Trail stages
Located along the Bay of Fundy, this region boasts exceptional historical, archaeological, and natural heritage. From the Port-Royal Habitation to Fort Edward, and through the Belle-Isle Marsh or the UNESCO World Heritage site of Grand-Pré, travel back in time to explore a past rich with emotion. Discover a significant chapter of Canadian history through an Acadian lens.
Across twelve stops and various points of interest, relive the defining moments of Acadian history, from their initial settlement to the Deportation and the arrival of the Planters. Experience a century and a half of compelling history, from 1604 to 1755.
Starr's Point
Formerly known as Côte-des-Boudreau, Pointe-des-Boudrot, or Village-des-Michel, Starr's Point was likely the largest settlement in the Canard River region and a major embarkation point for the Acadians during the Deportation that began in 1755. Five years later, the Planters, a group of settlers from New England, took possession of the land.
Head to the Starr's Point cemetery to see the dikes that hold back the Cornwallis River. Also, visit the Prescott House and the barracks, military buildings constructed in 1778.
In the days of the early Acadians, ferries provided travel between Côte-des-Boudreau and Grand-Pré. In 1755, Starr's Point served as an embarkation point during the Deportation. Between 1760 and 1763, the Planters arrived in Nova Scotia and settled on the lands left vacant after the expulsion of the Acadians.
Habitant River Lookout
Located along the roadside, the Habitant River lookout is a prime spot to admire the Minas Basin and the Habitant River region, once home to the Acadians. From the North Mountain, take in the breathtaking view of the dyked marshes and the communities whose names still evoke their Acadian heritage today.
The 1686 census already recorded 57 people living in this region. It included 21 settlements extending as far as Upper Dyke, Brooklyn Street, Gibson Woods, and Starr's Point.
Fort Edward National Historic Site
In 1750, the British established themselves at Pisiquit and built Fort Edward. On September 5, 1755, Alexander Murray read the deportation order and imprisoned the men and boys. In 1920, Fort Edward was designated a National Historic Site.
Take in the panoramic view of the former Pisiguit and the Minas Basin. See the blockhouse, the oldest building of its kind still standing in Canada.
The British built Fort Edward at Pisiquit in 1750. On October 20, 1755, 1,066 Acadians were deported from Pisiquit on four ships: the Neptune, Les Trois Amis, the Dolphin, and the Ranger.
Port-Royal National Historic Site
This reconstruction of the first French settlement in North America traces the beginnings of French colonization between 1605 and 1613. Costumed interpreters will immerse you in the daily lives of the first French settlers, covering fur trading, construction techniques, and clothing.
Admire the Annapolis River and Basin, as well as Goat Island.
In 1604, Pierre Dugua, Samuel de Champlain, and Jean de Biencourt de Poutrincourt left France with about a hundred men. The Habitation was built in 1605 and used for the fur trade. In 1613, the Habitation was looted and destroyed by troops from Virginia.
Morden Cross
It was on this beach, during the winter of 1755–1756, that 300 Acadians from Belle-Isle took refuge to escape the Deportation. Less than a third of them survived that harsh winter.
Stroll along the beach and admire the cliffs and the North Mountain in this place steeped in history.
Led by Pierre Melanson and following the advice of the Mi'kmaq, the Acadians crossed the North Mountain and made their way to Morden. Before leaving, the survivors erected a wooden cross in honor of their fallen companions.
Belle-Isle Marsh
Recognized as one of the first permanent Acadian settlements, the Belle-Isle Marsh has been partially protected by the Government of Nova Scotia since 2010.
A monument was erected in honor of Daniel LeBlanc and his wife Françoise Gaudet, ancestors of the LeBlanc family in Acadia. An 8.5 km trail through the marsh is available for hikers.
This is where Mathieu Martin, the first child born in Acadia to French parents, was born around 1636-1637. Between 1714 and 1748, the population of Belle-Isle grew from 14 families to 30 families.
Melanson Settlement National Historic Site
Located north of the Annapolis River, the Melanson Settlement was home to a significant Acadian community as early as 1664. Archaeological excavations provide evidence of family homesteads and their unique practice of farming reclaimed marshland.
Walk a 193-metre loop trail leading to a lookout that overlooks the terrace, the marsh, and the river.
The settlement was founded in 1664 by Charles Melanson, known as La Ramée, and Marie Dugas. From its founding until the Deportation, four generations of the Melanson family lived there.
Bloody Creek National Historic Site
Bloody Creek is a site commemorating two military clashes between the British and the Acadians and their Indigenous allies, in 1711 and 1757.
The commemorative plaque erected in 1932 at this National Historic Site.
The first battle took place in June 1711. The second occurred in December 1757, when Acadians who had managed to escape during the Deportation formed resistance groups.
Grand-Pré National Historic Site
A site of memory and gathering, Grand-Pré is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1682, Grand-Pré became the most populous village in Acadia. In 1755, the deportation order was proclaimed at the Saint-Charles-des-Mines church.
Admire the Evangeline statue and visit the memorial church built on the site of the former Saint-Charles-des-Mines church.
On September 5, 1755, the deportation order was read to the 418 men and boys gathered at the church. Subsequently, 2,200 Acadians were deported from Grand-Pré and the surrounding region.
Sainte-Famille Cemetery
Founded in 1698, the Acadian parish of Sainte-Famille is the second oldest in the Pisiguit region. In 1996, the remains of a pre-Deportation cemetery were discovered there, containing approximately 300 graves.
Reflect by the commemorative bricks engraved by families in honor of their lost ancestors.
After the Deportation, the cemetery fell into oblivion. In 2014, the skull of an Acadian child was reconstructed. The name Claude was given to the child, though their gender remains unknown.
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Located in Annapolis Royal, Fort Anne was built in 1629. A National Historic Site since 1917, it is the oldest site to have received this designation in Canada.
Visit the museum in the Officers' Quarters, view one of the only original copies of the 1621 Nova Scotia Charter, and walk through the Garrison Graveyard.
In the fall of 1710, British troops led by Francis Nicholson took control of the fort. The site was named Annapolis Royal and Fort Charles became Fort Anne, in honour of Queen Anne.
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
Spanning 17 hectares, the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens opened in 1981 to showcase the town's rich heritage. Visitors can explore the history of the early Acadians through horticultural and agricultural displays.
Stroll through a landscape shaped by the aboiteaux built by the Acadians. Visit an authentic replica of an Acadian house from 1671.
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