Parks 2017 Activity Guide Mainland

Canada 150 Celebrations Live Here! YEARS Enjoy free admission to all places in 2017. NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Welcome to our Parks Canada sites in mainland Nova Scotia. Take advantage of FREE entry this year and explore our rich history, vibrant culture and spectacular scenery. Every day offers new and exciting opportunities and celebrations. Use this guide and visit parkscanada.gc.ca/ns to start planning your adventure. An exciting summer awaits!

Find your Red Chair Moment in Nova Scotia Visit all amazing Red Chair locations parkscanada.gc.ca/ns #sharethechair

UNDER Celebrate Canada’s 150th CONSTRUCTION Please excuse the mess 2017 marks the 150th anniversary Parks Canada’s biggest infrastructure of Canadian Confederation and investment is underway! We’re renewing we invite you to celebrate with structures like trails, forts and visitor Parks Canada! Get curious about centres across the country. While we’re Canada’s unique natural treasures, doing our best to minimize the impact hear stories about Indigenous to visitors, you may still see scaffolding cultures, learn to camp and and heavy equipment at our sites. Rest paddle and celebrate the 100th assured, our treasured places will be anniversary of Canada’s national better protected and preserved for historic sites with us. generations to come. Enjoy your visit! Fort Anne National Historic Site 100 years 1917–2017

Try on our period costumes!

Once the epicenter of the conflict between Europe’s empire builders, Fort Anne is now the cornerstone of one of Canada’s prettiest towns, . Back in 1917, the proud citizens successfully petitioned the government to preserve the fort as a national historic site, the first of its kind in all of Canada. Join us this year in celebrating this milestone!

Fort Anne 323 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal June 1–June 19: Tues–Sat: 9am–5:30pm 902-532-2397 June 20–Sept. 9: 9am–5:30pm [email protected] Sept. 10–Oct. 7: Tues–Sat: 9am–5:30pm parkscanada.gc.ca/fortanne Grounds open year-round

new IMMERSIVE & INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT Tapestry Tour Let us guide you through in honour of Fort Anne; 100th Anniversary. 400 years of history as portrayed on a unique canvas – a 5.5 x 8.5 metre Heritage Tapestry that took 100 Step inside the Officers’ Quarters and into another volunteers some 3 million stitches to craft. era when Scottish, French and English settlers and soldiers took turns calling this place home. Innovative Media Experience Learn how the Mi’kmaq, Acadians and African Discover hidden stories as you walk along the grounds Nova Scotians also played a role in shaping one of of the fort and uncover first-person animated accounts North America’s most contested areas. Their stories as you explore the the new Officers’ Quarters. of struggle and survival come to life through the Tablet rental fee: $5 artifacts and new displays. Opens June 1st. Guided Exploration of a Vauban Fort July–Aug.: Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat. June, Sept.–Oct.: Wed, Fri and Sat. 10am (English), 2pm (French) Cost: $4.90 Candlelight Graveyard Tours Guided tour through one of Canada’s oldest English graveyards. White Glove Tours A behind the scenes tour The stones reveal fascinating stories of the area and its inhabitants. of the archives, library and artifacts in storage. Presented by the Historical Association of Annapolis Royal. July–Aug.: Tues., Thurs., Sun. For times and dates: tourannapolisroyal.com/graveyard.html June, Sept.–Oct.: Tues., Thurs. 10am and 2pm (Bilingual) Cost: $9.80, max: 10 participants

Give yourself extra time to play Take the fort! See if you can climb all the way to the top of the earthen walls. Give up? Roll down the hill and surrender. Try a new game Borrow a croquet set and try your hand at this gentle sport. Bring your kites It’s breezy here – and perfect for letting your kite soar high. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Ready, Aim, Fire! Experience the Discover the Halifax Citadel, where the sounds of a modern, sound, sight and smell of black powder. bustling port city are exchanged for the crack of rifle-fire and Step up and fire an authentic Snider- Enfield rifle with the 78th Highlanders! the skirl of bagpipes. The kilted 78th Highlanders and the Royal 19th-century firepower at its best! Artillery help visitors step back to 1869. One of Canada’s most May–October, Daily, 10am–3pm visited National Historic Sites, the Halifax Citadel helps bring a Ages: 16+, Cost: $22 No reservations required. piece of Canada’s early history to life.

