Length of stay: 2 days
Visited: August 2024
Grand-Pré is located on the eastern edge of the Annapolis Valley on a peninsula jutting out into an inlet of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Its name means large meadow in French as it’s surrounded by marshlands and farm fields. It was once the centre of Acadian settlement, but when the British captured Port Royal in the early 1700s, Grand-Pré was where many Acadians were forcefully expelled from their lands. Grand-Pré National Historic Site is located at the former village and commemorates the deportation of the Acadians.
Day 1: A Stroll Through the Grounds
Grand-Pré National Historic Site contains a Visitor Information Centre, commemorative buildings and artifacts that tell the story of Acadian culture and their deportation. It also has eight oTENTiks, which are a mix between a tent and rustic cabin, for those that want to camp in comfort overnight. Regular readers will know that we’ve stayed in a few of these oTENTiks across Canada. So naturally we’d book one at Grand-Pré.
We arrived later in the afternoon and headed to the Visitor Information Centre to check into our oTENTik. After a brief orientation of the rules and a tour of where all the facilities were located, we were handed our keys and a lantern, and shown where the wagons were to help haul our gear in. All the oTENTiks are walk-in only. It’s a bit of a trek to get to, but the path is gravel and flat. But there is zero protection from the sun as all the oTENTiks are located in the open field. I guess this place isn’t called large meadow for nothing!
It was hot outside. The oTENTiks do not have electricity, which means no air conditioning. Thankfully there’s a large deck by the front door with a small table and two chairs, which was shaded from the sun in the late afternoon. We hung out there and made dinner on the BBQ that was also on the deck.
Afterwards we went for a stroll through the grounds. The (only) nice thing about the heat was that it seemed to keep the bugs away. We headed towards the Memorial Church. It was built in 1922 with funds raised from Acadian communities across North America. It is meant to symbolize the spirit of Acadian nationalism and commemorate their expulsion.
The French were the first settlers in Acadia in 1604. The colony changed hands several times between the French and British. When the British captured Port Royal, the capital of Acadia, in 1710, many Acadians refused to swear allegiance to the British crown. They wanted to remain neutral from both France and Great Britain. They were later forcefully removed from their lands in Nova Scotia. Between 1755 and 1762, about 10,000 Acadians were deported.
The church was closed, but we had plans to check it out tomorrow morning when the Visitor Information Centre opened. Instead we walked through the gardens and apple orchard.
Grand-Pré was the largest settlement in Acadia with an estimated 1,350 inhabitants. They built dikes to enclose and drain large sections of the salt marsh for agriculture.
We made our way over to the Kitchen Garden, a partial recreation of a typical Acadian kitchen garden prior to their expulsion, and a Blacksmith Shop, which was from the early 1800s and moved to Grand-Pré.
We looped through the rest of the grounds, passing more gardens and monuments as well as a pair of the Parks Canada Red Chairs.
The sun was starting to set and it was time to get the baby to bed. So we headed back to our oTENTik. There was a nice breeze rolling in. With all the windows open, it managed to cool down a bit inside to the point where it was comfortable.
Day 2: A Closer Look at Acadian History
At some point the breeze died overnight. We woke up the next morning and everything felt damp, humid and muggy. It was also very foggy outside and lightly misting. Hurricane Ernesto was making its way towards Atlantic Canada, but thankfully its path shifted away from Nova Scotia. While some rain was expected today, it wasn’t nearly as bad as what the forecast was initially predicting.
We planned to check out the Visitor Information Centre, but it didn’t open until 9am. So we took our time getting up in the morning. After breakfast, we packed up and brought our stuff back to the car.
We then walked over to the Visitor Information Centre to return the keys to our oTENTik and to check out the exhibits. The only thing left was to take a sneak peak inside the Memorial Church.
We did another loop through the grounds before heading back to the car. Next stop: Halifax.
