Bridgetown Historic Cyprus Walk

The Bridgetown Historic Cyprus Walk is a 90 minute, 3.5 km self-guided tour covers many interesting features of historic Bridgetown, Nova Scotia.

Both the trail path and the self guiding booklet were put together by the Bridgetown Waterfront Development Society. The society hopes to "encourage both citizens and visitors alike to experience our wonderful heritage by exploring Historic Cyprus Walk".

The Bridgetown Town Hall

Originally named Gauderville when settled by the Acadians, this area along the banks of the Annapolis River proved to be very fertile farm land. The little Acadian village prospered until 1755 when the Acadians were forcefully removed from their homes and sent to other lands.

The next settlers who came to this area were the New England Planters who took over the cleared farmlands left behind by the Acadians. The area grew and prospered.

Eventually a bridge was erected to span the Annapolis River. For nearly a century this was the last bridge spanning the Annapolis River above Annapolis Royal, where a ferry transported goods and people across.

The town grew as a trading town as it was a natural commercial centre. Mercantile shops were built along with industries dealing mainly with agriculture and forestry. Probably because of it's most noticeable feature - the bridge- the name was changed to Bridgetown.

This Church & Statue is included in the
Bridgetown Historical Walk

The trail is easy to follow as it is marked with a painted blue line. Between the picturesque historic guide booklet and the interpretive signs you will learn much about the heritage of Bridgetown and its journey from the past to its present. The tour covers information on this as well as showing you wonderful old buildings, cemeteries and other significant landmarks.

The name Cyprus came from the largest vessel ever built on the banks of the Annapolis River. The three mast barque was built by Abram Young in 1878 and sailed for J.V. Troop and Sons out of Saint John, New Brunswick. The Cyprus was soon known as the fastest ship of her class. The shipyard where the Cyprus was built was located a few hundred feet downstream from the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Park where the historic Walk begins.

Leave the Bridgetown Cyprus Walk and return to check out other trails in Annapolis County.