Annapolis Royal (Nova Scotia): The cradle of Canadian civilization can be found in this broad green valley, where early French settlers first put down roots. Visit Fort Anne and Port Royal, and walk some of the first streets on the continent.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (Nova Scotia): Nova Scotia's history is the history of the sea, and no place better depicts that vibrant tradition than this sprawling museum right on Halifax's waterfront.
Louisbourg (Nova Scotia): This early-18th-century fort and village was part of an elaborate French effort to establish a foothold in the New World. It failed, and the village ultimately fell into ruin. In the 1960s, the Canadian government reconstructed much of it, and now it's one of the best historic sites in the Maritimes.
Village Historique Acadien (New Brunswick): This huge complex depicts life as it was lived in an Acadian settlement of New Brunswick between 1770 and 1890. You'll learn all about the exodus and settlement of the Acadians from costumed guides, who also demonstrate skills ranging from letterpress printing to blacksmithing.
Province House National Historic Site (Prince Edward Island): Canadian history took shape in Charlottetown in 1864, when the idea of joining Britain's North American colonies into an independent confederation was first discussed seriously. Learn about what transpired at this Charlottetown edifice, which has been restored to appear as it did when history was made.
Bonavista Peninsula (Newfoundland): It may seem like the ends of the earth today, but in previous centuries Newfoundland was a crossroads of European culture, where nations scrapped over fishing rights and settlements. You can learn a lot about how the Old World viewed the New during a few days exploring this intriguing peninsula. Base yourself in the perfectly preserved village of Trinity, and spend at least a day exploring up to the town of Bonavista, where you can visit the Ryan's Premises National Historic Site and learn why the cod was god.
L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (Newfoundland): This dramatic site on Newfoundland's northern tip celebrated its 1,000th "anniversary" in 2000. Yes, it's been a full millennium since the Vikings are believed to have landed here and established a significant encampment. View the intriguing ruins, enter the re-created sod huts, and hear the interpreters discuss theories about why the colony failed.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
