Fortress Of Louisbourg, Cape Breton Nova Scotia

The Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton is one of my favorite places on the island. Visit this National Historic Site found on the eastern part of Cape Breton Island, it’s a few hours from mainland Nova Scotia, but an essential stop on a full Nova Scotia road trip. Step back to the 1700s to see what life was like for those living here.

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Visiting The Fortress Of Louisbourg

Late May until mid October the Fortress is open 7 days a week from 9:30am to 5:00pm

Admission is $17.60 for adults 18-64, under 17 is free, and 65+ is $14.95.

Louisbourg is approximately 45min from the city of Sydney in Cape Breton via trunk 22 S.

Visit their website for more information here.

There are a few places to eat in the Fortress, Hôtel de la Marine and the Grandchamp House serve full meals; you can grab soup or a snack at L’Épée Royale, and for delicious homemade bread, baked in a stone oven every morning, visit The King’s Bakery.

About The Fortress

The Fortress was named after King of France, Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great. The French founded the settlement in 1713. They constructed a fortress to protect against British invasion. The Fortress of Louisbourg had a population of around 4000 in the mid 1700s. They lived, fished and traded, being seized twice and then finally destroyed in 1760. It laid untouched by anyone until archeologists started reconstructing the fortress back to it’s former glory. You can now walk through the fortress, as it would have looked around the 1740s.

Points of Interest

The Dauphin Gate

This is the main gate when you enter the fortress. In it’s heyday, it was manned 24 hours a day by 30 soldiers.

The Quay

Once you enter the fortress you’ll walk along the quay, which runs along the waterfront. There are often reenactments for you to enjoy.

The Frédéric Gate

This gate dominates the waterfront and can be seen from many places in the fortress. Through this gate came people, news and merchandise from boats. Large vessels would anchor offshore, but smaller ones could dock close by.

The Military Chapel

The majority of the people who lived in Louisbourg were Catholics, since no parish church was ever built, the community worshiped in the military chapel.

The King’s Bastion Barracks

Over 500 men lived in these barracks, with 12-16 men per bunk.

De Gannes House

The home of Michel de Gannes de Falaise, who became the King’s Lieutenant. He married Elizabeth de Catalogne and had six children. When you visit you may be able to watch someone demonstrate making lace.

Governor’s Apartments

Most of the governors who lived in these apartments were unmarried middle-aged naval officers. Commandant Jean- Baptiste-Louis le Prévost Duquesnel was one of them. Representing the king’s majesty in person, the Governor lived lavishly.

Things To Note

It’s often chilly in Louisbourg, even if it’s beautiful and sunny in Sydney, so you should bring at least a light sweater.

Although the town outside the fortress is small, you can visit the Louisbourg Lighthouse. Currently standing is the fourth lighthouse on that spot, the first was built in 1734 and was the first lighthouse built in Canada.

Read all about Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail!