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. Check out some of my favourite restaurants!
 
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.
Planning A Trip To The Annapolis Valley Are you planning a trip to the the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia? This page is designed to help you make your plans.
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.
Great Annapolis Restaurants There are many great Annapolis Restaurants to be found. If you are looking for great seafood, or that special truly Nova Scotian dish, you will find it in the Annapolis Valley, NS.
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 are a list of the many annual festivals and events that go on in the Annapolis Valley every year between January to June.
Annapolis Valley Fall Events Annapolis Valley Fall events list events that are happening throughout the Annapolis Valley during September and August.
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.
Annapolis Valley Folklore Annapolis Valley Folklore is full of stories from the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia and Bay of Fundy area that are a big part of our heritage and history.
Annapolis Valley Mysteries Annapolis Valley Mysteries is full of unexplained happenings and stories from the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.
Annapolis Valley Treasure Annapolis Valley Treasure is a collection of stories about buried treasure or hidden riches in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia or the Bay of Fundy.
Annapolis Ghost Stories Annapolis Ghost Stories is your place to find ghost stories that are from the Annapolis Valley and Bay of Fundy region.
Great Maritime Recipes Here is a collection of Maritime recipes popular in the Annapolis Valley. We, in the Maritimes are sometimes referred to as unique and so we also have some unique recipes.
Annapolis Valley Pictures A collection of Annapolis Valley pictures plus some from the Bay of Fundy shore. The Annapolis Valley and Bay of Fundy have so many places and things to photograph.
Annapolis Valley Webcams There are several Annapolis Valley webcams set up for your convenience and viewing pleasure. Here is a list of several of the ones I have found.
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.
Advertise with Annapolis Valley Vacation When you advertise with annapolis valley vacation you have several options to choose from. You can check them all out here.
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.
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TESTIMONIALS
To Web Site & The Annapolis Valley
We just purchased a vacation home in your area and
want to thank you for your wonderful site, it has answered all our
questions and provided us with other great information about things to
try. Keep up the fantastic work, the area couldn't have a better
ambassador.
K.H.
Well I don't live there yet, but recently bought a
house there, and my favourite thing so far is the people!! I have
travelled all over the world, lived in a few different provinces and
never, never in my life met such, caring, and giving , wonderful people.
Having your
website it like having a friend there already.!
Debbie M. Oshawa,
ON
This site has been very informative. I've lived here
all my life and Belinda is introducing me to places I've never been to
before. Love the pics and some of the recipes of the area sound great. I
look forward to checking out the new info every time she up-dates.
Julie Melanson Milford, N.S.
Thank you for
your love of the Annapolis Valley, it really shows!
Cathy Briggs
Hey, great
page! Very useful in planning my upcoming vacation to the Annapolis
Valley!"
Kathy M.
This is the best site I have ever seen for info on
Annapolis Royal.
Keep up the great work.
A. Veinot Saskatchewan
I'm so glad to have discovered your site - for years
I've been
planning to do this and just haven't found the time. Congrats on a great
site -
I'll spread the word to all the locals who should be taking the
opportunity to
explore this wonderful Province and Valley.
Linda Best, Greenwich, NS
I just wanted to tell you that I just love your site!
What a
wonderful place to live. You have done a fantastic job oh your site.
J. Burrell
I love your site! We are hoping to move to Nova
Scotia next year.
Your life story is inspirational. Congratulations on a very informative
and friendly website I am so glad you finally did it!
C. Milligan
I have visited here in the past and just loved it! My
family is planning on visiting again this summer. Love your website,
keep up the good work.
Stacey Bonneau Rosthern,
SK
I live in the Annapolis area, and have
searched for several
weeks to find a listing like this of the Valley. Myself, my wife
Jennifer and son
Max all love to hike/walk, and there are very little to nothing for
websites
with detail like yours.