L
We didn’t stop at Gran Pre when we were in Annapolis Valley, so nice to see what’s there. Maggie
It was interesting to learn more about the history of the Acadians at Grand-Pre. Parks Canada always does such a fantastic job.
Grand-Pre is an interesting site to visit and learn about Acadian history. Did you also make it to Horton’s Landing to see the Deportation Cross?
Oh I know! Parks Canada did such a great job of helping to tell their story and preserving their history. We didn’t even think to go to Horton’s Landing, which is too bad since it’s located so close to Grand-Pre. Something to add to the list for next time!
Just beautiful 🤩🤗
For sure. Despite the heat we had a wonderful time visiting this historic site and learning more about the history of the Acadians. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
Absolutely Beautiful Pictures and what a site. The church is Beautiful. Hope you all had a wonderful Trip.
Thanks for your kind words. We had a lovely time on the east coast and enjoyed learning more about Canada’s early history. Agreed, the Memorial Church is very beautiful, I especially liked the stained glass window.
The grounds are so beautiful and idyllic! The stone church is stunning. Love the family picture 🙂
Haha thanks! Baby M sure knows how to make the best faces when we’re taking pictures! The gardens and grounds at Grand-Pre were lovely. It was neat to stay overnight and go for a stroll after hours when not many people were around.
Every time I see an oTENTik on your blog, I think it’s something we need here in South Africa. Nothing fancy, but perfect for when one doesn’t want to camp. The church surrounded by the pretty garden is lovely. And the sunset is beautiful too. But my favourite photo is of you guys with the baby – you make such special memories with her. And I’m looking forward to your Halifax post – I’ve seen so many pictures of this city, but I never get tired of it.
Oh for sure. We’re huge fans of the oTENTiks. It’s a great way to still camp while travelling without having to take our tent with us. Most of them even come with a BBQ, which is great for making meals on. Agreed, the gardens and church were beautiful. It was nice to visit after hours when not many people were around.
I love this whole area of NS. We passed by Grand-Pré and saw it through a mist from a vineyard in 2018. We never really explored it as we were based in Wolfville, whihc is where we took our wine bus tour. The oTENTik looks nice, but on those hot days, some shade would be helpful. The gardens and orchards in the area are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing Linda. Happy Hallowe’en. Allan
We could have easily stayed in Nova Scotia for another week (or two). We drove through Wolfville on our way to Grand-Pre and it looked very charming, which is very characteristic of many towns in Nova Scotia. I’m glad we got there later in the afternoon and avoided the worst of the sunny and hot weather. But yah, some shade would have definitely been nice. That and some air conditioning as well!! Thanks for reading. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. We didn’t get as many trick-or-treaters as previous years and are now stuck with too much candy.
What a fantastic place to discover powerful Acadian stories within a picturesque landscape, Linda! The tragedy that is the history of the Grand-Pré is hard to fathom. I love the striking feature seen inside the Church – the stained glass windows. When you look closely you can see a depiction of a family being torn apart, the men hauled out to sea and the women and children left behind on shore, it’s heartbreaking! Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Agreed, it was heartbreaking to hear about the history of this area and how so many Acadians were forced to leave their land. I can’t even imagine. Many of them returned years later, but had to create new settlements and essentially start over. It was worth getting a late start the next morning to go inside the Memorial Church. Thanks for reading. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Linda
What sort of temperature was it? We like the heat and can stand it pretty hot and even humid, but heat inside an enclosed space is a different thing and not so easily tolerable. You made the most of it, whatever, at an enchanting place with an intriguing history.
It was around 30C, but felt close to 40C with the humidity. I’m glad we arrived later in the day though when the sun wasn’t nearly as hot, but there really wasn’t much shade. Thankfully we had a nice breeze later in the evening and with all the windows open, we managed to get comfortable.
Wow, this is such a beautiful place! I would love to be there, and I love the photo of your family, Linda! So sweet. ❤️😊🇨🇦
Thanks!! It was nice to stay here overnight and explore the grounds without many visitors around.
