An exceptionally diverse and beautiful area only 1 hour from metro.
This map only shows eastern portion of the “Orchards & Tides” scenic drive.
Kings County Orchards & Tides
This is the land of orchards, berry fields, and rich farmlands with the most sunny days and the mildest climate in Eastern Canada. The land of the Miq’mag Indians who discovered its treasures, of Acadians and New Englanders who developed it. This is the land of the highest tides in the world.
Due to astronomical factors and its shape and depth, the Bay of Fundy produces tides yielding up to 16 metres. This tremendous amount of water leaves the Minas Basin and Bay of Fundy shoreline every 13 hours exposing mud flats and rocky shores, abundant with mussels and crustaceans drawing thousands of shore birds on their way north and south. It is a paradise for rock hounders as fossils and semi-precious stones such as amethyst may be found in the volcanic rock that has crumbled from the cliffs of the Bay of Fundy by fierce winter storms.
Separating the Minas Basin from the Bay of Fundy is Cape Split presenting an awesome display of the turbulent waters surgin over the submarine ridges below. At mid-tide this movement of water produces a hollow roar that can be heard from a considerable distance on the 13 km wooded hiking trail leading to the Split. The current exceeds 8 knots (4 m/s), and the flow in the deep, 5 km-wide channel of Cape Split and Parrsboro equals the combined flow of all streams and rivers of Earth. Three hours later the spectacle pauses, and then begins flowing in the opposite direction.
The fertile Annapolis Valley, of which Kings County is part of, offers an array of scenic beauty, history, activities, festivals, and quaint communities. At the end of May the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival takes place in Kentville and leads us into the summer season of community fairs, farm markets, U-Fish, U-Picks, flea markets and the Kentville Pumpkin People Festival in early October. Learn about our history in the many museums such as the Prescot House, the Kings County Court House, the Acadian Historic Site at Grand Pre and a train ride on the Evangeline Express. The arts are well represented with The Atlantic Theatre Festival, offering world class theatre, and an array of artists displaying their work in galleries and studios.
Experience the outdoors with a stroll on the dykes or take a walk on the ocean floor and view the bizarre rock formations at Baxter’s Harbour. Choose a lobster at Halls Harbour, a pictureque fishing village. For warmer waters visit the red beaches below Cape Blomidon. Why not go tubing in the Gaspereau River, trail-riding on the North Mountain, or play some golf? Visit Oaklawn Farm Zoo, the only private Zoo in Nova Scotia. See bald eagles in the Gaspereau Valley, hundreds of them from November to March in the Sheffield Mills area.
To catch your breath come to the Look-Off’s “lofty top” and gaze over the Land of Orchards & Tides. “You will be a better man for having stood on Look-Off’s lofty top. It will clear your eyes and expand your spiritual being and you will leave that breezy eminence with a feeling of exultation.” (Beautiful Nova Scotia – The Ideal Summerland 1897)All this and more in the County of Kings where we will treat you royally.
Guided tours of our beautiful and diverse area are available
with advance reservations.