it has spectacular images of escort ships and seaplanes accompanying the Royal Couple's vessel on a tour of Halifax Harbour before heading out.

  7. Archives Release Photos of 60 Years of Royal Visits

    Nova Scotians will now be able to revisit the five Royal Tours of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Nova Scotia through a new virtual exhibit. To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the Nova Scotia Archives has digitized photos, artifacts, and documents from all five tours, beginning with the first visit of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in ...

  8. Nova Scotia Archives

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  9. Nova Scotia Archives

    Royal Visit 1994. In 1994, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip returned to Nova Scotia, visiting Halifax, Dartmouth, Sydney and Louisbourg on 13-15 August. The Queen opened the new Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Halifax; Prince Philip toured the city's rebuilt and restored St. George's Anglican Church, substantially destroyed in a fire several ...

  10. Nova Scotia Archives

    Royal Visit 1951. The first official visit of HM Queen Elizabeth II to Nova Scotia took place in November 1951 when, as HRH Princess Elizabeth, she toured the province with her husband HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on behalf of her ailing father, HM King George VI. Their Canadian itinerary brought them into Nova Scotia via train at ...

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    Site of colonial capitals of France, Scotland and Great Britain, the area was renamed Annapolis Royal by the British in 1710 and served as Nova Scotia's first capital until the founding of Halifax in 1749. The EXPLORER Official Visitors Guide has showcased "What to See and Do" in the Cradle of Our Nation since 1995.

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    The standard tip at Nova Scotia restaurants is 15%. There's no need to go higher than that, but do remember that many servers are paid minimum wage. 10. Place names can be tricky to get right. Expect strange, hard-to-pronounce place names in Nova Scotia, many with Mi'kmaw, French or Gaelic roots.

  17. Princess Diana

    The Princess of Wales during her visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in June 1983: Date: 24 March 2012, 11:37: Source: Princess Diana - Royal Visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia - June 1983: Author: Russ2009: Other versions

  18. Nova Scotia Archives

    Royal Visit 1976. For three days in mid-July 1976, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Halifax and Dartmouth, flew to Greenwood, and from there toured Kentville, Wolfville and Windsor. They attended the Olympic Folk Show at St. Mary's University Stadium in Halifax, where they viewed the works of Joe Deveau and other Acadian folk artists.

  19. The Perfect Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary In 5 days

    Here's a summary of where we went on our five-day trip round Nova Scotia. Day 1: Arrive Halifax. Depending on what time you arrive, explore Halifax Waterfront. Day 2: See Halifax on a Harbour Hopper tour and visit the Maritime Museum. After lunch, drive to Oak Island with a stop en route at Peggy's Cove.

  20. Annapolis Royal

    Annapolis Royal is idyllically situated between mountain and sea, offering a stunning waterfront shopping area, with a selection of restaurants, world class accommodations, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and plenty of outdoor activities. This welcoming waterfront community embraces thousands of years of Mi'kmaq heritage and its over 400 years of French, Scottish, and British history. It ...

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  22. Weekend in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia: 48-Hour Itinerary

    ARRIVE IN ANNAPOLIS ROYAL AND CHECK IN. Annapolis Royal is about 200 km (2.5 hours) west of Halifax on Hwy 101. If you are coming from New Brunswick on the Fundy Rose ferry, it is about 35 km (30 minutes) east of Digby on Hwy 101. While Annapolis Royal is on the bus route with Kings Transit, it is best to have your own car for this itinerary.

  23. For sale: 800 St George Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia B0S1A0

    Lot Features. Landscape Features. Partially landscaped. Data provided by: Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® 112 - 68 Highfield Park Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3A 0E4. Single Family (freehold) house 5 + 0 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 800 st george street annapolis royal, nova scotia, for sale $520,000. Price History available.

  24. Nova Scotia Archives

    Royal Visit 1959. HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip toured every Canadian province in 1959, visiting Nova Scotia on 31 July and 1 August. They flew from Charlottetown, P.E.I., to Trenton Airport near New Glasgow, where they met town officials, school children and members of the Royal Canadian Legion. Then they flew to Sydney, Cape Breton ...

  25. SBA Communications Co. (NASDAQ:SBAC) Shares Acquired by Bank of Nova Scotia

    Bank of Nova Scotia raised its holdings in ... Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of SBA Communications from $250.00 to $235.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the ...

  26. Royal Bank of Canada (RY) Stock Gains 5.3% as Q2 Earnings Rise

    The Bank of Nova Scotia's (BNS Quick Quote BNS - Free Report) second-quarter fiscal 2024 (ended Apr 30) adjusted net income was C$2.11 billion ($1.55 billion), which declined 2.6% year over year.