Unexpected Discoveries in the Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley
This area is famous for its world-record tides, whale watching, fossil hunting and growing wine industry. But there are other hidden gems waiting t...
Each of Nova Scotia’s 86 Canadian National Historic Sites tell the story of centuries of adventure, cultural diversity, conquest, discovery and scenic beauty.
Step back into the 18th century to discover how English and French troops struggled for control over North America at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Take the white glove tour and learn how a famous inventor, Alexander Graham Bell, and his associates changed the way that people would communicate forever through the invention of the telephone at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Become a solider for a day or learn to fire an authentic Snider-Enfield rifle just as they did in 1869 at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, before wandering down the hill to experience the Halifax Public Gardens which opened to the public in 1875 and received its National Historic Site designation in 1984 for being a rare surviving Victorian garden in Canada.
Nova Scotia embraces its long, rich history. We know you will too!
UNESCO Sites
Nova Scotia boasts six UNESCO designated sites, several so close together that you can explore them all in a few days. To be recognized as a UNESCO site, these locations have to be universally significant. Nova Scotia is proud to be included in the company of other outstanding places such as the Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2012, The Landscape of Grand Pré in the picturesque Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley region became Canada’s 16th UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 13 square-kilometre (5 mi²) site includes acres of tended farmland that pay homage to the dyke system first built by 17th century Acadian settlers on land reclaimed from the sea. The area is also the scenic setting for American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s narrative poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie. Learn about the Acadian Deportation at the Grand Pré National Historic Site which is located within the area designated the Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore this area, bordered by lush farmland and prolific vineyards producing award-winning wines and discover wine tours and tastings, local farmers‘ markets, and restaurants that provide the delicious opportunity to combine a fascinating cultural and culinary experience.
Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site weaves its own special spell taking visitors back to the 18th and 19th centuries when this fishing port bristled with tall ships. Vividly coloured historic homes line streets overlooking the harbour which is home to Bluenose II Nova Scotia’s famous sailing ambassador. The bustling Lunenburg waterfront is alive with industry, architecture and artisan shops that showcase the character of this historical port. Walk throughout town, chat with local residents, dine on fresh seafood, and learn about lobsters, rum running and tales of adventures on the high seas at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Plan to stop by the blacksmith’s shop, now operating as Ironworks Distillery, a micro-distillery where you can sample fine spirits and rums.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site
On Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy coast, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs have long attracted scientists, visitors and geology enthusiasts from around the world, for over a hundred and fifty years. It was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage site because it’s the world’s most complete record of life in the Carboniferous era. You can stroll the beach for a glimpse of life on earth 300 million years ago. With over 15kms of coastal cliffs, you can explore the fossil record of life in the “coal age,” when lush forest covered Joggins as well as much of the rest of the world. Plants, footprints, insects and the ancestors of the dinosaurs are all represented in fossils exposed by the amazing force of the world’s highest tides. The interpretive centre showcases fossils of plant and animal life and offers guided tours.
Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark
Located near Joggins Fossil Cliffs, stretching along the Bay of Fundy coastline from Apple River to Debert, explore the geological significance of the region and its connections to local communities, the rich Mi’kmaq culture, and natural surroundings of this amazing area.
The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark tells the story of the coming together of the supercontinent Pangea 300 million years ago and its ripping apart 100 million years later. Learn of the legendary Kluskap and his creation of of various areas including Five Islands, the Three Sisters, and the special significance of Partridge Island. Discover fossil cliffs, explore the ocean floor at low tide, take a guided tour, and visit communities along the way.
Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with islands, the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the heart of Cape Breton Island. Subtle tides and hundreds of sheltered coves and secluded beaches make the Bras d’Or Lake ideal for boaters. Offering a unique blend of both fresh and salt water, the Bras d’Or Lake is home to a large variety of marine and bird life—making it a great location to view everything from the majestic bald eagle to curious grey seals.
The diversity of the area doesn’t stop at the waters’ edge. The extensive watershed is home to five Mi’kmaw First Nation communities, as well as descendants from early French, Scottish, and English settlers. The people of the Biosphere maintain close ties to the culture of their ancestors. In 2011, the Bras d’Or Lake and its watershed area were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing that the locals live in harmony with nature and work to promote a healthy environment, economy and culture.
Whether you charter a sailboat in St. Peter’s or Baddeck, paddle the inlets of Baddeck Bay, hike to Uisge Ban Falls, take part in a Mi’kmaw cultural journey, or join a ceilidh or milling frolic at the Highland Village, embrace the beauty and living culture of this tranquil area.
Southwest Nova UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest in Canada with over 1.5 million hectares of picturesque coastal and inland terrains, is globally recognized for its unique natural biodiversity and cultural treasures. The Biosphere Reserve’s “core protected area” includes Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site, the Dark Sky Preserve and Starlight Zone, and the Tobeatic Wilderness Area. The surrounding Biosphere “Zone of Cooperation” features Atlantic coast beaches, rocky headlands, North Mountain, the mighty Bay of Fundy with the world’s highest tides, and pastoral Annapolis Valley.
Within the Biosphere you can learn about 10,000 years of Mi’kmaq history, hike and paddle wilderness routes, and hear stories about whales, tall ships, pirates and privateers, turtles and trout, and travel scenic roads and view graceful loyalist architecture typical of many communities including Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby and Annapolis Royal. The cultural heritage within the biosphere includes beautiful coastal Acadian towns, museums and churches in the Districts of Clare and Argyle, and African Nova Scotian history in Birchtown while the town of Annapolis Royal and nearby tidal basin reflect the amazing development of Canadian history.
UNESCO Supported Sites in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is home to two Dark-Sky designated areas.
The Acadian Skies & Mi’kmaq Lands, located with the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores region in southwestern Nova Scotia is the first destination in North America to receive a Starlight certification by the Starlight Foundation, an organization supported by UNESCO.
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is also home to a second Dark Sky Preserve site. Designated as a Dark-Sky Preserve in 2010, visitors can take in the starry night sky from the Parks Canada Sky Circle viewing area as well as participating in special stargazing events. Visitors can also rent Dark-Sky kits to use during their stay in the park.
Learn from the locals
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