Halifax Citadel 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax 902-426-5080 [email protected] parkscanada.gc.ca/halifaxcitadel

May 7–June 30: 9am–5pm July 1–Aug. 31: 9am–6pm Sept. 1–Oct. 31: 9am–5pm Nov. 1–May 6: Grounds open 9am–5pm; limited visitor services

Halifax Citadel Welcome to the Victorian era. Soldier for a Day Find out what life was really like for the ‘redcoats’. Once you don the authentic uniform Come explore the year 1869 you are ready for your first lesson in foot drill. Next, learn how to handle and fire a rifle – becoming a soldier is and meet a Highlander! hard work. Your private in-depth tour of the Citadel and refreshment will be your reward! Sentry Changes Every hour, the sentry at the main gate is May–October, Daily,10am and 2pm changed in a formal ceremony. (Duration: 3 hrs.) Cost: $199 The Noon Gun Noon in Halifax is announced by firing the Registration required Noon Gun, a tradition that has continued since 1856.

Drill Demonstrations Inspections, troop reviews and squad drills on the Citadel’s parade square.

Pipes and Drums performances Bagpipers and drummers perform favourite traditional regimental tunes throughout the day.

Rifle and Cannon Firing Individual rifle firing demonstrations are carried out several times each day, with larger demonstrations and cannon fire conducted during the summer months.

A Soldier’s Life Calling all kids! Citadel Adventures Kids will enjoy Experience life as a soldier in a 19th-century becoming a spy – with the help of a special comic fort. Enlist, get a uniform and settle in for this book and spy kit. Find the clues and help foil the role-playing adventure. Who said history enemy’s plans – you’ll discover some of the darkest can’t be fun? corners of the fort in your search. July–August, Daily, 2pm (Duration: 90 min.), May–October, Daily, Ages: 6–13 Ages: 6–12, Cost: $7.30 FREE! Pick up your copy at the Information Centre. Registration required. Must register prior to 1:30 pm.

Ghost tours Discover the haunting secrets and fascinating history of the Halifax Citadel as you wander by candlelight along the fort’s ramparts, dungeons and dimly-lit passageways. July 6–October 28, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights 8:30 pm, (Duration: 70 minutes) Adults $12, seniors/students $10, youth $8, family (2 adults, 2 youth) $35 Purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.ca

Canada in the Great War Learn more about this important chapter in Canada’s history. Discover aspects of life on the Western Front in the 300-foot Trench Experience, chat with a uniformed interpreter, visit the Casualty Clearing Station (medical tent) and check out the Military Ambulance. Don’t miss the Army Museum’s exhibit, ‘Road to Vimy and Beyond’ which honours the sacrifice of the soldiers, many of them from Nova Scotia. and National Historic Site

Everyday Awesome! Enjoy these featured activities and more for FREE! Request a schedule upon arrival at the Visitor Centre. Guided programs begin July 1st.

Petroglyph Tour Follow your guide in the footsteps of history. Tour the petroglyphs where ancient stone carvings paint a vivid picture of the Mi’kmaw way of life. Offered daily. Reservations required. Limit 20 people/tour. (Duration: 90 min) Bone Broth and Birch Bark Gather together around the fire at a traditional Mi’kmaw encampment. Enjoy a cup of bone broth and discover how the Mi’kmaw used natural materials to survive and thrive in the woods. Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 2pm (Duration: 1 hr)

Drop a Line Anglers can enjoy the exciting recreational fishing in the lakes, brooks and rivers. Pick up your National Park fishing permit at the Visitor Centre before casting your line. $9.80 daily, $34.30 annual

Take a Hike (or a Paddle)! Keji has some of the best Kejimkujik trails and most gentle waterways around. Bring your Highway 8, 3005 Main Parkway, Maitland Bridge bike, canoe/kayak or paddle board, or rent one from 902-682-2772 | [email protected] | parkscanada.gc.ca/keji Keji’s on-site outfitters. 902-682-2282 / www.whynotadventure.ca Visitor Centre Hours May 19–June 22: Mon–Thurs: 8:30am–4:30pm Go on a Hunt A geocaching treasure hunt that is! Find Fri: 8:30am–7pm the cache if you can – we’ll lend you a GPS to help Sat–Sun: 8:30am–6pm you on your quest. June 23–Sept. 3: 8:30am–8pm Sept. 4–Oct. 8: Mon–Thurs: 8:30am–4:30pm Look Up! Keji’s night sky will dazzle you once darkness Fri: 8:30am–7pm falls. Thousands of stars come out to play in Nova Sat: 8:30am–6 pm Scotia’s only Dark Sky Preserve. Join a Parks Canada Sun: 8:30am–4:30 pm guide for stargazing every Thursday and Saturday Oct. 9–Oct. 31: 8:30am–4:30 pm night (weather permitting). Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site Friends of Keji Cooperating Association Kejimkujik is the only national park to also be The Extras designated a national historic site, and the only Enhance your visit with these special experiences: Kejimkujik inland national park in . Listen Dark Sky Kits Take advantage of meteor to the tale of the Mi’kmaq, carved in stone and showers, the lunar eclipse or brush up on your shared through stories and legends. Reconnect constellations. Kits include binoculars, a star finder, a with nature – Keji’s backcountry feels like a red light and the monthly observations for the night sky. Each month brings something new to discover. world away, yet is so easily accessible. Pick up your kit at the Keji Visitor Centre. Rental fee: $5/day

