Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens plus Benjamin Bridge and LightFoot Wineries - Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre

We start our afternoon with a trip to the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens on the campus of Acadia University.

Irving family gift to Acadia Universtiy

 

Botanical Gardens

The gardens consist of nine Acadian Forest Region habitats as well as a Medicinal and Food gardens. They also are a living gene bank for the native flora of the Acadian Forest Region and dedicated to the recovery and protection of endangered plant species.
 

Jerusalum Artichoke

Study hall

Inside the K.C. Science Centre is a huge study hall, which has many displays. 

Fungi display

The Annapolis Valley area we are in is the undisputed heart of  Nova Scotia's wine country. The valley benefits from a unique microclimate and marine influence that make it ideal for growing cool-climate grapes, particularly for white and sparkling wines. 

Vineyards of Annapolis Valley

Benjamin Bridge Winery

We have promised ourselves some down time at a couple local wineries. We choose the Benjamin Bridge winery and the LightFoot Winery both local to Wolfville.

Benjamin Bridge is expansive with views of the Gaspereau River. The vineyards are nestled right against the banks of the river and we can walk down with a glass of wine and sit right beside the river bank.

Gaspereau River

LightFoot Winery

The LightFoot Winery is also very nice with views of the Bay of Fundy. This winery also allows you to walk with your glass of wine through the rows of grapes, which we do before settling in a nice comfy seat to just relax. 

Local Rose and White Tidal Bay wines

Views of the Bay of Fundy

What a great way to spend an afternoon. Alberta could use some wineries :)

Cone Flowers galore

In the parking lot I snap my license plate for Nova Scotia. I have taken one of every province. This may be a favorite :) 

Nova Scotia license plate