About The Area
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Habitant is what geographers call a "dispersed rural community" in the eastern end of the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. The area is famous for its agriculture, especially fruit growing. The "land of orchards and tides" widens until it reaches the edge of the Minas Basin, just down the road from Lowden House Farm, where the world's highest tides flood vast beaches twice a day. Huge flocks of migratory birds feed in the tidal estuaries. It is a peaceful place, a choice of artists and creative people of all kinds.
The Valley is defined and protected by the North and South "Mountains" as we call them. The North Mountain is a ridge of basalt which terminates in a grand sweep with the headland of Blomidon and dramatic Cape Split, which separate the Minas Basin from the Bay of Fundy. It's worth taking a day or two to explore the hiking trails in Blomidon Provincial Park and to hike, if you can, to the tip of Cape Split. Less strenuous driving tours through the countryside are always rewarding. One lookoff spot is so well known, it is called "The Lookoff"! Not to be missed. At right is a view of the area from The Lookoff.
See the online photo album of the area called "Focus on Blomidon" for more scenic pictures.
The area has been farmed by European settlers since the 1600s. The Grand Pré National Historic Site commemorates the expulsion of the original Acadian settlers by the British in 1755. Many other museums mark the area's long history, such as the Prescott House Museum in Starrs Point.
But the towns of the Annapolis Valley are far from sleepy. Nearby Wolfville is the home of top-ranking Acadia University. Its new Irving Centre has a botanical garden featuring native species. Drama, art and music thrive here. There are fine restaurants and shops to intrigue you. Nearby, the Ross Creek Centre For The Arts provides wonderful summer arts programs worth checking out. The Deep Roots Music Festival organizes concerts year-round. There are many other attractions, festivals and events which you can learn about via the links below.
Here are some more things you can do here:
- At Halls Harbour on the North Mountain, you can dine on lobster at the wharf and visit artists' studios, and view the mighty Bay of Fundy.
- Take the tours of the three local wineries and sample their products.
- There are half a dozen golf courses within a 15-60 minute drive.
- Bicycle rentals and group bike rides available.
- Horseback trail riding on the nearby North Mountain.
- Nature walks are held regularly by the Blomidon Naturalists Society
- Go for drives, drinking in the peaceful scenery.
- Organic Farmers Market in Wolfville on Saturdays throughout the year.
- Excellent massage therapists in the area.
- Go for a sleigh ride in the winter or a hay ride in the fall.
- Downhill ski at Ski Martock.
- Cross country ski from the back door.
- Watch the tide come in at Kingsport Beach, just down the road.
- Go for long walks at Kingsport, Blomidon, Scots Bay, or any of the harbours along the Bay of Fundy.
The Annapolis Valley is famous for its apples and fragrant spring orchards. The Apple Blossom Festival is held at the end of May each year, with a parade and music events. In the winter, the area is famous for eagle watching and cross-country skiing.
Shopping centres and medical services are only 15 or 20 minutes away in New Minas and Kentville.