Tag: Acadian Culture

The Cabot Trail – Nature & Heritage

Without a doubt the most scenic drive in Nova Scotia is the Cabot Trail. This winding, hilly highway that circles the coast of the upper end of Cape Breton Island, should be a must on every vacationers itinerary. The views are breathtaking. One’s experience on the Cape Breton Trail is entirely at the mercy of the weather. If it is wet and foggy, as it frequently is in the spring and early summer, there is a chance that the blue waters of the Atlantic that crash into the shoreline along the trail will be obscured. We drove the trail on […]

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Annapolis Vallery North – Acadians, Wine & Swifts

The Annapolis Valley is one of the most scenic regions of Nova Scotia. It is well known for its agriculture, in particular vineyards, and orchards. From the highway and the villages in the valley there are dramatic views of the steep headlands on the coast of the Bay of Fundy. A drive through the valley takes you through several peaceful and quaint maritime towns and villages scattered among the gently rolling hills. If more drama is to your taste you will surely wonder at the surging tides of the Bay of Fundy, one of the natural wonders of the world. […]

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Grand Pre and Nova Scotia History

My wife inherited the Stewart House, which has been in her family since it was built, so we like to get the local Grand Pre history correct. The story of the Acadians has, over the years, been as much about myth as history.  It was popularized by an American writer who never actually came to Nova Scotia.  The basic story line is:  the French settled Nova Scotia through land grants to Seigner d’Aulnay de Charnisay and Charles de la Tour.  A fortress village was constructed at Port Royal, near the town of Annapolis Royal.  Despite the harsh winters, the peasants […]

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Acadians – A Mini Primer

Many people know the name Acadian or Acadia, but probably would be hard-pressed to be sure who they were talking about.  When you visit Nova Scotia, it’s good to have the basics so you can better enjoy the various Acadian cultural artefacts and events. In the 1600s 500 French settlers colonized Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, calling the area Acadie, and prospered and, in the 1750s, their numbers were about 14,000. Unfortunately, the British had claimed Nova Scotia as its colony.  In 1755, Acadians were rounded up for an unwilling deportation.  Over 6000 Acadians were put on boats bound for elsewhere, […]

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