5 Places All Acadians / Cajuns Must Visit
These five destinations offer a profound connection to Acadian and Cajun heritage, from the origins in Annapolis Royal to the resilience symbolized by Pubnico. Each location highlights the enduring spirit and cultural contributions of the Acadian people, making them essential visits for anyone seeking to understand and celebrate Acadian and Cajun history. By exploring these sites, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped the vibrant Acadian and Cajun cultures we know today.
1. Birthplace of the Acadian & Cajun People – Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Nearly 2 million Acadians and Cajuns today can trace their ancestry back almost 400 years to this beautiful seaside town. Founded as Port Royal by the French in 1605, the town predates the pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Rock by 15 years. The settlement was started by Pierre Dugua as a fortified habitation and expanded under Seigneur Jean de Poutrincourt. Founding Fathers of Acadia, Charles De La Tour and Charles D’Aulnay, championed the land and its people through the first 50 years and by the mid-1600s, Acadian culture was firmly established thanks to the foundations they laid.
Must-visit attractions in the Acadian capital:
Fort Anne National Historic Site: Built in 1629, it is the historic center of the Acadian capital of Port Royal. The site includes a museum detailing the struggles between the British, French, and Mi’Kmaq. Nearby is the Garrison Cemetery, the resting place of many of the first Acadians.
De Gannes-Cosby House National Historic Site: Dating from 1707, this is the oldest Acadian / Cajun house in the world and the only house still surviving from the siege of 1710. A plaque outside describes its importance.
Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens: Located near Fort Anne, these beautiful gardens showcase over 400 years of gardening and agriculture in Acadia, featuring a replica Acadian house from the 1600s. The ancestors of all Acadians and Cajuns today would have lived in a house of this style.
Adams-Ritchie House: Built in 1713 on the foundations of the Governor of Acadia’s Mansion. After the capture of Port Royal by the British in 1710, the site continued as the Governor of Nova Scotia’s residence until 1749. Today, it houses the Lazy Daisy Café.
Port Royal Habitation National Historic Site: A reconstruction of the first French building in Acadia, constructed by Pierre Dugua in 1605. It was here that plans were made to create Acadia.
For the ultimate Acadian experience, consider the Bailey House Inn, on the site of the Seigneurial Manor of Port Royal, the social heart of the Acadian capital. The current inn, one of the oldest places of accommodation in North America, rests on the foundations of a much older building from the Seigneurial estate.
2. The Grand Dérangement – Grand Pré, Nova Scotia
Grand Pré was a principal settlement of the Acadian community in the late 1600s and 1700s, known for its rich marshlands and innovative agricultural techniques. It played a pivotal role in the Deportation of the Acadians, also known as the Grand Dérangement, which began in 1755. This tragic event saw the forced expulsion of thousands of Acadians by the British. Grand Pré was a central gathering point where Acadians were rounded up and deported, an event that scattered their community and significantly impacted their cultural continuity. Despite their forced exile, the Acadians preserved their culture, language, and traditions.
Must-visit attractions in Grand Pré:
Grand-Pré National Historic Site: Features a memorial church and an interpretive center that provides a comprehensive history of the Acadian people, their way of life, and the Deportation. The site also includes the evocative statue of Evangeline, the heroine of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem.
Landscape of Grand Pré: This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses the stunning dykelands and farmlands reclaimed from the sea by the Acadians, highlighting their impressive agricultural practices.
Acadian Memorial Cross: Erected in 1924, this cross commemorates the Acadian Deportation and serves as a poignant reminder of their struggles and perseverance.
3. Cajun Pride in America – Lafayette & St. Martinville, Louisiana
Louisiana has the largest population of Acadians/Cajuns in the world. Lafayette and St. Martinville are crucial in preserving and celebrating Acadian culture. Lafayette, known as the “Heart of Acadiana,” is renowned for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and festivals. The Acadian Village, a replica of a 19th-century Cajun village, offers a glimpse into early Acadian life.
St. Martinville, the “Mother Town of the Acadians,” was one of the first places where Acadians settled after their expulsion. It is home to the Evangeline Oak and St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, one of the oldest churches in Louisiana.
Three must-visit attractions in Lafayette & St. Martinville:
Vermilionville Historic Village: A living history museum in Lafayette dedicated to preserving the cultural resources of the Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures from 1765 to 1890.
Evangeline Oak Park: In St. Martinville, this historic site is tied to the legendary Acadian heroine Evangeline, immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem.
St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church: Dating back to 1765, this historic church is a testament to the early Acadian settlers’ faith and resilience.
4. Acadian Pride in New Brunswick – Bertrand, NB
New Brunswick has the second-largest population of Acadians in the world, and the Village Historique Acadien is a vital cultural and historical site. This living history museum recreates the life and traditions of the Acadian people from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The village spans over 40 hectares and features more than 40 buildings, all restored or recreated to reflect the era accurately. It serves as a repository of Acadian heritage and offers an immersive experience into the Acadian way of life.
Three must-visit attractions in the Village Historique Acadien:
Thériault House: An 18th-century farmhouse that provides a glimpse into the early Acadian settlers’ domestic life.
Daigle Sawmill: An operational sawmill demonstrating the importance of timber in the Acadian economy.
Schoolhouse: Reflecting the educational practices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it shows the role of education in preserving Acadian culture and language.
5. Acadian Pride in Nova Scotia – Pubnico, NS
Founded in 1653 by Baron Philippe Mius-d’Entremont, Pubnico is the oldest Acadian settlement still inhabited by the descendants of its founder. Despite the Great Expulsion of 1755, Pubnico managed to retain a significant Acadian presence, symbolizing the tenacity of Acadian culture. Today, it is a vibrant community that celebrates its rich heritage through cultural events, museums, and historical sites. The village’s connection to the sea is evident in its thriving fishing industry.
Three must-see attractions in Pubnico:
Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse: A living history museum offering an immersive experience of Acadian life in the early 1900s.
Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de Recherche: This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the history and culture of the Acadians in Pubnico.
Dennis Point Wharf: As the largest commercial fishing wharf in Atlantic Canada, it reflects the community’s ongoing connection to the sea and its historical significance.
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• 150 Saint George Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Bailey House 2025
Bailey House Inn
150 Saint George Street,
Annapolis Royal, NS
2025 Bailey House Inn