Annapolis Royal is arguably Nova Scotia's most historic town -- it even bills itself, with justification, as "Canada's birthplace." The nation's first permanent settlement was established at Port Royal -- just across the river from present-day Annapolis Royal -- in 1605 by a group of doughty settlers that included Samuel de Champlain. (Champlain called the beautiful Annapolis Basin "one of the finest harbors that I have seen on all these coasts.") The strategic importance of this well-protected harbor was proven in later tumultuous years, when a series of forts was constructed on the low hills overlooking the water.
Annapolis Royal today is truly a treat to visit. Because the region was largely overlooked by later economic growth (trade and fishing moved to the Atlantic side of the peninsula), it requires little in the way of imagination to see Annapolis Royal as it once was. (The current population is just 700.) The original settlement was rebuilt on the presumed site. Fort Anne overlooks the upper reaches of the basin, much as it did when abandoned in 1854. And the village itself maintains much of its original historic charm, with narrow streets and historic buildings fronting the now-placid waterfront.
Indeed, Annapolis Royal is also considered by many historians to be the birthplace of historic preservation. Starting early in this century, town residents have been unusually active in preserving the character of the place. As a testament to their dedication, some 150 buildings and homes in town are officially designated heritage sites. For anyone curious about Canada's early history, Annapolis Royal is one of Nova Scotia's don't-miss destinations.
