Fort Anne National Historic Site — Attraction in Annapolis Royal

Fort Anne is a historic fort located in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, built by Scottish settlers in August 1629 as Charles Fort. For the first 120 years of its operation, the settlement—originally known as Port Royal and later renamed Annapolis Royal—served as the capital of the New France colony of Acadia and later the British colony of Nova Scotia. In 1917, Fort Anne was designated the first National Historic Site of Canada. While no longer an active military site, it remains the oldest surviving fort in the country. Over its 225 years of service, it saw more military action than any other fort in North America, facing at least 19 attacks or blockades, from the Acadian Civil War to the American Revolutionary War. The fort also houses Canada’s oldest military structure, the 1708 powder magazine, which is now under the care of...

Unfortunately when we visited this site it was closed for the season. It is a beautiful location, and we were told by friends that the museum is great. I highly recommend checking seasonal hours/opening. Even the outdoor info markers had been removed for the season, so we couldn't get any info that way either. But I like I said, beautiful to see. It is right on the water and there are some buildings and cannons outside that you can see from the outside in the off season. There is a walking trail around the site that is fairly level and even stroller or accessibility friendly. The town is beautiful and nice to walk around. The houses have that stunning traditional Nova Scotia color, and the stores in the downtown have a tourist attraction feel to them. I would love to revisit during the summer and try the fort again...

This review is based upon a visit shortly before the pandemic arose . I was fairly ignorant to a lot of Canadian history being American. I personally enjoy history, so Fort Anne was a treat that I was unaware of, but was thankful I found. We visited Annapolis Royal on our motorcycle tour. Our time was fairly limited, but how could we not take time to visit this beautiful little town. I personally loved the fort. It gave me an opportunity to learn about some of Canada's history that is not a priority in US history classes. Everyone was wonderful. The exhibits were well done. The fort itself is a nice place just to walk around. For me the visit had no downside. I just want to thank the staff of Fort Anne as well as the fine folks of Canada in general. I have never met finer, more welcoming people through out our trip. You...