As one of the oldest permanent European settlements in Canada, Annapolis Royal is an area with an epic saga to relate. The region was a Mi'kmaq encampment site over 3500 years ago and was known as Te'wapskik, a native word which means "flowing waters". Named Port-Royal in 1604 by a small group of French explorers, they settled here in 1605 -- two years before Jamestown, Virginia, three years before the founding of Quebec, and fifteen years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts.

A treaty gave Port-Royal to Scotland in 1621. The Scottish people gave Nova Scotia its flag, coat of arms and name which is Latin for "New Scotland". They built the first fort in the area in 1629 (where Fort Anne is today). A treaty gave the land back to France in 1632.

The area was also known as Acadia, and Port-Royal became the Birthplace of the Acadian culture when French people began settling here in 1636. They later became known as the Acadians.

During the 150 year struggle for control of the continent, the area changed hands between the French and English seven times. It is the most fought-over land in Canadian history.

Port-Royal was renamed Annapolis Royal in 1710 after Queen Anne when the British captured it for the final time. As seat of government for both the French and British regimes, the area served as capital until Halifax was started in 1749. In 1755, Annapolis Royl was the site of the second largest deportation with 1664 Acadian deported from its shores.

"World Most Liveable Small Community"

Throughout the centuries it has been the site of many "firsts" in the country. Today Annapolis Royal is the quietly dignified home of about 550 people, and was selected as "The World's Most Liveable Small Community" at the LivCom International Awards in 2004 (endorsed by the United Nations). In 2005, Annapolis Royal was named one of five Cultural Capitals of Canada. With 131 registered heritage buildings, it is one of the largest National Historic Districts in the country.

Festivals and Events, National Historic sites, award-winning tours, King's Theatre, interesting museums, colourful art galleries, and ecotourism adventures galore offer many entertainment options. Unique waterfront shopping with its scenic boardwalk, delicious dining and gracious accommodations await you. From the Farmers Market, Fort Anne NHS, boat haul-up and world-famous Bay of Fundy, to the Historic Gardens, North America's only Tidal Power Plant, Upper Clements Park and the Port-Royal Habitation, the historic, scenic, fun Annapolis Royal Area makes the perfect vacation destination.

Come "Stroll Through the Centuries," and explore Annapolis Royal. You'll be glad you did!

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