Annapolis Valley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Annapolis Valley
Economic region
The Annapolis Valley region as defined by Statistics Canada
Country	Canada
Province	Nova Scotia
Counties	Annapolis County Kings County Hants County
Area
• Land	8,367.78 km2 (3,230.82 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Total	129,306
• Density	15.5/km2 (40/sq mi)
• Change 2016–21	4.5%
Time zone	UTC-4 (AST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-3 (ADT)
Area code(s)	902
Dwellings	62,284

The Annapolis Valley is a beautiful valley and region in Nova Scotia, Canada. It's found in the western part of Nova Scotia. It lies between two long mountain ranges, close to the Bay of Fundy. This area is made up of Annapolis, Kings, and Hants counties.

Exploring Annapolis Valley's Geography

The valley stretches about 126 kilometers (78 miles) long. It goes from Annapolis Royal in the west to Wolfville in the east. It covers parts of Digby, Annapolis, and Kings counties. Some people also include the western part of Hants County. This includes towns like Hantsport and Windsor.

Mountains and Rivers of the Valley

The North Mountain acts like a shield. It protects the valley from the Bay of Fundy. This mountain rises over 260 meters (850 feet) high. The South Mountain is even taller. It protects the valley from the Atlantic Ocean's weather.

These mountains create a special climate called a microclimate. This means the valley has milder temperatures. The soil here is also very fertile. This makes the region perfect for growing fruits and vegetables. The valley is especially famous for its delicious apples! There are over 1,000 farms in the valley. Most of them are small, family-owned farms.

Two main rivers flow through the valley. The Annapolis River flows west into the Annapolis Basin. The Cornwallis River flows east into the Minas Basin. Smaller rivers like the Canard River and Habitant River also flow into the Minas Basin.

A Look at Annapolis Valley's History

Annapolis Valley from North Mountain in Valleyview Provincial Park, north of Bridgetown

Eastern End, with the Minas Basin to the right

Eastern end looking southeast across Annapolis Valley from "The Lookoff", North Mountain

The Mi'kmaq nation lived in this valley for a very long time. French settlers arrived in 1605 at the Habitation at Port-Royal. This was near what is now Annapolis Royal. From there, the Acadians spread out across the valley. They built special walls called dykes to farm the tidal lands.

In 1755, the British ordered the Acadians to leave. This sad event is remembered at Grand-Pré. After the Acadians left, new settlers arrived. These included New England Planters and Loyalist refugees. Later, freed Africans from the War of 1812 also settled here. Irish immigrants came in the mid-1800s. Dutch immigrants arrived after World War II.

Farming in the Annapolis Valley grew a lot in the late 1800s. This was thanks to the Windsor and Annapolis Railway. It helped farmers export their apples to many places. The Annapolis Valley Regional Library opened in 1949. It was the first library system of its kind in Nova Scotia.

Economy and Fun in the Valley

Central Valley, looking west southwest across farms in Clarence

Western Valley, overlooking narrowest part of Annapolis Valley towards Bridgetown

Eastern end, overlooking Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Western end, at Port-Royal habitation, where Annapolis River widens to form the Annapolis Basin

Corn at Grafton

Lawrencetown Exhibition

The valley has always been known for its farming. Farmers here raise animals and grow many types of fruits and berries. In the last 25 years, a wine industry has also grown. Wineries like Gaspereau Vineyards have won awards for their wines.

Modern Economy and Education

Today, farming is still very important. But the valley's economy is also growing in other ways. Acadia University in Wolfville helps with this. There are also Nova Scotia Community College campuses. These are located in Kentville, Middleton, Lawrencetown, and Digby.

Michelin has a big truck tire factory in Waterville. The Canadian military has a large air force base here. It's called CFB Greenwood. There's also a training facility at Camp Aldershot.

Tourism and Festivals

Tourism is also a big part of the economy. The Annapolis Valley is famous for its beautiful farmland. Many Nova Scotia wineries are found here. They are in areas like Gaspereau Valley, Canning, Grand Pré, or Bear River.

The valley hosts many fun events each year:

• The annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival is held in late spring.
• In July, you can enjoy the Steer Bar-B-Que in Kingston. The Heart of the Valley Festival is in Middleton.
• August brings Mud Creek Days in Wolfville. The Annapolis Valley Exhibition is held in Lawrencetown.
• Bridgetown's Cider Festival takes place in mid-September.
• The Canadian Deep Roots Music Festival is in Wolfville in late September. It's a community festival supported by many volunteers.
• In late October, Wolfville hosts Devour! The Food Film Fest. This is an international film festival about food and movies.
• Farmers markets are held weekly in many towns. You can find fresh produce and other goods.
• In the fall, Kentville celebrates with the Pumpkin People display.

Communities of the Valley

Here are some of the towns and communities in the Annapolis Valley, from west to east:

Notable People from the Valley

• William Hall (1827–1904): He was the first Black person, first Nova Scotian, and third Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross for bravery.
• Benjamin Jackson (1835–1915): A Black Nova Scotian sailor and farmer. He was a decorated veteran of the American Civil War.