A cultivated experiencefor the mind, body, and soil.

There’s something about Wolfville that is, well, indefinably satisfying to all who live, study, work or visit. We could try to define it by mentioning how our sustainability sensibility, blended with our intense sense of community, make this place immensely rewarding to visit. Or how our cosmopolitan but charming centre, blended with the wine country that surrounds us, provides all the finer things one looks for out of life. We could even point to the beautiful landscape–hills, valleys, rivers, and ocean coming together as the perfect wallpaper. But we find the best way to understand Wolfville is to experience it. And those who experience our town do not forget it. Come and Experience Wolfville and create your own definition!

Wolfville is situated in the North Western portion of Nova Scotia, along the shores of the Minas Basin which is part of the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. The Town is separated from the Minas Basin by agricultural dykes which were built by Acadians in the 17th century. Wolfville experiences the Bay of Fundy’s record setting tides each day as water fills and drains from the Wolfville Harbour, which is the world’s smallest harbour.

Wolfville Harbour

You can find Wolfville along Highway 1, which is connected to Highway 101 at two interchanges approximately 4 kilometres east or west of Town limits. The Town has a geographic area of 7.31 square kilometres and is approximately an hour’s drive from Halifax International Airport and Halifax, Atlantic Canada’s largest city.

Vibrant and rich history is a part of Wolfville community

Heritage and history are a defining characteristic of Wolfville. This becomes obvious the more you explore our community.

Take a walking tour of the heritage homes, visit the Randall House Museum, stroll through the old burying grounds, or view the dykes built by the French in the 1600’s. East of town, you can explore the Grand-Pré National Historic Site which documents the 1755 expulsion of the Acadians – made famous in Longfellow’s poem Evangeline. Stop in Hortonville and see the iron cross which stands in memorial to the Acadians, and see the monument, which marks the landing site of the Planters.

Incorporated as a Town in 1893, Wolfville was originally settled by the Acadians who were expelled by British forces in 1755. The area was resettled by New England planters who arrived in 1760. Originally named Mud Creek, the town’s name was changed in 1830 – wisely, we’d suggest – when two granddaughters of Judge Elisha DeWolfe convinced their postmaster uncle, Elisha Junior, that a more suitable name was needed. With about half of the homeowners on the main road being DeWolfe’s or DeWolfe by family connection, the name Wolfville was an obvious and poetic choice.

Preserving Wolfville’s Heritage and History

Wolfville has a deep-rooted and rich heritage that we strive to preserve and celebrate. The Randall House Museum, mantained by the Wolfville Historical Society, is one such way that we do this.

The Randall House is a historic Horton farmhouse (circa 1800) and a community museum that reflects the way of life in Wolfville and its surrounding area in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Randall family owned the house for three generations before being opened to the public in May 1949. Now, the 200-year-old traditional colonial dwelling gives a glimpse into the lives of the Randall family and the many other inhabitants of this quaint farmhouse. It displays the details of domestic and business life, and the contributions made by some of Wolfville’s leading families, farmers, merchants, artists, and clergy. Soak up the ambience of the period rooms on your own or with a guide.

Items in the collection include furniture made in Horton Township, fine costumes and textiles, paintings, china, glass, and even a collection of Victorian greeting cards. A small library and research office for local history and genealogy is located on the second floor, where copies of the extensive photograph collection are also kept.

Outside, an historic garden, which contains plants prominent in Nova Scotia circa 1840, is the perfect place to have a picnic.

Randall House is a window on the town’s past and of the many cultures and inhabitants that helped shape the town’s history.

The Wolfville Historical Society is a registered Canadian Charitable Organization that owns maintains and operates the Randall House. The Society’s mission is to interpret and maintain the Randall House as a museum for the benefit of the members of the Society, the residents of Wolfville and its surrounding communities, and visitors.

The Heart of Wine Country

Wolfville is perfectly nestled amongst the majority of Nova Scotia wineries here in the Annapolis Valley. What better to enjoy the stunning views with than a glass of Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s very own appellation. But that’s just the beginning. Wolfville wineries offer a multitude of internationally renowned whites, roses, sparklings, and reds. Hop on the Wolfville Magic Vinery Bus to take a day trip, or stay a few days to enjoy exceptional wines in the heart of wine country.