The Annapolis Valley is a beautiful patchwork of fields, dykelands, orchards and vineyards. Along the Bay of Fundy coastline, with its world-famous tides, is an ever-changing landscape of rocky shores, salt marshes and beaches.
The Valley's unique micro-climate supports the province's most productive farms and has given rise to one of North America's best wine-producing regions. In fact, the Annapolis Valley is the third most important fruit-growing region in Canada.
Climate and growing zone
Nova Scotia lies in the mid-temperate zone, and although the province is almost surrounded by water, the climate feels more continental than maritime. Temperature extremes are moderated by the ocean.
The Annapolis Valley has precipitation well distributed through the year. Generally, that means rain in the spring, summer and fall, and snow in winter.
Growing (plant hardiness) zone: Most of the Annapolis Valley is zone 6a: −23.3 °C (−10 °F), rising to 6b: −20.6 °C (−5 °F) at Annapolis Royal and the western end of the Valley. Summer is almost always nice and sunny. Fall often lasts a long time, with crisp days and gorgeous light.
Geography
The Annapolis Valley is formed by a trough between two parallel mountain ranges along the shore of the Bay of Fundy.
The North Mountain, next to the Bay of Fundy, rises over 260 metres (850 feet) at its highest point. The South Mountain, which is a little taller, shelters the valley from the Atlantic Ocean, which is about 100 kilometres (60 miles) farther south.
The shelter provided by these two ridges has produced a micro-climate of relatively mild temperatures for the region. The Annapolis Valley has some of the best soils and climatic conditions in eastern Canada.
Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is one of the seven natural wonders of North America. Here you'll find the highest tides on earth, the rarest whales in the world, semi-precious minerals and dinosaur fossils. In fact, some of the world's oldest dinosaur and reptilian fossils have been found at Blue Beach, near Hantsport. In our unique coastal environment, you can watch several species of whale or walk on the ocean floor when the tide has dropped the height of a four-storey building. And just beyond the Annapolis Valley, you can even dine on the ocean floor!
Understanding Tide Times
When exploring our beautiful coastline, it is important to understand the tide times for the beach you're visiting. The tide rises and recedes every 12 hours and 25 minutes, so each day the tide times are a little different!
Click below on a tidal station to locate relevant data for tide times.
- Baxters Harbour
- Cape Blomidon
- Scots Bay
- Hantsport
- Windsor
- Tidal View Farm
- Margaretsville
- Parkers Cove