🤙🏻🤙🏻😊😊
So beautiful and the family picture is priceless ❤️
Haha thanks! Baby M sure knows how to pose for a picture!
Fascinating Linda. I’d not heard of the Grand Pre National Historic Site before and the inside of the church looked beautiful
We typically purchase an annual pass for our national parks and try to make the most of it by visiting some of the lesser known historic sites too. It was heartbreaking to hear about the history of the Acadians and how they were expelled from their land here. Parks Canada did an excellent job of sharing their stories and preserving their history. It was worth getting a late start the next day to take a sneak peak inside the church.
What a great idea to be able to purchase an annual national parks ticket. I’m certain you get your money’s worth out of it!
You bet!! We’ve never regretted it!!
It’s a wonderful looking site. Just sad to have a history of people forced out of their homes.
For sure. While Acadians were later allowed to return, they essentially had to create new settlements and start over.
What a gorgeous picture of the three of you, Linda! Grand Pré is beautiful and your pictures lovely. It’s been a while since I’ve visited but I remember my stop was interesting and informative. That whole area is so pretty. Looking forward to more of your NS posts. Cheers.
Thanks!! Grand-Pre is very picturesque and the landscape is so different compared to other areas that we visited in Nova Scotia. It was interesting to learn more about Acadian history. Parks Canada always does such a fantastic job.
Stunning, thanks for posting!
And thanks for reading and leaving a comment! The gardens here were lovely.
I also stopped off at Grand-Pré on a trip to Nova Scotia. It’s an important site for the Acadians and it’s hard to separate it from the tragedy they went through.
It was interesting to learn more about the history of Acadians. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the cruel things humans can do to one another, like forcing people to leave their lands. Glad this historic site exists to preserve their history and share their stories.
Wonderful place, looks a relaxing time Linda.
You have a beautiful family, nice photo.
Blessings and an amazing weekend.
You are too kind. We had a wonderful time exploring the gardens and it was interesting to learn more about the history of the area. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Linda
Very interesting post. Since I am not well versed in Canadian history, where did the Acadians go after they were expelled? I was also intrigued by the oTENTiks. I have never heard that term before. Here in some of Washington’s state perks they have yurts people can stay in which are round tent structures. I have never stayed in one, however.
Many of them went to France, British colonies along the east coast and the Caribbean. They were eventually allowed to return, but many of them had to create new settlements and start over. Many of our national parks across Canada have oTENTiks. It’s a great way to camp in comfort. They’re typically furnished and even have a BBQ outside to use. Some of our provincial parks have yurts too. Most of them have electricity and an electric or wood fireplace, so it’s a great way to still camp during the off-season.
Looks like a nice place to spend a couple of days. That tent looks definitely better than the previous one 😁. Like to name of the town 😉.
The oTENTik is way more spacious than the Oasis. And the bed situation is much more comfortable too. It’s too bad the sites were all out in the open as it would have been nice to have a bit of shade, but I understand that they are trying to keep the landscape as it was when the Acadians lived here. Thankfully we came later in the afternoon and missed the worst of the heat.
The church is so beautiful tucked up in the garden like that. Great family picture too! 🙂
Thanks!! It was worth sticking around in the morning to see inside the church. It was very interesting to learn more about the history of this area in Canada.
Yet another Nova Scotia location we didn’t make it to. I think I’d also enjoy spending the night in one of those oTENTiks next time I’m in Canada. Thanks for the tour!
We’ve done our fair share of camping over the years and have tried out many of the roofed accommodations that are offered in our parks. We’ve grown quite accustomed to staying in these oTENTiks. They’re in most of our national parks now and are such a comfortable and convenient way to stay overnight in the park, especially when travelling. Most of them even have heating and a BBQ outside. I highly recommend. We ended up staying in a few more of them when were in the Cape Breton Highlands later on our road trip.
