Things To See and Do
King’s Theatre
King’s Theatre has been a
popular area landmark since 1921.
It’s roots, however, go back to 1606
when Marc Lescarbot produced “The
Theatre of Neptune” mainly as a
diversion for the band of adventurers
at Port-Royal, to be followed in later
years by various performances by
traveling troupes and roving thespians
in this bustling seaport town.
A vital force in the life of the
community, historic King’s Theatre
entertains the area year-round with
an impressive schedule showcasing
local, national and international talent
in a delightful mix of live theatre,
music and dance. It also features
current movies and classic films.
During the summer months, King’s
Theatre spotlights local artists in
their colourful King’s Theatre Art
Gallery located in the lobby. The
24-hour event hotline is 532-5466.
532-7704, www.kingstheatre.ca
Historic Gardens
See feature article on p. 31.
HMCS/CFB Cornwallis
Military Museum
Cornwallis, the largest training
base in the British Commonwealth,
trained the sailors who served in
Canada’s Navy, the third largest by
the end of WW2. Armed Service
unification dictated that it become a
tri-service facility. It features special
memorabilia from the three branches
of the armed service and the Merchant
Navy. Some displays are unique to
the museum. With a well stocked
gift shop, the museum is located on
the former base, just about halfway
between Annapolis and Digby on
Hwy 1. Enter main gate. Follow the
signs. For hours and admission info
visit www.cornwallismuseum.ca
Private Tours
& Step-on Guides
Customized itineraries, special
private tours, full tour coordination
and step-on bus guides are available
throughout the year. Contact Alan and
Durline Melanson, 902-532-3035,
www.TourAnnapolisRoyal.com
Visitor Info Centre
Located at Tidal Power Plant.
Operated by the Annapolis Board of
Trade. Open seasonally. 532-5454.
Tidal Power Plant
Annapolis Royal is home to
the only tidal power plant in North
America. Since the Bay of Fundy
has the highest tides in the world,
Annapolis is an ideal location with
its average tide of 7 metres. It uses
the world’s largest straflo turbine to
generate up to 30 million kilowatt-
hours per year, electricity for about
4,500 homes. Nova Scotia Power is
also experimenting with new in-
stream tidal technology in the Bay
of Fundy. To learn more about
Nova Scotia Power's commitment
to increase the mix of renewable
energy used to provide power across
Nova Scotia visit www.nspower.ca
Down Under Tours may be
available. For info: 902-532-0502.
Fort Anne NHS
Fort Anne was designated a
National Historic Site in 1917 and is
Canada’s oldest. It houses the Nova
Scotia Charter and is located in the
heart of Annapolis Royal’s National
Historic District. See pages 5, 14 & 22.
St. Luke’s
Anglican Church
Tours offered in July and August,
Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
annapolis.parish@ns.aliantzinc.ca
O’Dell House
Museum (1869)
The O’Dell House Museum, is a
remnant of the economic prosperity
brought to the community by the rail-
road and also international shipping
interests during the Victorian period.
Built by Cory O’Dell, a former Nova
Scotia Pony Express rider, it was
originally used as a stagecoach inn
and tavern and the first stop for many
travelers getting off the ferry from
Granville Ferry. Remains of the old
ferry slip can still be seen at low tide.
The museum is displayed as a
Victorian inn and tavern on the main
floor with contemporary museum
exhibits on the second. 532-7754,
www.annapolisheritagesociety.com
Farmers and Traders
& Winter Markets
Farmers and Traders Market,
across from the wharf, is open
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 16
through Oct. 10. It is also open on
Wednesdays from10 a.m. to 2 p.m
during July and August. It served as
a public meeting place and market
square during colonial times and is
often the site of entertainment
events. Visit with the friendly local
farmers and tradespeople, sample
fresh produce and tasty home-baked
treats and search for collectibles.
annapolisroyalfarmersmarket.com
Enjoy the Winter Market from
October 17 to May 7 on Saturday
mornings inside the Historic
Gardens’ cozy Gazebo. 532-7018.
Port-Royal Habitation,
Melanson Settlement
& North Hills Museum
These three unique attractions
are located along Canada’s Oldest
Settlement Road. See page 29.
National
Historic District
Annapolis Royal is the smallest
incorporated town in Nova Scotia,
but with over 130 registered heritage
properties, it is one of the largest
National Historic Districts in Canada.
Be sure to plan to stay long enough
so you can enjoy all the region has to
offer. Walking tours depart the
Annapolis Royal Lighthouse every
weekday at 2 p.m. from mid-June
through mid-September. Private tours
are also available. 902-532-3035,
www.TourAnnapolisRoyal.com
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy, renown for
the world’s highest tides, awaits you
only 10 minutes from the heart of the
National Historic District. Mi’kmaw
folklore claims the tides are caused
by the splashing of a giant whale. See p.
19 for more about the Bay of Fundy.
Annapolis Heritage
Genealogical Centre
Housed in the O’Dell House
Museum, the Genealogy Centre is
open all year and offers resources for
people looking for families who
may have lived in the Annapolis
Royal region over the past 400
years. Hard copy, microfilm and
digital resources include Annapolis
and the Granville township books,
cemetery records, both published
and unpublished genealogies, local
newspapers, the Annapolis County
deeds, vital statistics, funeral home
records, an extensive photographic
collection along with a variety of
excellent on-site Acadian/Cajun files
for genealogical research. 532-7754,
www.annapolisheritagesociety.com
Upper Clements Parks
See page 31 for a feature article.
136 St. George St., Annapolis Royal
Annapolis Heritage Society
Tel: 902-532-7754 Email: historic@ns.aliantzinc.ca
Exhibits on Annapolis Royal's History
Victorian Stagecoach Inn
Victorian Stagecoach Inn
ca. 1870
Local Archives
AHS Genealogical Centre
Annapolis County's
Genealogical Resource
Microfilm, church records,
vital statistics, family files, etc.
Chocolate Shop
The
& Café
Visitor Info Centre
at North America’s first
Tidal Power Station
(902) 532-5454
P. O. Box 2, Annapolis Royal, NS
www.tradeannapolis.com
Page 14,
EXPLORER,
2015 Official Visitors Guide
A Message from the Warden
Un message du Préfet
Dear Visitors: