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Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Just east of Sydney, Nova Scotia, you’ll discover a portal to the past at one of North America’s busiest 18th-century seaports. Founded by the French in 1713, this reconstruction of the original French town and fortifications is the largest—and best—of its kind in North America, offering a heavy dose of history and culture with each unique experience.

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site 1

Locals Know Blogs

  • Sleep in a Fortress

    The gates may close, but the experience continues on. Camp under the stars, safe inside the fortress walls. Or, become an honorary Louisbourg resident and sleep in a period-style house for the night.

  • Historic Tastes

    Explore the taste and aromas of 18-Century colonial living. Sip on Louisbourg’s favourite drink, Fortress Rum. Dine on traditional French recipes served by costumed staff.

Illustrated map of Cape Breton Island

Easy to Find. Hard to Leave.

There are direct flights to Sydney from Toronto and Montreal and from other North American and European cities via those cities. If traveling by ground, the Trans-Canada Highway 104 leads to Cape Breton Island.

Getting Here and Around