Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Experiences You Can Expect:

• 17 acres and over 1800 plant species and cultivars displayed to bloom over each season. This award-winning garden is one of Canada’s Top 10 Gardens Worth Travelling for in 2024 and a must-visit at any season (I suggest each season to see something different each time)
• Exhibits:
  • Rose Garden and Victorian Garden
  • Acadian House features a Portage garden representing the area’s early European settlers.
  • Several local artists’ sculptures are hidden throughout the gardens.
  • …many more fun types of gardens.
• Tours: Check their website for times as volunteers lead these and are on certain dates.
• Activities: Many events and activities are held throughout the year, check their website to see if something fun is going on when you are planning your visit.
• Gift Shop & Cafe: The gift shop includes many souvenirs and local artist items for purchase, this is open year round. The Elm Street Cafe sells light refreshments during the summer.
• Family Adventures: They offer scavenger hunts for kids to keep them engaged and always learning, ask when you purchase your entry.

Local Recommendations:

• Fort Anne National Historic Site: Immerse yourself in history at Canada’s first National Historic Site, Fort Anne. Explore the remains of fortifications and buildings that witnessed centuries of struggle for control of Nova Scotia.
• Restaurant Composé: Savor innovative Austrian & European cuisine made with local ingredients with a view of the waterfront at sunset.
• Lequille Country Store: More than your average convenience store, gas and rest stop. It offers a selection of homemade baked goods, ice cream, a deli, sandwiches and so much more food. The Country Store does not stop at food it offers everything you need for hunting and fishing needs as well. This is a must-stop anytime I am down this way and you should too. (Their Facebook lets you know current sales and happenings)
• Queen Anne Inn: Experience the elegance of a bygone era at the Queen Anne Inn. This historic inn offers luxurious accommodations and a three-course breakfast.
• Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site: Escape to the wilderness of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. Set up camp, hike through scenic trails, go canoeing on lakes, and learn about the Mi’kmaq people’s rich history.

Tips:

• Secret Bloom Times: Want to catch the rhododendrons or roses at their most dazzling? Aim for mid-May to early June and late June or early July, respectively for peak vibrancy.
• Hidden Gems: Explore beyond the main gardens! Take a walk on the scenic Dyke Trail or discover the charm of the Acadian house and its vegetable garden.
• Picnic Perfection: Pack a basket with treats from a farmers market near you or along the way (there are so many) and find a peaceful spot for a relaxing picnic lunch amidst the blooms.
• Be Prepared: Don’t forget the bug spray, especially during the damper months when those pesky mosquitoes can make an appearance. You also want to bring sunscreen, even though there is some shade some of the path is not protected by tree canopy.
• Events Galore: Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops, concerts, or special events at the gardens – there might be something new to discover!
• Local Coffee Break: Looking for a caffeine fix? Skip the on-site restaurant (if closed) and grab a delicious coffee and pastry from a charming local cafe instead.
• Bike & Bloom: Combine your visit with a scenic bike ride or walk along the Annapolis River for a dose of exercise and fresh air. The gardens are a lovely stop along the way!

My Experience:

May 20, 2024: Spring is here and it was time to go back to this beautiful garden with the blooms popping all over the place I knew it was the right time to get there and catch this season’s flowers. Right from the beginning we were greeted with a gorgeous rhododendron and were not disappointed with the whole left side of the garden just exploded in vivid colours and smells. Even the birds and the bees were enjoying themselves. We were disappointed when the dyke walk was still closed but we are planning a trip back in the summer when the roses are in bloom and hope it is repaired by then. Aside from the sculptures from last time there was a fun artist display in the Winter Collection celebrating the garden’s 43rd anniversary. The water features were heaven and another visit to this historic beauty was a success.

January 13, 2024: After realizing that this garden was open in the winter and the entry fee was by donation because it was the off-season it was a must-see for me. What is more unique than going to a garden in the winter? Not much, this is something most people wouldn’t even think of. As we walked through the garden I wished there was a bit of snow down, and then it happened. It started to snow a little bit and transformed this usual summer oasis into a winter wonderland. It was incredible to see how much colour there was even though there were very few leaves, a few berries and no flowers. Reds and greens stood out and made me realize that nature inspires the colours of the Christmas and winter seasons. If it was this beautiful in the winter I couldn’t wait to get back in the spring and summer, each time this place would transform.

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