Kingston is located in the picturesque Annapolis Valley surrounded by fruit orchards and only a few minutes from the Bay of Fundy and Minas Basin. Kingston is the perfect base to take day trips throughout the Annapolis Valley, only 90 minutes from Halifax or Yarmouth and less than 40 minutes from Annapolis Royal and Grand Pre. The town is entrenched in apple history. In its prime, was one of the largest apple producing centers in Nova Scotia.
Things to do in Kingston, Nova Scotia
Annapolis Royal/Fort Anne
This settlement is where the first settlers landed in North America. Enjoy strolling through the centuries in Historic Annapolis Royal and take in all the attractions offered such as Port Royal, Fort Anne, Famous Annapolis farmers market, Annapolis Royal Historical Gardens, Only minutes from Upper Clements Park and the Upper Clements Wildlife Park. The Pearson Peacekeeping Center and Bear River are nearby as are great golfing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and fishing. In a short time you can be taking the Digby ferry or enjoying famous local Provincial Parks, take in some Whale and sea bird cruises or go bird watching and perhaps even Lobster fishing, there is just so much to do in the area. The town is located 30km from Kingston.
Bay of Fundy
Lots to see and do in the Bay of Fundy area, found just 20 kilometers from Kingston. The enormous tides of the Bay of Fundy are truly one of the world's great natural wonders. One hundred billion tons of water flows into and out of the Bay on an average tide, twice a day, creating rip-currents, seething up-wellings, swirling whirlpools and a tidal range reaching 16m (53 ft) at the head of the Bay. The volume of water ebbing & flowing is estimated to be 2000 times greater than the daily discharge of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Thurston, 1994). The immense energy of the tides powers a highly productive, rich and diverse natural ecosystem, in turn shaping the environment, the economy and the culture of the Fundy region. Do not miss the Lighthouse, Wharf and fishing this area has to offer.
Clairmont Provincial Park
This picnic park can be found under a stand of red pine, providing a cool oasis away from the Valley heat. Open May 19 – October 9 annually; located at Rte 1, 3 km (2 mi) east of Kingston;
Greenwood Military Aviation Museum
The Museum features both static and interactive displays that trace the aviation history of RAF/RCAF/CF at Station Greenwood. This is a newly improved site and winner of the Attractions Canada award for 2001. Enjoy a walk through the Argus Trainer and experience a flight in a uniquely Canadian aircraft; watch an AVRO Anson MKII or the Bolingbroke being rebuilt. The Outdoor Air Park features a WWII AVRO Lancaster, P2V7 Neptune, & Canadian Argus. Do not miss a stroll through the Memorial garden; admission is free and donations are welcome. The Museum is open year round, 9am – 5pm daily during June – August; Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm during the off season. Located at the Canex Mall Call 902-765-1494 for more information.
Historic Gardens
During the mid 1970's the Town of Annapolis Royal and its citizens met to discuss ways of revitalizing the town through conservation and promotion of its heritage. It was later decided that this location was ideal for a display garden. The Historic Gardens comprises several themed gardens representing different periods in our history. La Maison Acadienne et Potager shows an early French settler's dwelling, the Governor's Garden is reminiscent of the period following 1710, while the Victorian Garden reflects the prosperous days of shipbuilding and vigorous trade of the 19th century. The themed gardens are linked by paths through other display areas including several plant collections, the largest being the Rose Collection which displays more than 230 cultivars in their historical context. The Innovative Garden demonstrates modern horticultural methods and newly introduced plant material. The Gardens are open daily from mid May - mid October 9am - 5pm daily. During the off season and after hours, the Gardens are accessible on an “admission by donation” basis only. Located just 30km from Kingston.
McDonald Museum
The Museum can be found in a Gothic-style, 150-year-old farmhouse that features furnished rooms and an exhibit room complete with displays such as crafts, a housing loom and a spinning wheel. You will also find a barn that contains a display of farm machinery and tools; it is also used for square dances and concerts during the summer months. A one-room schoolhouse (c 1920) has been restored to portray its original role. Open daily 9am - 5pm June 15 - September 15. Call 902-258-3317 for more information.
3458 Route 395, Kingston, NS
Oaklawn Zoo
This modern zoological park features hundreds of exotic and domestic animals, including jaguars, tigers, zebras, llamas, a pride of lions, and comical and noisy troupes of monkeys. There is also a petting zoo that is a favourite with the younger set. Come walk with llamas, hand feed deer and laugh with the hilarious Gibbons (monkeys). View 9 lions in an acre compound. Home to the largest lion in the World! 10 kilometers from Oak Lawn Farm Zoo
Paragon Golf & Country Club
The Paragon Golf and Country Club is located in the heart of the Annapolis Valley in Kingston, N.S. about an hour and thirty minute drive from Metro Halifax. Because of its location, Paragon is one of the clubs that open for play in early April every year, while play continues very late in the year due to normally pleasant fall weather. The course is eighteen holes with a yardages of (5560) (6073) and (6259) from the front, middle and back tees. The course plays to a par 72. There are five par 3's; eight par 4's and five par 5's. Although the par 5's show as being short they can be deceivingly difficult. There is a mixture of woods; water hazards and well placed bunkers to make Paragon a challenge to golfers of all levels. Greens that are soft and normally putt true are another offering of this challenging course. April 1 to October 31
Upper Clements Amusement Park
The Upper Clements Amusement Park offers lots of family fun for all ages. This Park is provincially owned but operations are run by the Hanse Society, a community-based, non-profit organization. Featuring 26 rides and attractions, daily live entertainment, craft, food & shopping concession, our goal is to provide every visitor with a thoroughly satisfying experience Upper Clements Park is a small rural community located at the western end of the Annapolis Valley. The Park is found easily from the Nova Scotia's four main entry points and is open mid June to Labour Day on a daily basis from 110am – 7pm. Located just 40 km from Kingston.
Upper Clements Wildlife Park
Just 40km from Kingston. The Park encompasses 1100 acres, 30 acres of which include the animal exhibits. The exhibits are located in a beautiful woodland setting surrounded by trees, ponds, lakes, and streams thus allowing the visitors to have a nice shady walk around the Park to view the animals in a natural environment. All the animals in the Park have either been born in captivity or have been rehabilitated from injury and cannot return to the wild. The Park is inspected regularly by Provincial Wildlife Authorities. The Park is open daily May 15 - October 15; May 15 - Mid June 10am - 5pm; Mid June - Labour Day 10am - 7pm; Labour Day - October 15 10am - 5pm. Park attendants are on duty at all times and are available to answer any of your questions.