About Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
17-acre award-winning historic garden in Annapolis Royal featuring a renowned rose collection with over 270 varieties, Victorian Garden, Acadian house and garden, Governor's Garden, and the Laburnum arbour. One of Canada's Top 10 Gardens Worth Travelling For.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens cover 17 acres at 441 St George Street, overlooking the tidal Annapolis River in one of Canada's oldest European settlements. Themed areas include a Victorian Garden, an Acadian house and garden, a Governor's Garden, and a Laburnum arbour that blooms in early summer. The rose collection holds more than 270 varieties, a breadth that helped earn the site a spot on the Canadian Garden Council's Top 10 Gardens Worth Travelling For.
Practical Information
Address & Location
441 St George Street, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0
The gardens are located on the eastern edge of Annapolis Royal, overlooking the Annapolis River. They are approximately a 2-hour drive from Halifax (203 km) and about 1.5 hours from Yarmouth.
Hours of Operation
The gardens are open daily from 9am to 5pm year-round. During the summer, Saturday hours extend until 8pm. The Elm Tree Café is open daily from 11am to 4pm during the summer season. The Gardens Shop is open daily 9am–5pm year-round. Visitor washrooms are available during operating hours.
Admission (2026)
- Early/Late Season (May & October): $15.00 per person
- Regular Season (June–September):
- Adult: $21.00
- Senior (60+): $19.00
- Student (full-time, 18-25): $12.00
- Kids under 18: FREE (must be supervised by an adult)
- AAA/CAA Members, Canadian Armed Forces: $19.00
- Off-Season (November–April): By donation ($5 suggested)
- Group rates available for parties of 15+
Annual memberships are available for frequent visitors: Adult $65, Senior $60, Student $25, Gold (with guest passes) $140, PLUS ONE (member + 1 guest) $140.
Parking
Free on-site parking is available. Overflow parking is signed across the street during busy periods.
Accessibility
The gardens feature well-maintained, flat, wide gravel paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Two gentle hills are accessible via ramps (bypassing stairs). Mobility scooters and a wheelchair are available on a donation basis — contact the gardens in advance to reserve.
Contact
Phone: (902) 532-7018
Email: admin@historicgardens.com
Website: historicgardens.com
Nearby Attractions
The gardens are a few minutes from Fort Anne National Historic Site, the Annapolis Royal Farmers' & Traders' Market, and several excellent restaurants and wineries along the Annapolis Valley's Good Cheer Trail.
The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens offers an unforgettable experience that rewards repeat visits across the seasons. Whether you're strolling through the rose garden at the height of summer, catching the laburnum arbour in its golden glory, or enjoying a quiet winter walk through the snow-dusted grounds, the gardens capture the beauty and heart of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. Garden enthusiasts, families after a relaxed outdoor activity, photographers working the rose beds and arbour, and anyone wanting to experience one of Canada's finest public gardens will all be at home here.
At a Glance
| Location | 441 St George Street, Annapolis Royal, overlooking the tidal Annapolis River — about a 2-hour drive (203 km) from Halifax and 1.5 hours from Yarmouth |
|---|---|
| Size | 17 acres of themed gardens in one of Canada’s oldest European settlements |
| Known for | A rose collection of more than 270 varieties — a breadth that helped earn a spot on the Canadian Garden Council’s Top 10 Gardens Worth Travelling For |
| Themed areas | Victorian Garden, Acadian house and garden, Governor’s Garden, and a Laburnum arbour that blooms in early summer |
| Hours | Daily 9 AM–5 PM year-round; summer Saturdays until 8 PM. Elm Tree Café daily 11 AM–4 PM in summer; Gardens Shop 9 AM–5 PM year-round |
| Admission (2026) | May & October $15. June–September: adult $21, senior (60+) $19, student $12, under-18 free, AAA/CAA and Canadian Armed Forces $19. November–April by donation ($5 suggested). Group rates for 15+ |
| Memberships | Adult $65, senior $60, student $25, Gold (with guest passes) $140, PLUS ONE (member + 1 guest) $140 |
| Parking | Free on-site parking, with signed overflow across the street during busy periods |
| Accessibility | Flat, wide gravel paths suit wheelchairs and strollers; two gentle hills have ramp bypasses. Mobility scooters and a wheelchair available on a donation basis — reserve in advance |
| Contact | (902) 532-7018 · admin@historicgardens.com · historicgardens.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours at the Historic Gardens?
The gardens are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM year-round, with Saturday hours extending to 8 PM during the summer. The Elm Tree Café is open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM in the summer season, and the Gardens Shop keeps 9 AM–5 PM hours year-round.
How much does admission cost?
For 2026: May and October are $15 per person. June through September, adults pay $21, seniors (60+) $19, full-time students (18–25) $12, and kids under 18 are free with an adult; AAA/CAA members and Canadian Armed Forces pay $19. November through April, entry is by donation ($5 suggested), and group rates are available for parties of 15 or more.
When is the best time to see the roses and the Laburnum arbour?
The Laburnum arbour blooms in early summer, and the rose garden — with more than 270 varieties — is at its height in summer. Off-season visits have their own appeal: the gardens suggest a quiet winter walk through the snow-dusted grounds.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Largely yes. The paths are well-maintained, flat, wide gravel suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, and the two gentle hills can be bypassed via ramps. Mobility scooters and a wheelchair are available on a donation basis — contact the gardens in advance to reserve one.
Is there somewhere to eat on site?
Yes — the Elm Tree Café is open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM during the summer season, and the Gardens Shop is open daily 9 AM–5 PM year-round. Visitor washrooms are available during operating hours.
How far is the garden from Halifax, and what else is nearby?
About a 2-hour drive from Halifax (203 km), or roughly 1.5 hours from Yarmouth. The gardens sit minutes from Fort Anne National Historic Site, the Annapolis Royal Farmers’ & Traders’ Market, and restaurants and wineries along the Annapolis Valley’s Good Cheer Trail.
