Whatever Your Interests Are, Annapolis Valley Can Deliver!
That is my opinion, and I have lived in the Annapolis Valley all my life. My name is Belinda Atwell and my favorite pass time is exploring the beautiful sights and learning about the interesting history found in this area I call home. I have visited and explored almost all of it. As I work on this site I will be revisiting old sites and checking out new ones. I would love to share my experiences with you. I would like to show you around this wonderful valley and all the surrounding areas close by.
The Annapolis Valley is located in the south-western section of Nova Scotia. It is only approximately an hour away from either Halifax or Yarmouth and it is really worth the drive to see. But don't just drive through it, experience the valley. There is so much here to see and do, I could not fit it all into one summer. Keep that in mind when you plan your trip here.
Before you go any farther let me suggest that you have a look at this video on the Evangeline Trail, most of which includes the Annapolis Valley:
 
The Fantastic Scenery
Traveling from Halifax you are first greeted to the valley by the magnificent cliffs of Blomidon over looking the beautiful Minas Basin. The spectacular scenery continues through Kings and Annapolis Counties and into Digby County where you can observe nature's wonders at the Balancing Rock. Don't be afraid to turn off the major highways and you will surely be rewarded with the beauty of this valley.
Fall Colours In The Annapolis Valley From Top Of The Spurr Road, Round Hill
Then travel over to the Bay of Fundy and see even more breath-taking sights. I will cover both the valley and the Bay of Fundy Shore on this website. This is because the Bay of Fundy is only a few minutes away from anywhere in the valley and should not be missed.
If you are interested in doing some hiking check out the walking/hiking trails around here. They will take you through some of the best scenery around with the most breath-taking sights. Of course you do not have to walk to see the land. Check out our great mountain bike trails or rent a canoe or kayak. There are also lots to see from you vehicle when you know where to go, and I am here to help you with that also.
 
History & Heritage
If you are interested in history, well we have the oldest historic sites in Canada. Port Royal was one of the earliest European settlements on this continent, settled by French explorers in 1605.
Through our many historic sites learn about the French and British Explorers and the struggle they had to gain control of the new land called Acadia.
Port Royal Habitation
Find out information about the Acadians; how they lived, how they built the dykes and then about the expulsion that took them from their lands in 1755. Then you will learn about the New England Planters and the Loyalist. After they arrived and started their colonies they had a big effect in sculpting our way of life.
The Annapolis Valley is a wealth of information for those who are searching their family trees. We have several genealogy societies here who have worked very hard to gather and preserve our family records and then offer it to the many researchers who come.
 
Museums
On this website make sure you check out the museum pages. There are several different museums in the Annapolis Valley covering all kinds of topics; history, industry, military, the citizens, and even their hobbies.
Check out what ones are here, where they are located, admission fees and their hours of operation. I will also tell you about my visit to them and let you know what some of their exhibits are about. This will save you a lot of precious time after you arrive here for your vacation. You will know in advance which ones you will want to visit.
 
Other Attractions
Maybe you are looking for something more family oriented or more exciting. Well we have plenty of those also. On my attractions page you will find information about the Upper Clements Park and Action Jax, both full of thrilling rides for the whole family. We have animal parks and zoos, beachside parks, public gardens and theme farms for your enjoyment.
For a real maritime thrill check out the whale watching adventures found in my guided tours section. Other guided tours offered in the Annapolis Valley include the very popular Candlelight Graveyard Tours, Ghost Walks, Heritage Walks, Bus Tours and Adventures on the Water.
The Tree Topper Roller Coaster at Upper Clements Park
 
Annual Events & Festivals
The people in the Annapolis Valley are some of the friendliest you will find anywhere. They love to get together and celebrate their life here in the valley and they invite you to join them.
There is always something going on in the area from exhibitions, community fairs, Canada Day to harvest suppers and theatre events. We celebrate the
Annual Kentville Pumpkin People Festival
Apple Blossoms in the spring, the Cherries in the summer and the Pumpkin Harvest in the fall.
For a list of the celebrations and festivals happening here in the Annapolis Valley check out the Annapolis Events and the Annapolis Festivals pages. I will tell you about each event and the type of activities that go on during it. I do not have the exact schedules, but most have become annual activities and just grow from year to year. I will give you information on how you can find out more.
 
Places To Stay
I know when you arrive in the Annapolis Valley you will want to spend some time here. So you might as well plan on it before you get here. I will give you a list of places to stay and a little information about them. We have plenty of nice motels and hotels, but our specialty is all of our heritage houses that have been transformed into Bread & Breakfast and Inns. Eventually I hope to have things set up so you may make your reservations right through this web site, but that will take some time. Until then I will provide you with information to help you chose.
 
Places To Eat
Now that you are staying for awhile you will want to know the best places to find a good meal. Well we can accommodate your taste buds with some of the best food around.
You will just have to try some of our famous seafood while you are here. Digby scallops are known around the world, and our lobster, well they are also well known and sought after. Eventually I will even share with you some recipes so you will be able to cook your own favorite seafood.
But do not worry if seafood is not your thing, we serve up more than seafood here. Our chefs work very hard to provide a good variety and the best tasting food to be found anywhere. It does not matter if you want something fast for in-between sightseeing, or if you want to spend a relaxing evening wining and dining, we can provide.
 
