Annapolis Royal is known as one of Canada’s oldest European settlements and one of Nova Scotia’s most historically significant communities. Formerly known as Port-Royal and once the capital of Nova Scotia, the town reflects thousands of years of Mi’kmaw heritage and more than 400 years of French, Acadian, Scottish, and British history. Visitors come to explore Fort Anne National Historic Site, Canada’s oldest National Historic Site, stroll the heritage streetscape, visit galleries and local shops, and discover the culture, history, and natural beauty of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
Wander through the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, home to 17 acres of gardens, including the largest rose collection in Eastern Canada.
Walk or cycle a section of the Harvest Moon Trailway, a scenic route through orchards, farmland, historic communities, and Annapolis Valley landscapes.
Join a Candlelight Graveyard Tour at Fort Anne National Historic Site and explore one of the oldest English graveyards in Canada.
Annapolis Royal is a year-round destination, with each season offering something different to experience. Spring brings blooming gardens and returning migratory birds, while summer is ideal for exploring historic sites, outdoor activities, and seasonal events. In fall, visitors can enjoy harvest season and colourful Annapolis Valley scenery, while winter offers a quieter opportunity to explore the town’s historic streetscape, shops, and restaurants.
Annapolis Royal is easy to explore in a variety of ways. Most visitors arrive by car, which is also the best way to discover attractions throughout the Annapolis Valley and Bay of Fundy region. Cyclists can access the Harvest Moon Trailway, which begins in Annapolis Royal and follows a scenic route through the valley. Once in town, many historic sites, accommodations, shops, galleries, and restaurants are within walking distance of one another. Limited regional transportation options are available, though most visitors choose to drive.
Annapolis Royal offers a variety of accommodations, including historic inns, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, cottages, and waterfront stays. Many properties are conveniently located near the town’s historic sites, waterfront, shops, and restaurants.
Expect a small, walkable town where history, culture, and nature come together. While many visitors arrive on a day trip, Annapolis Royal offers enough historic sites, gardens, galleries, and nearby attractions to fill two or three days at a relaxed pace. Seasonal hours and experiences vary throughout the year, especially outside the summer season.
Many visitors explore Annapolis Royal on a day trip from Halifax, while a 2-3 day stay allows time to experience nearby historic sites, trails, gardens, and attractions throughout the Annapolis Valley.
Yes. Many of the town’s historic sites, shops, galleries, restaurants, and accommodations are located within walking distance of the downtown waterfront area.
Families can explore Fort Anne National Historic Site, visit Port-Royal National Historic Site, walk the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, cycle sections of the Harvest Moon Trailway, and discover the town’s waterfront parks and green spaces.
Annapolis Royal is located approximately 2.5 hours southwest of Halifax by car via Highway 101. Most visitors drive, although portions of the town can be explored on foot once you arrive.
Annapolis Royal is busiest during the summer months, particularly July and August. Visitors seeking fewer crowds often enjoy visiting during spring and fall, when many attractions remain open and seasonal landscapes are at their peak.
Yes. Spring brings blooming gardens and birdwatching, fall offers autumn colours and harvest experiences, and winter provides a quieter opportunity to explore the town’s historic streetscape, shops and cultural attractions.
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This page was created by Tourism Nova Scotia, the official source for travel information and trip planning in Nova Scotia. Content is informed by local knowledge, destination expertise, and information from tourism operators and communities across the province.
