Annapolis Royal
A town fought over more than any other in North America, with a fort that changed hands seven times.
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Port-Royal was founded nearby in 1605 and the settlement moved to this site in 1636; the fort here was besieged and captured repeatedly by French, English, Scottish and New England forces, more often than any other place in North America, before falling finally to the British in 1710 and being renamed for Queen Anne. Fort Anne is Canada's oldest National Historic Site, with earthworks and an officers' quarters of 1797. The Historic Gardens cover about seven hectares in themed sections including an Acadian house and dykeland. The town has around five hundred residents and a large heritage district.
What you actually see
- Fort Anne - Canada's oldest National Historic Site, with star-shaped earthworks.
- The Historic Gardens - seven hectares including Acadian dykeland reconstruction.
- The heritage streets - a large district of eighteenth and nineteenth-century houses.
- The tidal power station - the only one in North America, on the causeway nearby.
When to go
May to October for the fort, gardens and full services; the gardens close for winter. The town is small and quiet, with a good farmers market on Saturdays in season.
Honest expectations
The fort is earthworks and one building rather than standing walls. The gardens close for half the year. The town is very small with limited evening options.
Nearby
Port-Royal lies across the basin; Digby is west.
What to pack for Annapolis Royal
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.