Tourism Overview of Study Area

The Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia is a well-known tourist destination based on its
friendly people, relaxed atmosphere, scenic natural beauty, and the diversity of its cultural/historic
attractions (sites). The Annapolis Valley is primarily rural with small towns and farms along the valley
floor. Tourists to the area come from New England and other provinces throughout Canada. People
come to the area to enjoy the natural beauty of areas like the Cape Split look-off and trail, Blomidon
look-off, and the Annapolis Historical Gardens. Visitors to the region also frequent the many nature
trails, guided tours, and opportunities to view wildlife habitats in areas like Kejimkujik National Park,
Upper Clements Wildlife Park, and the bald eagles found in Kings County. The Valley also has several
sites of vast cultural/historic significance that continue to draw tourists, such as Grand Pre, Fort Anne,
Port Royal, Upper Clements Amusement Park, Atlantic Theatre Festival, operator businesses like Ski
Martock, and other sites. Given the vast natural beauty and sparsely populated rural character of the
Annapolis Valley region it is quite attractive to prospective tourists.9