Just beautiful, perfect photos to view 🌷🙏👍🏻 so greenery Surroundings and grace clean earth 🌏
Beautiful Church , gorgeous sunset , the gardens and flowers very beautiful, specially I love dear
your family photo 👌🖖✍️😍 many many greetings blessings 🥰👏
Thanks so much for your kind words. It was lovely to wander around the gardens and enjoy the scenery. The sunset was spectacular. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Linda
Thank you so much for feedback and most welcome 🌹🙏🖖
Have a beautiful week ahead my lovely friend 💞🌷
You as well!
Beautiful photos, and it looks like Baby is teething!
Thanks for your kind words. Oh yes, baby M was definitely teething when we were in Nova Scotia. She’s actually teething now too. Her two front teeth just came in not that long ago.
Aah; how cute!
We didn’t have time to stop at this site, it looks a serene place.
Hope little M enjoyed her first Halloween😊
xx
It was a fantastic spot to learn more about Acadian history. Plus we couldn’t resist staying overnight in one of the oTENTiks.
We really lucked out with the weather on Halloween. It was windy, but quite warm outside, around 20C!! We all dressed up as kitty cats. We did a lap around the block to say hi to our neighbours then returned home to hand out some candy before baby M’s bedtime. Hope you had a happy Halloween as well!
So much fun for the little ones! Unfortunately there are no small kids where we live now, so my husband enjoyed a bag of chocolates all by himself 😍
We can’t complain about the weather, it’s still beautiful out there!
Oh I know! It’s been an unusually warm fall. Yesterday we were outside in shorts and a t-shirt!
Looks like a soothing place where one can find peace and restore. Thank you for sharing. 🕊️
It was nice to stay overnight and visit the gardens and grounds after hours when all the other tourists had left. It was definitely very peaceful. Thanks so much for reading. Linda
How lovely. 🕊️ You’re very welcome and thank you, Linda.
Even if you didn’t get inside, the church is so picturesque in that setting. And I love the oTENTik! Thanks for including the photo of you three.
We always look to see if we can stay in an oTENTik when travelling within Canada. It’s a great way to stay overnight in a national park or national historic site without having to pack our tent with us. It was nice to visit the gardens and grounds after hours when there weren’t many people around.
This is a place I would love to visit and learn more about the history. I like the look of the old church and I love the family photo. xo
Thanks!! Nova Scotia has such a rich and interesting history. It was neat to visit some of the historic sites to learn more about it. Parks Canada has done such a fabulous job of protecting these areas and sharing their stories.
What a beautiful place! Also, I love the family photo!
Thanks! It was nice to stay here overnight and visit the grounds without many people around. I’m so glad we arrived later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat.
Isn’t it wonderful when these things work in our favor?
You bet. It’s like it was meant to be 🙂
Looked like a beautiful site. The grounds, while open and exposed to the sun, seemed so lovely and well maintained. And the historical info about the Acadians was interesting to learn about!
The OTentik looked very big and nice in your photo but I can also feel the heat from the way you described it!
Love your family photo and baby M is getting big!
Can’t wait to see what you three did in Halifax!
One of the reasons we visited Grand-Pre was to stay overnight in an oTENTik. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this historic site was. It was a great way to learn more about Acadian history. It was also neat to explore the grounds after hours without many people around. But oh boy was it hot outside. It would have been really nice if those oTENTiks had air conditioning or even a fan!
Baby M is definitely growing! We finally got one of those backpack baby carriers and are planning to test it out this weekend at Algonquin.
A lovely park with an absorbing history. The church is incredibly charming from all your various angles, love the blue interior windows too. Great to see another family selfie and the sunset shot is a winner too.
Thanks! The history of Nova Scotia is so fascinating. Visiting historic sites like this is such a great way to learn more about it. It was nice to stay here overnight and explore the grounds after hours without many people around.
Fascinating look into Acadian history. I’ve learned about it in the context of the US state Louisiana, so it is interesting to see where it all began.