Now I hope you will take some time to explore my websight and find out what all is available in the Annapolis Valley and area. Please bookmark my sight and come back often as this is a work in progress and I will be adding pages constantly. As I mentioned I spent much of the summer visiting the different attractions and now I have to sort through my many pictures and write up the pages.
Very soon I hope to have a place for you to leave your comments, suggestions or recommendations. I will also be adding a place for you to write about your vacations and favorite spots in the Valley and area.
 
Annapolis Valley Blog The Annapolis Valley Blog keeps you up-to-date with any additions and/or changes made to the annapolis-valley-vacation.com Web site. Subscribe here.
You Can Visit Annapolis Valley in Many Ways There are several ways to visit Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. You may come by plane, train, ferry or by road. Find out how to get here.
Nova Scotia Weather & Climate A Brief Description of Nova Scotia weather and climate especially for the Annapolis Valley area. This is provided for anyone interested in visiting this area.
Schedule of Many Annapolis Events During The Year There are a wide variety of Annapolis Events happening all year long in the Annapolis Valley. Find a schedule of the festivals, exhibitions, fairs, dinners, flower shows and historic events celebrated
Annapolis Valley Festivals Are Full of Celebrations Annapolis Valley Festivals are held in almost every town, community and village in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. We have lots to celebrate and we invite you to come and celebrate with us.
Annapolis Valley Spring Events Annapolis Valley Spring events list events that are happening throughout the Annapolis Valley during April, May & June
Annapolis Valley July Events Annapolis Valley July events list events that are happening throughout the Annapolis Valley during the month of July.
Annapolis Valley August Events Annapolis Valley August events list events that are happening throughout the Annapolis Valley during the month of August.
Annapolis Valley Fall Events Annapolis Valley Fall events list events that are happening throughout the Annapolis Valley during September and August.
Annapolis Valley Holiday Events Annapolis Valley holiday events list events that are happening throughout the Annapolis Valley during November and December.
Plenty of Historic Sites in Annapolis Valley to Explore I will tell you about the many historic sites here in the valley. You will learn a little history and other information to help make it easier for you when you get here.
Interesting Places to Visit in the Annapolis Valley There are many interesting places to visit during your stay in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. We have theme parks, historic gardens, art galleries, zoos, and fantastic scenery.
Beautiful Annapolis Gardens Many beautiful Annapolis gardens are just waiting for you to behold in the Annapolis Valley. Public gardens include the Annapolis Historic Gardens, Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens and the Tangled Gar
Big Variety Of Guided Tours Found In The Annapolis Valley Guided tours are fun, adventurous, and very educational. Annapolis Valley offers a variety of guided tours including several historic ones and a candlelight graveyard tour.
The walking-hiking Trails in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia The many walking-hiking trails in the Annapolis Valley and along the Bay of Fundy shore of Nova Scotia provide good exercise and beautiful scenery. You can choose from short walks to a longer hike.
Annapolis Valley Scenic Drives There are many scenic drives throughout the Annapolis Valley. If you have an hour or a whole day you will enjoy the scenery these drives provide. Discover new places along the way.
Whale Watching & Bird Watching Trips on the Bay of Fundy Whale watching and bird watching cruises have become very popular in the Bay of Fundy. It's a natural feeding ground for the whales, and is located on the migration path for many birds.
Geocaching Sites in Annapolis Valley Learn about geocaching where you can find caches in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. The Annapolis Valley offers all the fun & challenge plus lots of history and outstanding scenery.
Trails for Mountain Biking in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia Mountain Biking has become more and more popular. The Annapolis Valley offers some of the best scenery to be viewed while touring on your bike. Check out the guided tours and trails to go on yourself.
Kayaking and Canoeing in and around the Annapolis Valley A kayaking or canoeing adventure is one way to explore the waterways in and around the Annapolis Valley. With all the lakes, rivers and ocean water around, it only makes sense to tour this way.
Deep Sea Fishing Charters From Annapolis Valley Area Deep-sea fishing charters are located all along the Bay of Fundy. Close by your Annapolis Valley vacation. Find out where to charter a boat and hear about a couple of my trips.
Contact Page For Annapolis Valley Vacation My contact page is where you will be provided a place to contact me with your comments or questions pertaining to my website Annapolis Valley Vacation.
Subscribe to Annapolis Valley Updates This page is for anyone who wishes to subscribe to Annapolis Valley Updates, an eZine sent out monthly with updates and changes to the web site Annapolis-Valley-Vacation.com.
Annapolis Royal Natal Days The Annapolis Royal Natal Days are held every year on the weekend preceding the first Monday of August. It is a four-day celebration of Canada's oldest settlement.
Site Map for Annapolis Valley Vacation This site map is to help you find what is on the web site Annapolis-Valley-Vacation.com. Here I give a list of all the information to be found on the site with list to completed pages.