What To Do

Our Cultural & Heritage

There is a deep wealth of culture and heritage to explore in Southwest Nova Scotia. From Mi’kmaq beginnings to Acadian expulsions, take a cultural tour and learn about our fascinating history.

The Mi’kmaq people have inhabited this land for more than 10,000 years. Experience a part of this heritage by visiting an old Mi'kmaq burial ground at Kejimukujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada, where you can examine centuries old native rock carvings called petroglyphs.

Experience the traditional Acadian way of life at the Historic Acadian Village in West Pubnico, and learn about the tragic expulsion of the Acadians at Grand Pre National Historic Site.

Visit one of the first permanent European settlements in Canada at Port Royal in Annapolis Royal, where the Sieur de Mons and Samuel de Champlain built their now famous Habitation.

The Black Loyalist Heritage Site in Birchtown celebrates the history of some of Canada’s first settlers. Step back in time and tour the hertiage of our regions.

Glimpse into the Past
One of the best ways to learn about an area, its culture and its history, is to visit its museums and heritage centres. These places offer a glimpse into the past by showing us how people used to live. Our rich seafaring history can be experienced in many villages from Yarmouth to Hantsport and from Clark’s Harbour to Peggy’s Cove and our military history can be experienced in Greenwood and Cornwallis. Our rich culture stems from Acadian, New England Planters, Aboriginal and African-Canadian heritage.

Acadian
The regions of southwest Nova Scotia were settled by many nationalities and the cultural diversity is what makes a visit to this area a memorable experience. Celebrate 400 years of Acadian culture by visiting magnificent churches in Clare and stop to tease your taste buds with traditional Acadian dishes, such as rapure or fricot. Trace your Acadian heritage at Le Musee acadien & Centre de Recherch. Learn about the Acadian way of life at Le Village Historique Acadien, Rendez-vous de la Baie the Melanson Settlement and Sinclair House and mourn their tragic past at Grand Pre National Historic Site or the Acadian cemetery and Acadian Cross.

Aboriginal
Discover a rich cultural tapestry in Southwest Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq people have made this region home for more than 10,000 years and welcomed French and English explorers to these shores just 400 years ago. Learn about the first inhabitants of this land at the Bear River First Nation Heritage Centre where you can take part in workshops and learn traditional crafts. Take part in a guided tour of the petroglyphs, fascinating rock carvings made by the Mi’kmaq people centuries ago, now preserved at Kejimukujik National Park and National Historic Site.

“Africadia”
“Africadia” is a term coined by poet, author and black activist, George Elliott Clarke, for black people in Nova Scotia, both past and present. The story of the Black Loyalists who came to Nova Scotia during the American Revolution is one of broken promises and determination. Enticed by land and freedom, 3,500 Blacks living in the, then known as 13 American Colonies came here, joining the already 500 Blacks, both slave and free, who considered this land home. Dealing with prejudice and competing with Whites for work, only one third who came received any land. Learn the history of Nova Scotia’s African-Canadians by visiting our museums and communities, such as Birchtown where Black Baptist Minister David George led his people and followers from persecution in the neighbouring community of Shelburne.

New England Planters
Discover our abundant New England Planters’ history. Following the expulsion of the Acadians in 1755, Governor Charles Lawrence invited families from New England to settle the fertile farm lands left vacant. By 1768, with the promise of free religion and land, approximately 8,000 New Englanders, known as the “Planters” had made residence on the former lands of the Acadians throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. A permanent Exhibit housed at the Kings County Museum in Kentville commemorates the history of the “Planters” and includes a film and hands on exhibit for children to explore their modern lifestyle as it compares to the Planters’ children.

Take a virtual Museum tour of one of Nova Scotia's Provincial Museums!