To Do Canada in Places to Visit & Things to Do

Fun Things to Do in Kentville

Kentville, Nova Scotia is located in the heart of the Annapolis Valley and Kings County. It is close by to many activities and ‘must stop’ locations. It started as farming town by the Acadians. The area was also called the “Devil’s Half Acre” due to rowdy drinking and the horseracing. The local brewing has continued to this day.

The Annapolis Valley is well-known for its rich agricultural industry, and Kentville is the best place to try all that the valley produces. Kentville is the perfect place to visit if you want to slow down, relax and reconnect with nature because Kentville is a “breath of fresh air”. Here are 25 things to do in Kentville.

1. Kings County Museum

This Museum is all about the history of Kentville and Kings County. It is located in the old Kentville Court House and holds special events and displays happen regularly. Kings County Museum

2. Miner’s Marsh

Miner’s Marsh is home to an abundance of wildlife and has aneasy walking trail for all ages. There are sitting areas along the trail that make for great rest spots or take a break to do some reading or yoga. Miner’s Marsh

3. Kentville Bird sanctuary

This protected area is home to many local bird and animal species. It is open all year round and is a ‘must visit’ place during the spring and fall. Kentville Bird sanctuary

4. Apple Blossom Festival

The Annapolis Valley’s biggest festival of the year is held every May. Events happen throughout the whole Annapolis Valley, with most of them being in Kentville. Enjoy the beauty of the thousands of apple blossoms, while watching Apple Blossom Queen being crowned. Apple Blossom Festival

5. Kings Arms Pub

The Kings Arms Pub is a great spot for a meal if you are looking for something special. They serve many local beers and ales, and their menu takes advantage of the local produce from nearby farms. Kings Arms Pub

6. Kentville Farmers Market

The Annapolis Valley is home to many family-run farms and artisans. The best place to learn about Kentville and the Annapolis Valley, along with having a tasty lunch, is at the Kentville Farmers Market. It is open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm year round. Kentville Farmers Market

7. Centre Stage Theater

Located in Downtown Kentville, this theater always has a show playing. The plays and musicals change regularly, so make sure to keep checking what tickets are available. Centre Stage Theater

8. Ghost Walks

Be prepared for a fright when you go on a Valley Ghost Walk. The Kentville Ghost Walks are fun for all over the age of ten and are a great way of discovering Kentville. Ghost Walks

9. U-Picks

The Annapolis Valley has many U-Pick locations to choose from. Kenney’s Farm in Kentville offers Strawberries, Peas, and Corn in their U-Pick. U-Picks

10. Kentville Library

The Kentville Library has a home in the old Church on Main Street. Its unique location makes this library stand out because the church’s stained glass windows and original brickwork are a sight to behold. Kentville Library

11. Pumpkin People

Bill and Karen Wilder/Flickr

If you visit Kentville in October, you will be able to see pumpkin people posed throughout the town. Pumpkin People are a local tradition and come from the book “Pumpkin People” by Sandra Lightburn. At many events, you will see Spike the Pumpkin Person, Kentville’s mascot. Pumpkin People

12. Pumpkin Walk at Miners Marsh

The Pumpkin Walk at Miners Marsh is an annual event hosted by NSCC Kingstec. Each year hundreds of pumpkins are carved, placed along the walkway and lit up. Hundreds of people come to look at all the pumpkins. No pumpkins are wasted though because they are given away at the end of the walk. Pumpkin Walk at Miners Marsh

13. Memorial Park

Memorial Park has something for everyone. There is a kid’s play park, tennis courts, and 3 baseball diamonds, along with a walking trail for people to enjoy. Memorial Park

14. Kentville Pool

Cool off at the Kentville Pool located at Memorial Park! There is a splash pad right outside of the pool is open when the pool is closed. Kentville Pool

15. Oakdene Park

Located in North Kentville, Oakdene Park is the place to go if you want to go for a quiet walk. The park also has a play park and a soccer field. You can also help with the community garden in the summer months. Oakdene Park

16. Paddy’s Brewpub and Rosie’s Restaurant

This Scottish Pub and Restaurant is the ‘must try’ place for families. They have a large menu for both adults and kids. They also make their own Rootbeer, which is a favorite among the local kids. Paddy’s Brewpub and Rosie’s Restaurant

17. Kentville Research Station

This is the best place to go if you want to take photos of local flowers in Kentville and New Minas. There is a walking trail that you can enjoy and take a break from the busy town center. Kentville Research Station

18. Kentville Ravine Trail

Mark Oxford/Flickr

Take time to enjoy a waterfall, a lovely pond, and the sounds of streams. Some of the growth on this is over 250 years old. The trail starts at the Kentville Research Station and goes to the New Minas boundary line. Kentville Ravine Trail

19. The Gorge

If you are looking for a place to go for a mountain bike ride or a challenging hike, The Gorge is the place to go. The Gorge is a natural formed path, so it is popular with people who are looking for a challenge. The Gorge

20. Burgher Hill

Burgher Hill is another great spot for mountain biking. During the winter months, it becomes the best place in Kentville to go sledding. Burgher Hill

21. Rail Trail

Hike this trail was formed by the old Trans Canada Rail Way. It is the longest trail in the Annapolis Valley and there are multiple entrances in and near Kentville. Rail Trail

22. Valley Sport and Event Centre

This is the largest indoor open space sport and event facility in the Annapolis Valley. The Valley Sport and Event Centre hosts many soccer games, along with other sporting events. Valley Sport and Event Centre

23. Moore’s Brook Falls

Moore’s Brook Falls is located right outside of Kentville, just off of Highway 101. This is a challenging trail to hike and there is a scenic 50-foot waterfall at the end of the trail.

The trail to the Falls is opposite the western entrance to Morris Crescent. There is a stone trail beside the bridge on Prospect Rd. Moore’s Brook Falls

Please leave no trace – remember to take Only Memories, Leave Only Footprints.

Please be aware that 4866 Prospect Road is a PRIVATE PROPERTY — NO TRESPASSING!

24. Kentville Centennial Arena

If you visit Kentville in the late fall to spring, the Kentville Centennial Arena will be open. The arena hosts many public skates during the week and has hockey games every weekend. Kentville Centennial Arena