'''Windsor''' [http://www.town.windsor.ns.ca] is a city in Nova Scotia.
Understand
History
Windsor was settled in 1685 by the Acadian French, who built a network of dikes along the rivers. Windsor has always been a meeting place, first for the Mi_fkmaqs, then the Acadians, and later the English gentry.
Windsor became a permanent English settlement in 1749. Its strategic location prompted the British to build Fort Edward. The Blockhouse is the only structure remaining from the original Fort and it is the oldest structure of its kind in North America. Fort Edward is a National Historic Site.
Windsor quickly became a favourite locale of the British gentry, particularly with those living in Halifax. The area_fs growth and prosperity was heavily affected by this influential collection of politicians, merchants and military officers from Halifax. In fact, Windsor was such a popular _gget-a-way_h for people in the provincial capital that it became known as _gThe Athens of Nova Scotia_h.
Shortly after the arrival of the United Empire Loyalists from New England in 1783, Kings College was established in Windsor, in 1788. Kings College was the first independent school in Canada, and today is a world-renowned co-educational preparatory school.
Windsor was for many years a bustling seaport and shipbuilding centre. Between 1840 and 1890, shipbuilding was the most prominent factor in the economy of Windsor.
Windsor is recognized as the "birthplace" of hockey and represents an inextricable part of Windsor_fs heritage and culture. In his book Attache, Windsor_fs own Thomas Chandler Haliburton, generally regarded as the father of North American humor, alluded to a form of hockey being played by the students of King_fs College, now King_fs-Edgehill School.
The passage from the Haliburton book, which deals in part with memories of his days at King_fs in the early 1800s, is believed to be the earliest written reference to the game we now know as hockey, and goes as follows:
_gthe boys let out racin_f, yelpin_f, hollerin_f and whoopin_f like mad with pleasure... with games at base in the fields, or hurley on the long pond on the ice..._h
The students from King_fs-Edgehill School today still play hockey at the Cradle of Hockey on the Dill Family Farm. There have been many re-enactments of games of hurley-on-ice, _gback of the college woods_h on the pond. The students at King_fs still use the same path today that their predecessors would have used some 200 years ago.
It_fs also known that the British troops stationed at Windsor_fs Fort Edward in the early 1800s took up the game of hurley-on-ice, which evolved into the great Canadian game of hockey. In fact, it_fs said that a Colonel John Hockey actually served at Fort Edward.
Get in
The closest airport to Windsor is '''Halifax International Airport''' in Halifax.
Windsor is approximately 45 minutes by car from Halifax. To get to Windsor from Halifax, take '''Highway 101 West''' and get off at exit 5A or exit 6. (The Visitor Center is located at exit 6.) Windsor can also be accessed via '''Highway 1''', also known as the '''Evangeline Trail''', which goes right through the center of town.
Get around
Public transit is readily available in the town of Windsor. The bus connects to many surrounding communities as well as attractions further down the Annapolis Valley.
See
Travel to the nearby university town of Wolfville, where at sundown something very intriguing happens in a tiny park. Surrounded by car lots a block off the main street is '''Robie Swift Park''' and there stands a lone chimney from a long-gone dairy plant. At about sunset chimney swifts flit and circle the chimney before entering for the night. This event is watched by many people, though sadly the number of swifts has declined over the years due to a population of merlins nesting nearby. If you see nothing else in Wolfville, see this. It is so uplifting. Also visit the local bookshop for an excellent selection of books.
'''Fort Edward National Historic Site''', Fort Edward St., ''+1 902'' 532-2321, [http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/edward/index_e.asp]. 15 Jun-31 Aug, M-F 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM. The oldest surviving Blockhouse in Canada, Fort Edward was built by the British in 1750. Free.
'''Haliburton House''', 414 Clifton Ave., ''+1 902'' 798-2915, [http://museum.gov.ns.ca/hh/]. 1 Jun-15 Oct, M-F 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 1PM-5:30PM. The former home of Judge Thomas Chandler Haliburton, lawyer, judge, historian, member of the Legislative Assembly and the British House of Commons, and author of the Sam Slick stories. The house sits on a 40 acre estate with walking trails and an old apple orchard. Adults $3, Seniors $2, Children under 6 free.
'''Shand House''', 389 Avon Ave., ''(follow signs with blue key)'' ''+1 902'' 798-8213, [http://museum.gov.ns.ca/sh/]. Jun-15 Oct, M-F 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 1PM-5:30PM. An ornate late-Victorian house, complete with original furnishings, fixtures, and woodwork. Visitors can climb the tower for nice views of the Avon River and surrounding countryside. Adults $3, Seniors $2, Children under 6 free.
'''Windsor-West Hants Pumpkin Festival''', Windsor Waterfront and Exhibition Grounds, ''+1 902'' 798-9440 or ''+1 902'' 798-2728, [http://www.worldsbiggestpumpkins.com/] Mid-October. This festival includes a number of pumpkin-related activities, but the highlight is the Pumpkin Regatta: contestants make boats out of giant pumpkins and paddle or motor them around Lake Pesaquid, often in silly costumes. Free.
Do
Golf at '''Rosevale Par Three''' Family Golf Course- located just minutes from Windsor, just off the Chester Rd. Great golfing for learners, kids, and anyone looking to have fun and enjoy their day off! contact--rosevalepar3@hotmail.com
Buy
'''Windsor Farmers' Market''', Sam Slick Coachhouse, Windsor Waterfront ''+1 902'' 798-5997. Saturdays 9AM-1PM ''(June to October)'' Woodworking, crafts, and local produce.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Get out
Continue along the Evangeline Trail (Hwy 1) to '''Grand Pre''' and '''Wolfville'''. Further along are '''Annapolis Royal''' (Port Royal) and '''Digby'''.
In winter, take Highway 14 to '''Ski Martock''' [http://www.martock.com/index.shtml] for cross country and downhill skiing/snowboarding.