Aylesford, Nova Scotia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aylesford
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Village
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 Aylesford, Nova Scotia
Location in Nova Scotia
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Nova Scotia |
| County | Kings |
| Electoral Districts Federal |
West Nova |
| Provincial | Kings West |
| Elevation | 32 m (105 ft) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 834 |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (AST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-3 (ADT) |
| Canadian Postal code |
B0P 1C0
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| Area code(s) | 902 782 |
| Telephone Exchange | 847 |
| NTS Map | 021H02 |
| GNBC Code | CABCE |
Aylesford is a small village located in Nova Scotia, Canada. It's in the western part of Kings County, within the beautiful Annapolis Valley. Aylesford has always been known as a farming community.
The village got its name from the fourth Earl of Aylesford, Heneage Finch. He was an important person in the court of King George III a long time ago. Aylesford is nestled between the North and South Mountains. It's also close to Canadian Forces Base Greenwood and the nearby Town Of Berwick.
Aylesford is found along the Evangeline Trail. This is a scenic route named after a famous poem called Evangeline, A Tale of Acadie by H.W. Longfellow.
Contents
Aylesford's History
Aylesford is one of the oldest settlements in Kings County. It was first settled by people from Ulster, Ireland, in the early 1770s.
During the American Revolution, many people who stayed loyal to the British Crown, called "United Empire Loyalists," moved to Nova Scotia. Some of these Loyalists settled in Aylesford and the areas around it.
In 1869, the Windsor and Annapolis Railway arrived in Aylesford. This was a big deal! It helped Aylesford become a major center for packing and shipping apples.
Who Lives in Aylesford?
According to the 2021 Census, Aylesford has a population of 834 people. These residents live in 399 homes. The village covers a land area of about 4.08 square kilometers.
What Drives Aylesford's Economy?
Aylesford's economy mainly depends on its local farming industry. It serves as a hub for the farms in the area.
A very important crop grown here is cranberries. They are grown on large areas of wet, spongy land called peat bogs. People also harvest peat moss from these bogs.
Fun Places to Visit
One of the biggest attractions near Aylesford is the Oaklawn Farm Zoo. It's just outside the village in Millville. This zoo was once home to Rutledge, who was certified by Guinness World Records as the heaviest living lion in captivity! Rutledge passed away in 2009.
The zoo has many other animals too. You can see tigers, dromedary camels, and different kinds of monkeys.
Other fun places to visit in Aylesford include a public beach at Aylesford Lake. There's also the Crystal Falls hiking trail for outdoor adventures. And you can explore Clairemont Provincial Park.
Farming and Education
A farm called Dempsey's Corner offers a unique experience. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables there for a fee. They also have a petting zoo and teach visitors about the history of farming. Many other farms in the area let you pick your own fresh produce. You can find strawberries, apples, pears, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches.
Aylesford has an Elementary School called St. Mary's Elementary. It teaches students from primary grades up to grade 5. Older students attend West Kings District High School for grades 9-12. Middle school students go to Pine Ridge Middle School in nearby Kingston.
Aylesford also has a very active Scouting group, 1st Aylesford Scouting. This group is getting ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024!
Notable Residents
- Emma Maitland Stirling, a person known for her generous giving to good causes.