For sure. I was never a fan of history while in school but find it way more interesting while travelling and visiting historic sites like this. I had no idea that so many Acadians went to Louisiana after being expelled from Nova Scotia.
The church and its grounds look charming, your photos are fantastic. That’s a lovely family photo, too 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words. It was worth sticking around later the next morning to see the inside of the church. The stained glass window was beautiful.
I didn’t know much about Acadian history before you shared this, thanks for adding to our education. It’s unusual to see camping or oTENTiks in the midst of an open area, but large meadows surrounded by marshes and fields wouldn’t have cool shade trees and refreshing swimming beaches. The gardens are gorgeous, as is the inside of the church. Oof your sweet baby is growing so fast, and your smiles are so lovely. 💞
It was neat to visit a few of the historic sites in Nova Scotia to learn more about the Acadians. And naturally we couldn’t resist visiting Grand-Pre so we could stay in one of the oTENTiks. We’ve stayed in a number of them across Canada and this was the first time we’ve seen them out in the open. I’m so glad we arrived later in the day when it wasn’t as hot outside. But even then, it was still pretty warm! And you don’t need to tell me twice about how much baby M has grown! I still can’t believe she’ll be one year old next month!
I love the ‘tent’ accommodation, it’s great. And your photos of your chairs by the water just looks so serene. Your captures of the garden with the church in the background are also stunning – what a lovely outing. I love the family photo too 🙂
Oh I know, it’s a wonderful way to camp in comfort without having to deal with setting up a tent. The only downside was that it didn’t have air conditioning or a fan, which would have been fantastic as we were visiting during a heat wave. Oh well. It was nice to wander through the gardens after hours though and learn more about the history of the area.
It’s good that the weather was nice when you took photos of the church from the outside as well as of the gardens — which look quite nice, by the way. There was a time when I was very much interested in anything French, and when I learned a little bit about the Acadians, I was very intrigued. Glad you went to this historic site and shared some more information about this community.
We seemed to have visited Nova Scotia during the middle of a heat wave. It wasn’t too bad in the evening though. And it was nice to wander around the grounds after hours when there weren’t many people around. Visiting historic sites like this are such a great way to learn more about the history of the area.
It’s always a pleasure visit your blog Linda. Thank’s for share it.
My weekend was great hope yours as well. Have a wonderful new week!
Elvira
You are too kind. The weekend always goes by way too quickly.
What a beautiful and historical area to explore! The gardens look lovely!
It was nice to stay overnight and visit the gardens after hours. We mostly had the place all to ourselves which is just how we like it!
Another nice place to visit. Looks good. Your baby girl has beautiful blue eyes.
Thanks!! It was nice to stay here overnight and enjoy the grounds after all the tourists had left. It was also interesting to learn more about this piece of Canadian history.
Awwww baby M is so beautiful 😍 what a blessing !! Also, I swear there will be a day i spend a night in an oTENTik. They look so comfortable. I would probably have to spend the time during the fall orva cooler holiday as the heat doesn’t fair we’ll with my stomach. I’m grateful you had a nice breeze at the start of the night to help you guys get some quality rest before exploring the next day. Also, anker, a portable battery bank helps so much when staying somewhere without electric city. You probably already have one, but I wanted to share that ankor has great battery banks in case you needed one.
Thanks!! She’s definitely a cutie and is developing quite the personality! The oTENTiks are a great way to stay overnight in a national park or historic site without having to deal with the hassle of setting up a tent. Plus they all come fully furnished and some of them even have electricity and heating. It’s too bad they don’t have air conditioning though!! Good to know about the portable battery bank. I should look into that considering how much time we spend off the grid. I have a small one to charge my phone a few times, but I should look into one that’s a bit more substantive. Thanks for the recommendation!
Of course !! Anything extra helps!!!!!
That’s very true, especially since I rely on my phone for taking pictures!