At Avonport, Trunk 1 turns west through the Annapolis Valley, following the south bank of the Cornwallis River through Wolfville, New Minas and Kentville.

Trunk 1 joins up with Highway 101 at Deep Brook to cross the Bear River, then splits apart to loop through the village of Smith's Cove, across from the town of Digby.

A new controlled-access segment of Highway 101 is proposed for this area; and it is assumed Trunk 1 will be re-signed along this stretch if completed.

It began as a trail connecting Acadian communities but was expanded by the British as link between the garrison of Annapolis Royal and the provincial capital of Halifax.

The name "the post road" persists in some circles but today it is more commonly nicknamed "the old number one" in contrast to the newer Highway 101.