
Annapolis Royal Historic District
Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1994, Annapolis Royal Historic District was a central location due to its strategic position and its influence as Acadia’s former capital.
With its commercial, military and residential sectors, the historic heart of the district is considered as a permanent settlement continuously inhabited and the oldest in Canada.



Don’t miss : Roam the streets of Annapolis Royal, its five districts and its main artery, St. George Street, and enjoy the different styles of Maritime and Canadian architecture from the 18th, 19th and beginning of the 20th century.
A bit of history
In 1605, the French settlers began working the land in the Annapolis Royal Historic District, known as Port-Royal. In 1613, the British seize the colony.
In 1632, Acadia is returned to France via treaty, the location is fortified and becomes the main settlement for the Acadian settlers.
In 1643, an embankment with four bastions is built at Fort Anne and in 1650 a township is created.
St. George Street, a main artery of the district, is already well developed in 1686. Acadia is surrendered to England in 1713 and Port-Royal is named Annapolis Royal. The town serves as the center of military and administrative operations of the new British colony of Nova Scotia until Halifax becomes the capital of the province in 1749. Because of its location along the water, Annapolis Royal contributes to the shipbuilding industry, the manufacturing of bricks and logging industry, which stimulates the local economy.