Active Pursuits in Annapolis Royal

A short drive from Annapolis Royal and Port Royal are the Delaps Cove Wilderness Trails, which provide access to the rugged Fundy coastline. The tricky part is finding the trail head, as signs tend to vanish. Directions and a brochure are usually available from the visitor information center. Otherwise, head to Delaps Cove from Granville Ferry; veer left on the dirt road that cuts steeply downhill at a rightward bend shortly before the cove. (If you get to Tidal Cove Campground and Cabins, you've gone too far.) Follow this dirt road to the end, where you'll find parking and trail maps.

Two trails lead from an overgrown farm road to the rocky coastline. My advice is to take the Bohaker Trail (2km/1.25 miles) first, then decide whether you want to continue on to Charlies Trail (7km/4.35 miles). The Bohaker is a lovely loop through woodlands to a short coastline trail. The highlight is a cobblestone cove piled with driftwood, into which a small waterfall tumbles. This is a good place for a picnic. The trails are well marked -- once you find them, that is.

Annapolis Royal (or at the other end in Grande- Pré) is also a perfect place to jump on the 110km (68 mile) Harvest Moon Trailway for long-distance trekking or cycling along a flat, graded multipurpose trail on a former railbed that goes through the heart of the Valley, past the Annapolis River, apple orchards, farmers’ fields, and dykes built by Acadian farmers. Along the way there are plenty of scenic places to jump off for lunch or to explore in such communities as Berwick, Kentville, New Minas, or Wolfville. About 2km before trail’s end at Grande-Pré, a few meters up the hill, is Mercator Vineyards which offers tastings and light snacks (charcuterie and cheese plates). They also have a bike rack and are happy to refill water bottles. Just watch for their sign from the trail.