grand pré national historic site

but closed far too much of the year. We walked the grounds and found the Acadian Cross and view points nearby but weren't able to see the museum or buy any sort of literature or momentos. A great site, wish it was open more.

I was disappointed that a lot of the sites, including National Historic Sites, are closed even in May in the Maritimes. This one included. We got to the site where the church is, but the info centre was closed. We walked around the garden for a few minutes. When we were driving back we noticed another small sign saying viewpoint, so we drove to that. There is a UNESCO plaque at this viewpoint and, with the help of the completely blue sky, we got a breathtaking view of the farmland the Acadiens created. Then we stopped at the Grand Pre winery for an early tasting, which also Mae the trip out to this place even better.

Museum is interesting. Nice movie which described the Acadian experience. The gardens are lovely. I have a better understanding of how the Acadians felt when deported. They'd built up the dykes. This is a beautiful agricultural land. Deportation was tragic

We had the opportunity to visit this site, after a long time researching my Acadian heritage, and while we were on a cruise to Halifax. It was a humbling experience. This opportunity was presented to us after I found a tour, Bruce's Tour, that enables us to travel to the site. This was the highlight of our cruise to Nova Scotia.Let me add that the center had closed for the season, but this did not damper the incredible experience. Also I can not comment on the questions below because the center was closed.

The Interpretative Center was the focal point for me on this visit to the Acadian Museum. The information boards, videos, and models tell the story of who the Acadians were, how they worked the land, and the reasons they were forced to leave. The display, showing the dyking sysetm of the Acadians, was a unique feature, not seen elsewhere, yet so important to farmers even today who are using these reclaimed lands for farming. The large model, showing the farm buildings of these settlers reminded us of how hard life must have been for these people. To have had all of their buildings burnt to the ground and their cleared land appropriated to colonists of their enemy must have been heartbreaking for sure. The description of the process of the expulsion saddened me. I was just glad there was no genocide which seems the way to go these days. I am glad that Longfellow drew the world's attention to the plight of the Acadians with his "Evangeline" poem and that some did return to the Maritimes later, but to different areas. A short walk out of the Interpretation Center we came across the re-created Acadian Church, similar to one that the Acadians were held as prisoners, no doubt. The Church is not a working church - just a building with church features. Inside, it's used as one open space for displays and information boards that tell the story of the Acadian expulsion. There are dress up outfits for picture taking for the youngsters. What might be of interest is the plaque with last names of Acadian settlers. Before one enters the Church one passes by the statue of Evangeline. Note that from one side she looks old with big hands indicative of hard labor, while the other side she looks young. Further off on a side path is a bust of Longfellow who wrote the famous poem making the plight of the Acadians well -known. This Grand Pre site -the Info Center, the Church, the barn, and the many planting beds set in the green lawn area - are probably on reclaimed marsh land done by past Acadians. I couldn't really see the dyking system used here, but in Wolfville behind the Tim Hortons there is a small park where the marshes, dykes, and tidal waters can be seen. The dyking system there is currently undergoing work so limited access.We stayed at the Grand Pre about 1 hour, but 1 1/2 hours should do it.

We are so pleased that we included time to visit this amazing site. We learned so much about the Acadian life and how unfairly these people were treated. The countryside also offers many lovely photograhic opportunities. The grounds are beautifully kept and the whole area is very peaceful.

This was a little side trip in our Halifax visit. My Girlfriend and I want to see as many UNESCO sites as we can when we travel, so this was an obvious choice. The real UNESCO site is the valley but the added history of the area in this museum was nice.We also had friends living nearby so they joined us. The tickets were not required, but included a 20 min video about the Acadians and was very informative (don't remember learning anything about it in school) and the small museum and Access to the church. If you are in a rush you can still see pretty well everything. Definately head down to the end of the road and take a walk on the beach afterwards and see the famous Bay of Fundy.

Get into the heads of those peaceful French settlers...farmers with families whom after 3 generations were told to get out! Get out of the province! Take only what you can carry. The men helping their elderly, the mothers carrying their babies, the toddlers following behind and crying. Their farms were burned and they were corralled until boats loaded them into ships waiting to take them far away from Acadia / Acadie...it was a tragic time in the history of North America. Acadians to this day do not forget 1755 and proudly fly their own flag of resettlement and lifestyle.

This was a wonderful museum to help understand the plight/history of the Acadian people of Nova Scotia. Beautiful displays. The Church some 10 minutes from the main centre is well worth a visit too.

We were en route to Halifax from Annapolis Royal and decided to stop here. For about $15 per couple, we got a good history lesson about the Acadians and spent about an hour viewing the film and the exhibits. It was a good stop.

Came here knowing nothing about the Acadiens and their sad history. A real learning experience. A beautifully well done tribute to a proud and inspiring people. Nice museum with good exhibits and a moving film history. French and English. Beautiful, well kept grounds make for a nice stroll. The reconstructed chapel is equally beautiful, highlighted by some gorgeous stained glass. Impressive sculpture of Evangeline and tribute to Longfellow. The park staff were exceptionally nice and helpful. Convenient to major hiway. Worth spending an hour or two or more regardless of your background.

The Grand Pre National Historic Site is an interesting site that incorporates beautiful landscaping. Naturally, people of Acadian ancestry would be far more impacted by visiting, but it is well worth the time to stop for anyone to appreciate a piece of Nova Scotia's and Canada's history. Make sure you take the time to visit the theatre show.

Staff are exemplary, accommodating, informative , well spoken seamless between English and French and so respectful of the history, heritage Nd legacy of this place. made sure we could plan our visit to see every thing in the time allotted...Kudos to everyone.. Movie was excellent!

I was excited to return here after only having been as a child. I was not dissapointed. The staff was so helpful-it was drizzling and they offered us an umbrella!! The gardens are gorgeous and the statue of Evangeline is breathtaking. It is a powerful place to see.

Worth a visit to learn more about the Acadian diaspora. The video history is done well and really gives necessary background information. Beautiful grounds, thoughtful displays. Sad to know not much has changed in the world since this happened.