Canoe Annapolis County
Route 24 – Annapolis Basin
Record #:
MCA0390
Last Modified:
11 Apr 2019
Last Full Update:
08 Feb 2018
Location
| Located In | Annapolis County |
| Where To Find Us | Access: Annapolis Royal Wharf & Haul Up St George St Annapolis Royal |
| Other Site Locations | Access: Upper Clements Park (camping area) Route 1 Upper Clements Access: Beach at Oak Point Highway 1 Upper Clements Access: Behind Basinview Centre (Cornwallis Park) Highway 1 Cornwallis Access: Boat Launch Old Trunk 1 Bear River Access: Digby Marina Water St Digby Access: Shafners Point Granville Rd Port Royal Access: Thornes Cove shoreline (Watch the tide)! Granville Rd Karsdale Access: Victoria Beach Wharf Victoria Beach Rd Victoria Beach Access: Parkers Cove Wharf Shore Rd W Parkers Cove Access: Delaps Cove Wharf Delaps Cove Rd |
| Areas Served | Annapolis County |
Contact
| Website | annapoliscounty.ca/community-recreation/waterways-water-access/canoe-annapolis-county/471-canoe-annapolis-county-route-24-annapolis-basin |
| dryan@annapoliscounty.ca | |
| Phone | 902-665-5010 |
| Contact | Debra Ryan, Recreation Manager |
Description & Services
| Information | The Annapolis Basin was formed following the general rise in sea levels after the last ice age. The North and South Mountains frame the basin of the Annapolis River, which exits swiftly through the narrow Digby Gut to the Bay of Fundy. The bedrock geology of the North Mountain is basalt, while the South Mountain is generally granite. Once very likely majestic, the "mountains" were ground down over the ages by ice sheets and erosion, leaving the postcard vistas you may see today while paddling its shores. Before the arrival of the first European explorers, the Annapolis River and Basin served as an important resource to the Mi'kmaw community for millennia. They occupied many sites around the Basin, hunting porpoise, harvesting shellfish, eels, fish and game. The Mi'kmaq called the river Teoôpsig (flowing out between rocks). The French called it the Rivière Dauphin. The advantages of the Basin's large natural harbour was noted by the French, who arrived in 1605 and promptly established the Habitation on the north shore at Port Royale. The early Acadian settlers built an impressive and unique series of dykes along the natural marshes to hold back the high tides, and established an extensive agricultural economy. After 400 years, many of those dykes still remain, maintained by local farmers who continue to farm the reclaimed land. Through the 1600's, the intrigues of European and New World politics created much strife in the Annapolis Basin area, which was contested in turn by British and French forces, their First Nations allies, and American privateers. In 1710, Port Royal fell a last time to the British and was renamed Annapolis Royal, in honour of Queen Anne. For the paddler, the Annapolis Basin offers a large expanse of navigable water, relatively protected from the high winds and waves of the Bay of Fundy, but nonetheless still affected by them. The Basin's extreme tides and strong currents can be a challenge in many sections, and common sense with respect to weather and tide conditions must be considered. Particular caution must be taken with the current at the Tidal Power Station in Annapolis Royal (see Route 19, Map 10), and with the current, tide and wind at Digby Gut (the tide flows through the Gut at approximately 6 knots), the north channel at Goat Island and the south channel at Bear Island. Tenting is available at commercial campgrounds where noted on the map. There is an informal tent site on Goat Island, at the beach on the north end of the island. Public washrooms are available in Annapolis Royal at Fort Anne, Kings Theatre, and the Tidal Power Station. Washrooms and showers are available in Digby at the Heritage Centre, just up the street from the marina. Food and refreshments can be found near Entry/Exit points at various businesses in Annapolis Royal, Digby and Cornwallis Park. Click HERE for launch location(s), map and route details. |
| Trail or Water Route Map |
Special Information
| Tags | Active Transportation ; Annapolis Valley Connect ; Canoe/Kayak ; Maps ; NS Trail Guide ; Outdoor Recreation ; Recreation Categories ; Summer Programs ; Support Programs |
| Categories - General | Canoeing ; Kayaking ; Maps ; Recreational Rivers |
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