Kentville, town in Kings County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Kentville is a town in Kings County, Nova Scotia, located along the Cornwallis River about 8 kilometers from where it meets the sea. The downtown has a mix of historic and modern buildings, with parks and green spaces scattered throughout, and a visitor center at 125 Park Street provides maps and local information.
The town was renamed Kentville in 1826 to honor the Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria, who visited in 1794. The arrival of the railway around 1869 transformed the area, causing rapid growth from roughly 664 to nearly 1,800 residents, and by 1886 Kentville officially became a town.
Kentville is known as the heart of Nova Scotia's apple-growing region, and this agricultural connection shapes the town's identity. Residents celebrate this heritage each year through the Apple Blossom Festival, showing how farming remains central to community life and gatherings.
The best times to visit are spring during the Apple Blossom Festival or summer for outdoor activities like hiking and biking on local trails. Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the downtown, parks, and trail systems on foot is the best way to experience the town, and the visitor center at 125 Park Street can help plan your day.
The town hosts one of the finest baseball diamonds in the Atlantic provinces and has become a center for mountain biking events, including national races and downhill competitions. The recently opened skate park bowl draws riders of all ages, making this small rural community a surprising destination for sports enthusiasts from across the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
