Visit Grand Pré for Acadian History, Evangeline
Wineries and Historic Memorials Make Acadia Region a Top NS Day Trip
Oct 25, 2009
Meaning "large meadow", Grand Pré drew the Acadian settlers because of its fertile salt marshes. Having constructed dykes to hold back the Fundy tides, the Acadians farmed the lands through to 1755 when an oscillating rule between France and Britain saw the British expel the Acadians from their homes. Starting 1755, the British deported the French-speaking people in the area to points around the world.
This history of this Nova Scotia region remains the grandest attraction.
Grand Pré National Historic Site
The Grand Pré National Historic Site recalls the life of Acadia before the expulsion. A memorial church with historic murals stands before a statue of Evangeline, the heroine from the famous Longfellow poem. Large gardens with summer blooms, towering willow trees, ducks, and even archaeological sites surround these two focal points.
At Grand Pré, an interpretive center displays a model of an Acadian village as well as the technology used to drain salt marshes, turning them into farmland. There’s also a movie that retells the Acadian history.
Open mid-May to mid-October. Grand Pré Road, Grand Pré; (902) 542-3631
Evangeline and the Longfellow Poem
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a book-length poem about the Acadian plight, Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie. Although retelling the story through fictional characters, it draws on the poignant history of the expulsion. The poem recounts a story of young love and separation.
In the following excerpt from the poem’s first part, Longfellow describes the area near Grand Pré, setting up the region as a tranquil paradise:
“…and away to the northward
Blomidon' rose, and the forests old, and aloft on the mountains
Sea-fogs pitched their tents, and mists from the mighty Atlantic
Looked on the happy valley, but ne'er from their station descended.
There, in the midst of its farms, reposed the Acadian village.”
Visitors to the Grand Pré National Historic Site will see a statue of Evangeline and learn about the history she represents.
Grand Pré Winery
Producing unique whites and full-flavored reds, Domaine de Grand Pré wines rate as Nova Scotian favorites. Enjoy a meal or dessert with a glass of the local wine at the Le Caveau restaurant, sample Nova Scotia wines in the tasting room, explore the small wine museum, walk through the rows of vines, or admire the courtyard art.
11611 Highway 1, Grand Pré; (902) 542-1753 (main); (902) 542-7177 (Le Caveau restaurant)
Other Grand Pré Attractions
Just a few minutes from Grand Pré lies the university town of Wolfville. A swift chimney, Acadia University, and local theater all attract year-round visitors. The area is also the heart of the spring Apple Blossom Festival, held annually when the apple orchards fill with tree blossoms.
To the northwest lies a stunning 16km (10 mile) round-trip hike to Cape Split. Cutting into the Bay of Fundy, the rocky peninsula offers stunning photo opportunities and views – when it isn't shrouded in fog. More hiking is easily accessed at Blomidon Provincial Park.
Grand Pré lies a one-hour drive from Halifax and nicely ties in with a day trip to the historic town of Windsor.
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