The Annapolis Valley

The Annapolis Valley is located in the western part of Nova Scotia and spans from Windsor to Digby. Just an hour drive from Halifax, the Valley makes for a great road trip out of the city.

Situated along the Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley is home to the world’s highest tides. Twice each day, the Bay of Fundy fills and empties an impressive 160 billion tons of water. The tides are so powerful the local electric company decided to take advantage of the resource and opened a tidal power plant that can produce 80-100 megawatt hours daily. They even have an interpretive centre where (between the months of May and October) you can learn how the tidal power plant works. Admission is free.

The Annapolis Valley has established itself as a premier wine destination. There are 11 wineries throughout the region that produce award-winning wines. You’ll find varieties like sparkling, Rieslings, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and ice wines. Click HERE for a list of vineyards.

Agriculture is a major industry in the Valley, which has made it a hot spot to visit during the fall months. From apple picking, to corn mazes, to pumpkin patches, to beautiful scenery, there is no better place to be when the leaves start to change.

When driving from Halifax, the Annapolis Valley begins at the town of Windsor. Here you’ll find the world’s largest pumpkins (which can weigh over 1,500 pounds) and the annual pumpkin regatta. However, Windsor’s true claim to fame is as the birthplace of hockey. Hockey lovers may like to check out the Windsor Hockey Heritage Museum, which showcases artifacts and memorabilia that tell the history of the sport.

If you’re visiting during the winter months, why not try snow shoeing along the Haliburton or River View Trail (no worries if you don’t have snow shoes, you can rent them at the Hants County War Memorial Community Centre). Or, travel less than ten minutes outside the town of Windsor to Ski Martock, where you can go downhill or cross-country skiing.

During the warmer months, adventure seekers may choose to spend a day at Ontree Fun & Adventure Park. They have a variety of ropes courses, swings, climbing walls and zip lines to enjoy.

At the mouth of the Gaspereau River lies the small community of Hortonville. Here you’ll find Atlantic Canada’s first malt house. The motto at Horton Ridge Malt and Grain is ‘from grain to glass’ and they create their own brew, along with supplying locally grown and malted grains to Atlantic Canada’s craft brewing industry. The father and son duo of Alan and Connor Stewart welcome guests to their taproom six days a week.

The Annapolis Valley is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Grand-Pré. The rural community has strong Acadian roots and visitors can explore a site that commemorates the Acadian people (French colonists who settled in the northeastern region of North America) and their deportation. Pictured above is the statue of Evangeline at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site. In the famous poem a Tale of Acadie, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Evangeline is looking for her lost love after their separation during the Acadian Expulsion. Visitors can tour the grounds with a guide who will explain the significance of the historic site and what it means to the Acadian people.

The Annapolis Valley is famous for its fruit crops, especially its apples. Port Williams – located between the towns of Wolfville and Kentville – was home to Charles Prescott, who is considered to be a pioneer in the Nova Scotia apple industry. Prescott reportedly introduced over 100 varieties of the fruit to the valley region during the first half of the 1800s. His residence and the accompanying gardens, built in 1816, is now a museum that highlights the home’s beautiful Georgian architecture along with his role in the apple industry.

While in Port Williams, visitors may like to grab a bite to eat at The Port Pub & Bistro. The gastropub has a waterside patio that offers a beautiful view of the Cornwallis River and is the perfect spot to sip on local wine or beer. The pub has vegan and gluten free options, alongside selections like Arctic Char, lobster club, and butter chicken.