Experience our French connection.
The heart of Acadia beats in Nova Scotia. You’ll find expressions of the unique Acadian history, culture, and music all across this province. The Habitation, the fort built by the first 120 French settlers who arrived in 1604, stands on the shores of the Bay of Fundy for visitors to explore. The poetic tragedy of the Expulsion is depicted at the Grand Pré National Historic site, once the largest Acadian community on the Bay of Fundy, just steps away from the dyke system built by the Acadians. Each summer, the Festival Acadien de Clare helps to keep the vibrancy of the music and culture alive.
Genealogy connections abound between Cajuns in Louisiana and the Acadians. Research your roots with the genealogy records at the Acadian Centre Archives at Universite Ste.-Anne.
Experience our Acadian Culture:
- Acadian Cottage and Garden at Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
- Histoire de la Baie program guided interpretive walk along Saint Mary’s Bay in Clare
- Grand Pré National Historic Site of Canada
- Candlelight graveyard tours at Annapolis Royal
You can also stop into Cheticamp on the Cabot Trail for a seafood feast at a local pub or indulge in extraordinary presentations of Acadian traditions such as rug hooking. At the other end of the province, feast on four-courses of local fare and be entertained by colourful characters at the Acadian Dinner Theatre at Pubnico’s Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia museum.
From the stirring sight of the Acadian flag flying proudly in front of a brightly painted house to the intermingling of Acadian French with the Gaelic lilt of Cape Breton, the richness of this culture colours everything in Nova Scotia.
