port-royal national historic site

456lauriew

While visiting Annapolis Royal, we made a trip to the habitation. The fort was built in the early 1600's and provides you with a look at life for the Acadians who first lived in the area. It was very educational and brought to life many of the lessons you learned while in school. A must if you plan on experiencing any other history related sights in the area such as the Graveyard tour (a must).

Bunna2010

I hadn't been to PR since I was a little girl....wow that is why you should revisit places of importance as an adult......PR was fantastic every little detail makes you feel exactly as they would have felt....the authentic looking interpreter who was working the foot lathe was amazing he showed all the kids (Big & Small) how they made the shingles and made one for each child that asked.Overall #10

GreenLakerGA

There was an excellent interpretive assistant there who gave a great overview of the reconstruction, how to use the foot-operated lathe, and how to make shingles with a draw knife. A great value and great information. We also learned about the relationship between the French and native peoples (good) and much other historical trivia. For example, “Dead as a doornail” refers to hand-made nails driven through a door and bent. Those nails could not be straightened out as could today’s nails and reused. Wealth was demonstrated by nails in the door that were decorative, rather than functional. I am a hobbyist woodturner and I stared at the lathe wondering how it worked. I asked one of the local historical interpreters and he showed me how it works. Much of the furniture on display was turned on that lathe. Amazing. Making shingles was a dangerous profession. Could cut your gut wide open with the draw knife.If you go, ask questions and see the demonstrations. You will come away enriched.

allens64

A very interesting visit to Port Royal. A well constructed replica of the original fort which was built between 1605 and 1607. Lots of original looking items to give you a sense of what life would have been like back then. Costumed interpreters help with background information. An inexpensive hour or so spent looking in all of the rooms of the settlement. Well worth a visit.

Knitsworthy

Port Royal is a great spot if you're looking for some place with historic importance but not a lot of interaction. It is a rebuild of the original fort from 1605/1606. It is not a big place now, because it wasn't a big place then. The grounds are scenic, and the fort gives you an idea of what it might have been like to live there. It's very hands-on, and is wheelchair accessible for the most part. There are things to touch and read and look at, but when we were there there were only 2 staff on duty (one at lunch time) so not a lot of interaction. Admission is less than $4 per adult and $10 per family. There are no places to eat in the immediate area, but Annapolis is about 15 minutes away. If the weather is cooperative, Port Royal is a beautiful place for a picnic.

GillyB57

We did not know if we would have time to include this place in our hectic touring schedule but we are so glad that we did. It has been reconstructed and all the rooms around the courtyard are well furnished. The Common Room with its upstairs sleeping area was one of our favourite rooms.A costumed interpreter is available should you have any questions. Leave time to wander the grounds outside Port Royal and admire the views of the Annapolis Basin.

10000elle

Facinating and Canadas oldest fort. Take in the night time tour at 9 pm to get all the information about this 1600 s fort and the history of Canada and the Acadians. Loved it.

723irvb

The reconstructed fortress is well worth a visit. A number of the rooms are furnished with period furniture and earlier in the season there are probably guides dressed in period dress in the various attached dwellings/rooms. On September 19 one of the two individuasl in period dress who gave us an introduction to the fort.

RafflesT

Located about 5 miles from the main Annapolis Royal/Bridgetown Hwy it has good size parking lots, but is a single rebuilt building replicating an original French settlement. The grounds are extensive and are dog friendly, but no dogs are permitted in the building or courtyard.The ticket office is a open hut and we didn't see any people in period costumes. It affords excellent views of the Annapolis Basin and historical facts on the early French settlers, but that's about the extent.Rather disappointing, expected much more.

midlander1379

A lot of thought has gone into this recreation of the early French settlement. Well worth a visit and good value for money

Coll46

This museum is well worth a visit. Location is incredible. Wonderful views. Interesting. The tapestries are magnificent. Take time to visit this museum

DAHutton

Loved it. This is a rebuilt settlement as it was burnt. It will tell you and show you how the Acadians lived. Great reconstruction. Really wonderful. We spent a lot of time there. The Port was rebuilt in 1939 and you can read about that construction also. Very impressive, wonderful. Guides are very informative.

MarkfromtheIsland

This place was interesting but small and quick to go through. It's a fair drive from the highway (we drove over from Digby). If you're a history buff - ok - this might be for you.We're not history buffs and honestly I didn't feel this was worth the trip. the whole place is maybe 300ft square.

sharonf866

I enjoyed the opportunity to see this site, which has shared the sad Acadian History of Canadians. Great interpreters, thanks to Wayne Melanson who made our young son a shingle, now proudly displayed at home.

nicmx5

Stands on a site overlooking the Bay of Fundy, modern rebuilt version of the fur trading post established by France in the 17th Century - has been there some time so it has aged and looks quite authentic now. Really gives you an idea of the past - artefacts lie around and costumed interpreters are on hand to answer questions. There is also a teepee to look into nearby.As with all Parks Canada sights we visited, signage is only right at the entrance. Luckily it's a quiet road so you can easily turn round when you miss it.