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Why Louisbourg
is special
The Louisbourg historic site has an impressively recreated 18th-century French
fortress (see photo) and old town.
Tips & insights
on Louisbourg
in Canada
 The
French colony of Louisbourg was a cod fishing, salting and preserving center -
and a major seaport for trade with Europe, New England and the Caribbean.
The
recreated Louisbourg takes you back to 1744, a year before the British captured
it from the French. That battle eventually helped the British gain control from
the French of what is today eastern Canada.
The
reconstruction began in 1961 and took over a decade to reach a substantive
completion stage. Archaeological work continues today.
The
reconstruction deserves praise for its attention to authenticity. The architects
and interior designers relied heavily on archaeological artifacts and historical
documents.
Louisbourg
old town has dozens of buildings of various purposes, including homes, stores
and workshops. They are open from spring to fall.
Staffers
in period attire play dozens of roles, including those of soldiers, fishermen,
cooks, and shop keepers. Their spiels on what 18th-century life was like are
both educational and entertaining.
You
are encouraged to ask these staffers questions. They will answer you true to
their character, as if they just arrived in a time machine.
Visitors
can explore Louisburg on their own or can take a free guided tour (which I
recommend).
You
can dine in restaurants where the decor, recipes and server outfits are colonial
style.
A
contemporary Louisbourg town sits on the other side of the bay. It's of scant
interest to travelers except for accommodations.
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in Canada
 
My Canadian cuisine guide
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