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musicians performing on stage at Acadian Day celebration

Acadian Culture

The spirit of l’Acadie runs deep in Nova Scotia. Vivid reminders of the intrepid French settlers, who first arrived in Nova Scotia in the seventeenth century, can be found throughout the province.

Acadian Culture in Nova Scotia

From the brightly painted houses and towering churches of the seaside villages to the quiet beauty of the masterfully created hooked rugs, Acadian culture infuses much of Nova Scotia with its vibrancy, jaunty rhythms and the romance of its history and language.

Explore Acadian history through historical sites, culture and language, genealogy, music, food, and crafts while travelling throughout Nova Scotia.

To learn more about the history and joie de vivre of this spirited group of people, visit the Nova Scotia Archives website.

Experiencing Lola's Hooked Rugs in Cheticamp

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Experience Acadian History and Culture in Nova Scotia

Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse

Stop in, sit down and bask in Acadian heritage at this early 1900s seaside village, situated on a beautiful 17-acre site overlooking Pubnico Harbour.

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Grand-Pré National Historic Site

The site commemorates the Grand Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762.

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Les Trois Pignons: Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life

Located in Chéticamp, on the world famous Cabot Trail, Les Trois Pignons houses the Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life, an Acadian, cultural, genealogical and visitor information centre.

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Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Municipality of Clare Festival acadien de ClareLes Beaux Vendredis

Le Festival acadien de Clare

The Festival acadien de Clare (the oldest Acadian festival in the world!) has always been a celebration of Acadian culture and heritage.

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Centre de la Mi-Carême

The Centre de la Mi-Carême offers a unique display of locally crafted masks and interactive exhibits depicting the evolution of “La Mi-Carême”, one of the oldest Acadian traditions, still celebrated in the area every winter.

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Acadian Museums and Points of Interest

Entrance to Sissiboo Landing in Weymouth Nova Scotia
  • Museum/Historic Site

Sissiboo Landing

From May 15, 2025 to October 6, 2025

Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley, Weymouth
Read More The Google rating is 4.8
  • Museum/Historic Site

Centre de la Mi-Carême

From June 1, 2025 to October 19, 2025

Cape Breton Island, Grand Etang
Read More The Google rating is 4.3

Other Cultures in Nova Scotia

Mi’kmaw Culture

This rugged, sea-swept peninsula has been home to the Mi’kmaq (Mee-gmah) people for over 11,000 years. Their culture, language, stories, music, and art emerges from their profound connection to this natural environment.

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A young girl looking at a cultural display

African Nova Scotian

People of African descent have made Nova Scotia their home for more then 400 years. Their history includes the stories of many diverse groups – Loyalists, Maroons, Caribbeans, Refugees and others – sewn together through a common African ancestry.

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A man playing piano

Gaelic Culture

By at least the early 1770s immigrants from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland came by the tens of thousands and made Nova Scotia their home. These settlers called themselves Gàidheil (Gaels), i.e. ones whose language and cultural expression is Gaelic.

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