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

🏛️ Rose collection (270+ varieties)
🏛️ Victorian Garden
🏛️ Acadian House & Garden
🏛️ Laburnum Arbour
🏛️ Governor's Garden
🏛️ Elm Tree Café
🏛️ Gardens Shop
🏛️ Pine Forest & Native Plant Garden
🏛️ Guided tours
🏛️ Children's scavenger hunts

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 just 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, this remarkable destination captures the beauty and heart of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. It is particularly recommended for garden enthusiasts, families seeking a relaxed outdoor activity, photographers looking for stunning natural subjects, and anyone wanting to experience one of Canada's finest public gardens.