Port-Royal National Historic Site, Nova Scotia: Recreating a French Settlement

During a trip to Nova Scotia, we visited the Port-Royal National Historic Site, a living-history attraction near Annapolis Royal.

The site re-creates the French settlement established here by fur trappers in 1605; it was one of the earliest colonies in North America. The settlement was rebuilt using exact measurements from famous explorer Samuel de Champlain's drawings and writings.

Interpreters in period costumes made this site even more realistic. Our bearded tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable as he led us around the compound. What a fascinating glimpse into the 17th century!

Annapolis Royal is in western Nova Scotia, where Highways 1 and 8 meet, just west of Highway 101 and about 70 miles northeast of Yarmouth. Port-Royal is about 7 miles west of Annapolis Royal.

The site is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from May 15 to October 15. To learn more, call 1-902-532-2898 during tourist season or 1-902-532-2321.