Social distancing and quarantining are great measures to take to help limit the spread of COVID-19. However if you’re craving to explore more you can still be an arm chair traveller! Let us take you on a tour of one of Cape Breton’s most historic regions, Louisbourg Area. Stay tuned for more from our Virtual Vacation Blog Series! 

1. The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

This historic site featured one of, what would become, Canada’s most important turning points after the siege of 1758. Reconstruction of the historic site shows only 1/4 of the structures that were found within the Fortress. Tourists can experience musket and canon firings, an authentic menu from 18th century, rum tastings and can even be thrown into jail! While Parks Canada may be temporarily shut down you can still virtually visit all the historic buildings and features of the Fortress you would usually see but we can’t help with a virtual tasting of the rum!

2. Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail

After you finish your virtual tour of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site take a virtual stroll along the rugged Atlantic coast line, home of Canada’s first light house. This trail is home to boreal animals, migratory birds and is home to some of the best storm watching in all of Cape Breton with crashing waves that can reach heights taller than the lighthouse!

3. Downtown Louisbourg

Louisbourg is more than just an amazing historic site and beautiful trails. The downtown is home to great accommodations, unique dining experiences, local history museums and amazing festivals! No virtual trip to Cape Breton is complete without a virtual visit to Louisbourg.

4. Kennington Cove

Kennington Cove also known as Wolfe’s Landing, while being a beautiful beach, also has great historic significance. This beach was where James Wolfe and his company landed their forces in 1758 for the second siege of Louisbourg. The second siege saw the final exchange of control of the Fortress from French to the English. This siege was the beginning of England’s control over what would be come, Canada.

5. Ruins Walk 

If you’re a big history buff than this virtual tour will whet your appetite. The Fortress of Louisbourg Ruins Walk takes you along the shoreline of an undeveloped area of the Fortress. The importance of this location is that there are current archaeological digs happening each summer by a group from the University of New Brunswick.  When it’s safe to travel again this walk is a must see part of the Louisbourg experience!