Bridgetown

Situated on the Annapolis River at the head of the tide, Bridgetown saw Mi’kmaq settlements in the area, followed by Acadian settlers from Port-Royal and then British-sponsored settlements by the late 1700s. The main Acadian settlement was on the east boundary of the town, called Gaudetville. There were other Acadian settlers in the town proper, some of whom lived just east of the present bridge.

The Windsor and Annapolis Railway constructed the mainline between Windsor and Annapolis Royal through the area in 1868, crossing over the Annapolis River on a bridge on the south side of the town. This bridge was initially a wooden covered bridge.

It was replaced later on by the present iron railway bridge. This railway eventually was merged into the Dominion Atlantic Railway and served the town until 1990.

The Middleton and Victoria Beach Railway was constructed through the north end of the town in the early 1900s and this line under the ownership of Canadian National Railway served the town until 1982.

Today Bridgetown has many heritage buildings which are best appreciated by taking The Cyprus Walk self-guided and critically acclaimed walking tour. The town hosts an annual Ciderfest festival to celebrate the apple harvest in the fall.