Video Gallery
Live, Work, and Play in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Explore why Annapolis Royal is the ideal destination for medical professionals seeking career growth and work-life balance. Our vibrant community offers a supportive healthcare environment, affordable living, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or settle into a welcoming community, Annapolis Royal has everything you need to thrive.
Pierre Dugua de Mons documentary
This 50 minute long French documentary film directed by Michel Gémon and produced by Marie-Claude Bouchet of Royan, France was made in 2002-2003 for the 400th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the Habitation at Port-Royal, Nova Scotia in 2004.
This film traces the adventurous life of Pierre Dugua de Mons, born in Royan around 1560. De Mons financed an expedition to New France thus establishing the first permanent European settlement north of St-Augustine Florida as well as an enduring alliance with the Mi’kmaq in 1605.
Filmed on site in Canada and France and containing many interviews with imminent historians, this documentary tells the important story of a man often left in the shadow of Samuel Champlain but who is ultimately responsible for the establishment of French presence in Canada.
With the approval of both the producer and the director, this film has been translated and sub-titled into English.
The Annapolis Royal Twinning Committee would like to thank the Parker Mountain Wind Turbine Society, the Municipality of the County of Annapolis and the Town of Annapolis Royal for funding to make the sub-titling possible thus allowing anglophone viewers to become familiar with the contribution of Dugua de Mons to Canadian history.
Ce documentaire français de 50 minutes de Michel Gémon (réalisateur) et Marie-Claude Bouchet (productrice) de Royan, en France, a été tourné en 2002-2003 pour la célébration des 400 ans de l’établissement de l’Habitation à Port-Royal, en Nouvelle-Écosse, en 2004.
Ce film raconte la vie aventureuse de Pierre Dugua, sieur de Mons, né à Royan vers 1560. C’est Dugua de Mons qui a financé une expédition en Nouvelle-France et qui a ainsi établi le premier établissement européen au nord de la Floride en 1605, ainsi qu’une alliance avec le peuple mi’kmaw.
Ce film, tourné au Canada et en France en comprenant des entrevues avec des historiens importants, est le seul film qui relate l’histoire de ce marchand explorateur. Même s’il est nettement moins connu que Champlain, c’est pourtant Dugua de Mons qui est responsable des débuts de la présence française dans la région.
Avec l’autorisation du réalisateur et de la productrice, le film a été traduit et sous-titré en anglais.
Le comité de jumelage de la ville d’Annapolis Royal désire remercier la société Parker Mountain Wind Turbine, la municipalité du comté d’Annapolis et la ville d’Annapolis Royal du financement qui a permis le sous-titrage du film en anglais et qui offre donc la possibilité aux anglophones de comprendre la contribution de Dugua de Mons à l’histoire du Canada.
RURAL RENAISSANCE: How Canada’s Oldest Town Reinvented Itself…
This documentary captures the story of the Annapolis Royal Development Commission and its impactful projects that now, 40 years later, are still the backbone of the community.
Spearheaded by Jane Nicholson and AIRO, with the support of filmmaker Andrew Tolson and researcher Wilfred Allan, what started out as a short video for the community became an hour-long documentary to show what is truly possible when a community comes together.
Community and economic development in rural Nova Scotia is a long process. This documentary shares the impact of a project begun over 40 years ago and shows how the community continues to benefit from those efforts today. The documentary also acts as a touchpoint for future generations to consider when they look back 40 years from now. And – spoiler alert – we may have some opportunities coming in 2022 for conversations about how things could play out for our community 40 years forward!
Annapolis Royal had the honour of being first on Maclean’s list “Canada 2014: 10 Places You’ve Got to See”. We’re proud to have been joined by many other spectacular locations in Canada.
Visit Canada 2014: Places You’ve Got To See to view all of the delightful and unexpected locations our country has to offer in this beautifully produced series.
The producer of the “Meet You in Annapolis Royal” 5-part promotional series of videos was Edifice Media.
A Voice of Tradition: Christine Igot, Town Crier of Annapolis Royal
Step back in time and experience a treasured piece of living history with this special video of Christine Igot, Town Crier of Annapolis Royal, performing an original poem celebrating our town’s rich and layered past.
Town criers were once the official messengers of news—bell in hand, voice raised to announce proclamations, births, and public events. Today, they remain a proud ceremonial tradition in select communities, and we are honoured to have one of Canada’s most beloved criers right here in Annapolis Royal.
Christine Igot isn’t just a crier—she’s a local icon. As one of the few female town criers in the country, Christine brings both gravitas and joy to every occasion, from media appearances and tourism events to weddings, business openings, and parades. Her presence has helped shine a national spotlight on our historic town, and her spirited performances are a highlight for residents and visitors alike.
We invite you to enjoy this moving piece, and to celebrate the unique charm and community pride that Christine brings to every ring of the bell.
Preserving the Past with Passion: Alan Melanson
Meet Alan Melanson, a true steward of Annapolis Royal’s history and one of the most recognizable faces of heritage tourism in Nova Scotia. Through his work, Alan has dedicated decades to bringing our town’s stories to life—often in period costume and always with captivating detail.
Whether leading one of North America’s longest-running historical ghost walks or guiding visitors through Fort Anne, Alan’s storytelling bridges generations. His passion and professionalism have earned national acclaim and made Annapolis Royal a must-visit for history lovers.
Celebrating Collaboration: Secord Strategies Wraps Up Annapolis Royal Visit
Lisa MacLeod and Susan Struppe of Secord Strategies: Wandering Women North Of 50 Tour visited Annapolis Royal and surrounding communities as part of a special economic development project—marking the grand finale of a nine-month regional contract led by Daniela Siggia-Beasant.
The visit celebrated the spirit of rural innovation, tourism, and community-building that defined the project, offering Lisa and Susan a chance to experience local culture, meet business owners, and see firsthand the potential our area holds.
From kitchen parties and Acadian breadmaking to distillery tours and strategic meetings, the trip capped off a dynamic contract focused on storytelling, investment readiness, and grassroots development. Thank you to everyone who made them feel welcome!
“The Best Part of Canada” – Lisa MacLeod, Secord Strategies
In this 30-second clip, Lisa MacLeod & Susan Truppe of Secord Strategies shares her heartfelt take on what makes Annapolis Royal and the surrounding region so special. A proud moment for our community—watch and feel the love for rural Nova Scotia!
