1- Amherst

Abusy commercial and agricultural town right in the center of Atlantic Canada, Amherst overlooks the world’s largest marsh, the beautiful Tantramar. Along its edge, hayfields grow on land reclaimed by Acadian dikes during the 18th century. The Cumberland County Museum is located in the family home of Senator R.B. Dickey, one of the Fathers of Confederation.

The museum focuses on the region’s industrial development, local, and natural history.

Particularly interesting are examples of goods once made in the town’s busy factories.

 

Attractions:

Cumberland County Museum

150 Church St.

Tel: (902) 667 2561.

 

2- Annapolis Royal

At The Eastern end of the Annapolis Valley lies the historic and picturesque town of Annapolis Royal. It was near here that Samuel de Champlain built the fur trading post of Port Royal in 1605. A purely commercial venture, this was the first European settlement in the New World north of Florida. The Port Royal National Historic Site is an exact replica of the original colony, based on French farms of the period, from plans drawn by Champlain.

An hour’s drive inland from Annapolis Royal lies Kejimkujik National Park, which covers 381 square km (148 sq miles) of inland wilderness laced with sparkling lakes and rivers. Throughout the park there are numerous paddling routes and 15 hiking trails, ranging from short walks to a 60-km (37-mile) perimeter wilderness and wildlife trail.

 

Attractions:

Port Royal National Historic Site

15 km W. of Annapolis Royal.

Tel: (902) 532 2898.

Kejimkujik National Park

Hwy 8.

Tel: (902) 682 2772.

3- Bouctouche

Aseaside town with a strong Acadian heritage, Bouctouche is home to Le Pays de la Sagouine. This theme village is named for La Sagouine, the wise washerwoman created by Acadian authoress Antonine Maillet (b. 1929). Theatrical shows here act out her tales.

Nearby, the Irving Eco-Centre studies and protects the beautiful 12-km (8-mile) network of dunes, saltmarshes, and beach that extend along the entrance to Bouctouche Harbour.

Attractions:

Le Pays de la Sagouine

57 Acadia St.

Tel: 1 800 561 9188.