Mersey Stillwater Paddle Slow down, sip some tea and enjoy the tranquility as you dip your paddle into the still waters of the Mersey River and listen to captivating stories. Friday and Saturday (English), Thursday (Bilingual) 6 pm $14.70/person for up to 8 paddlers (Duration: 90 min)

Pulling Water – Big Canoe Paddle Your guides will reveal cultural and natural wonders as you pull water to propel the 38’ Mi’kmaw canoe through moody and magical waters. Sunday 10am and Thursday 7pm $4.90/person for up to 18 paddlers/passengers (Duration: 2 hrs)

Kejimkujik seaside Highway 103, St. Catherines River Road, Port Joli 902-682-2772 | [email protected] parkscanada.gc.ca/keji Gone Crabbin’ at Kejimkujik Seaside Open year-round; washrooms open May 19–Oct. 8: 8am–4pm Take part in this exclusive coastal experience and help protect native species from the invasive European Green Crab. Be prepared to get your hands wet and have fun as you weave your rowboat between the stunning granite islands pulling traps from the water. July and August, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am (Duration: 4 hrs) Camping Pre-booking required Reservations Call 902-682-2772 or enquire at the Visitor Centre 1-877-737-3783 Cost: $29.30/person for up to 6 visitors reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca Samuel de Champlain once called this Port-Royal place “the most suitable and pleasant for a settlement that we had seen’’. Port-Royal National Historic Site was one of the earliest French settlements in North America and lives on today as Canada’s first major historical reconstruction.

Step back in time During high season, the habitation is a living history site. Enter the forge, sit down at the kitchen table, lounge in the artisans’ quarters, smell the herbs in the apothecary or visit the fur room – there’s no better way to personally experience how the French colonists lived here.

PORT-ROYAL A lovely place for a picnic 53 Historic Lane, Port-Royal Remember to pack a lunch. Enjoy 902-532-2898 your meal as you relax in the picnic [email protected] area or spend some time exploring parkscanada.gc.ca/portroyal the grounds and shoreline – take in the beautiful view of the river basin May 19–June 19: Tues–Sat: 9am–5:30pm and imagine what Champlain saw all June 20–Sept. 9: 9am–5:30pm those years ago. Sept. 10–Oct. 7: Tues–Sat: 9am–5:30pm

Tall Ships Sail Past Watch the Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta ‘sail past’ in the Annapolis Basin from Port-Royal or Fort Anne National Historic Sites. Wednesday, August 16th, 6:30pm/7pm. Call ahead to confirm.

Musical Thursdays Mark three special Thursday afternoons on your calendar this summer. Come and enjoy talented entertainers in a special musical series. Clap your hands, tap your feet and listen to the fine singers and musicians. July 13, July 27 and August 10. 1pm–3pm

Learn about the Mi’kmaw culture Step into a wigwam and immerse yourself in the tales, songs and legends of the Mi’kmaq. Try your hand at drumming or the traditional game of “waltes”. Hear about the crucial relationships forged with the French. Saturday-Wednesday 2pm–4:30pm Grand-Pré National Historic Site

Located in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is Grand-Pré National Historic Site—once a thriving Acadian settlement and now the most significant memorial to their tragic upheaval.

GRAND-PRE 2205 Grand-Pré Road, Grand-Pré 902-542-3631 [email protected] parkscanada.gc.ca/grandpre

May 19–Oct 9: 9am–5pm

GrandPreNHS

Immerse yourself in the story of l’Acadie Embark on a fascinating journey, a cinematic introduction, and a guide through the history and significance of this national historic site. Explore serene duck ponds bordered by majestic weeping willows, the legendary Statue of Evangeline – heroine of the Longfellow poem – and to the Memorial church, where famous paintings and stained glass celebrate the culture and courage of the Acadian people. Grand-Pré 2017 July and August (twice daily) A reunion 400 years in the making! The Mi’kmaq and Acadian people will come together again this Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site summer in a Celebration of Peace and Unity. A Take the path up the hill to the Landscape of Grand series of cultural and educational events will take Pré View Park overlooking Grand-Pré National Historic place and you’re invited! Site, which lies at the heart of the bountiful lands that are part of the 13 square-kilometre site. Witness the August 10–13 splendid landscape and the treasures it encompasses.

Enjoy the Victorian Gardens Stroll through the magnificently kept Victorian gardens Don’t forget to participate in our where the Statue of Evangeline and other monuments Red Chairs Experience Program. and sculptures can be found amongst duck ponds, #timetoconnect #sharethechair flower gardens, a kitchen garden and an orchard — the absolute perfect spot for a picnic or to fly a kite. MAINLAND NOVA SCOTIA

Grand Pré National Historic Site Special Events Port-Royal National Historic Site Fort Anne Fun-filled events are happening throughout the season National Historic Site H alifax Citadel in mainland Nova Scotia. Join us for special Canada 150 Kejimkujik National Park National and National Historic Site Historic Site celebrations, discover a new adventure or reconnect with an

Kejimkujik old favourite. And this year with your Discovery Pass entry is Seaside FREE! For more information please visit parkscanada.gc.ca/ns.

A PRil 30 J uly 7 J uly 23 M d EC Cita el F irst Friday M assed Band Concert Highlander Race Community Celebrations Fort Anne Halifax Citadel Fort Anne & Annapolis Royal J uly 27 follow us: M ay 27-28 J uly 9 Traditional Music Tour de Keji Omnium M’ i kmaw Culture Day on Thursdays Bicycle Races Parks Canada Port-Royal Port-Royal Kejimkujik J uly 13 @ParksCanada_NS June 2 Traditional Music S ignature F irst Friday on Thursdays Event J uly 29-August 1 Parks.Canada Community Celebrations Port-Royal Fort Anne & Annapolis Royal Red n ez-Vous 2017 J uly 15-16 Tall Ships Halifax Parks Canada June 3-4 Par ks Canada Bioblitz Halifax D oors Open Halifax Kejimkujik Halifax Citadel J uly 29-30 J uly 15-16 Vi ctorian Cricket June 21 Par ks Day Weekend Matches National Aboriginal Day Fort Anne Fort Anne Kejimkujik J uly 18-19 J uly 30 J uly 1 RCMP Musical Ride Construction Canada Day Celebrations Halifax Traditions All sites Halifax Citadel Port-Royal Garrison Grounds A ugust 1 J uly 22-23 N atal Day Celebrations L earn to Camp Weekend Grand-Pré Kejimkujik Encampment Days Fort Anne Parks Canada BioBlitz Kejimkujik Seaside

First World War Commemorations Halifax Citadel

A ugust 4 AUGUST 16 September 5 O ctober 21 F irst Friday Community RDVEN EZ- OUS 2017 Commemoration of the F irst World War – Celebrations TALL SHIPS SAIL PAST Order of Deportation Battle of Fort Anne & Annapolis Royal ANNAPOLIS ROYAL Grand-Pré Passchendaele Port-Royal & Fort Anne Commemoration A ugust 4–6 September 16-17 Halifax Citadel Enm ca pment Days A ugust 18 Revolutionary War Fort Anne Fe re dom of the City Encampment November 11 Halifax Citadel Halifax Citadel Re membrance Day A ugust 5 Halifax Citadel Hands Around the Fort A ugust 20 September 16 Fort Anne Ac adiens-Métis I nternational November 25-26 Souriquois Day Town Criers’ Vit c orian Christmas A ugust 5 Port-Royal Competition Halifax Citadel K eji’s 48th Birthday Fort Anne Kejimkujik A ugust 26 D ecember 6 Fro t to Fort Run September 22-24 Halifax Explosion A ugust 10 Fort Anne & Port-Royal Flral – Da k Sky Commemoration Traditional Music Weekend Halifax Citadel on Thursdays A ugust 26-27 Kejimkujik Port-Royal L earn to Paddle Kejimkujik September 30 A ugust 10-13 S avour the Trail– Grand-Pré 2017 September 1 Culinary Hike Grand-Pré F irst Friday Kejimkujik Traditional Music Community on Thursdays A ugust 11-13 Celebrations O ctober 6-8 Summer – Dark Sky Port-Royal Fort Anne & Annapolis Royal Thanksgiving Weekend Photo: ©Trish Fry Weekend Kejimkujik Kejimkujik September 2 Bij g Ke i Picnic A ugust 15 Kejimkujik National Acadian Day Grand-Pré

Dark Sky Weekends Kejimkujik

Grand-Pré 2017 Grand-Pré

Learn to Camp Weekend Kejimkujik HEY KIDS! Are you a curious and active child between 6 and 11? Do you like challenges? Then you’re ready to become a Parks Canada Xplorer.

Just ask for your FREE Xplorers booklet when you arrive. It’s filled with fun activities to guide your discovery. And when your mission’s accomplished you will become a certified Xplorer and receive a collectible souvenir! Visit all our Mainland Nova Scotia sites and become the ultimate Xplorer.

Explore with Parka! Discover our places with your family and

Learn about Parka’s activities; her videos, her song and more by visiting one of our places or online: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/Parka

Don’t forget to download Parka’s free app at the App Store or Google Play before your visit!