Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site image

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark History museum Fortress Heritage preservation National museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park


Address

259 Pk Service Rd, Louisbourg, NS B1C 2L2, Canada

Website

www.pc.gc.ca

Contact

+1 902-919-8392

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (2.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: (New Year's Day), 9:30 am to 4 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 9:30 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: history (12) site (11) great (10) area (9) experience (8) time (8) visit (7) amazing (6) actors (6) hours (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jaydn N. 9 months ago on Google
    Great history. Would have been better of they had fired the cannon as planned, but we were rained out. Actors are there to enhance the experience. Very cool place! Recommend buying the park pass which is good for all of Canada's parks for the year. Better value for money.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R. C. 2 years ago on Google
    Do you like history and knowing events that helped shaped Canada? If so this is your spot. There are lots of things to see and experience. This is a reconstruction of what Fortress Louisburg was like. It is is filled with authentic recreations and animators. The animators are all amazing. These are people who are acting a role from that specific time period. They are all over the fortress and they have lots of interesting things to tell. Highly recommend going to Fortress Louisburg.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Faisal S. 8 months ago on Google
    Must visit if you want to see what the year 1744 looked like. The actors are spot on, the loaf of freshly baked bread was a must try and delicious, and the restoration is amazing. There is a lot of history that once you start talking to the actors, time flies. Be prepared to spend 3 hours here minimum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jamie H. 7 months ago on Google
    Free entry with a Parks Canada Pass to this fantastic reconstructed historic site, it is huge with SO much going on, even in shoulder season every building you go in has something happening. We decided to pay a bit extra to have a tour which included the firing of a rifle and an original style hot chocolate in the kitchen area, it was well worth the money. You really need to spend a good few hours here to make the very most of your time and to experience everything possible. All of the staff and actors were brilliant, so professional, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, we really enjoyed our time here. A must do if you are in the area, we didn’t know just how much this area had an impact on Nova Scotia and the world from 1744.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James C. 9 months ago on Google
    Over the years, I have visited many museums / sites that reenact historical periods, and I must say that the Fortress of Louisbourg is one of the best I have gone to. While last year's Hurricane Fiona caused significant damage in the area (see photos of some damaged trees below), the site still offers a fascinating look into this 18th-century settlement. Not only did I learn a lot about the area's history, but my children also had a great time with all of the various activities on site. If you are in Cape Breton, I highly recommend that you come here. Indeed, if I could give this historical site more than five stars, I would.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 ramya g. 9 months ago on Google
    Unfortunately, we visited during the wrong season and missed out on exploring the interiors of the forts. To fully appreciate the historical significance, a summer visit is recommended when everything is accessible. It's a wonderful destination for families, providing kids with valuable insights into history. Undoubtedly, one of the finest attractions in Cape Breton. The scale of the place is impressive; allocating a full day for your visit is a wise idea.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan P. 10 months ago on Google
    Stunning recreation of 18th century fort. Come early and spend the whole day here to get the best experience, it's worth it. There are costumed actors and places to buy authentic food and drink (though it's not cheap). We opted to stay the night using their camping option, and that was super fun. We stayed in the Guardhouse, which gave us shelter from the rain and the ability to explore the place once everyone had left. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Mike A. 7 months ago on Google
    An excellent example of Parks Canada at its very best. The reconstruction and ongoing displays are awesome. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in Canada’s early history or just needs a fun way to fill a day while in Cape Breton.

  • 5/5 Dave H. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful fort that has been rebuilt. You can still see remains of the other parts the British blew up. Easy to spend a few hours walking around.

  • 5/5 Charise V. 8 months ago on Google
    I had a great time exploring at the Fortress. The bakery with the hot buttered rum and a warm croissant were just what I needed on a rainy afternoon. The gift shop was lovely and the person who was explaining in detail what to look for in a rock and how to strike to make an arrowhead was patient as folks asked questions. I had a great conversation with the lady who was working on the Bobbin Lace. I didn't realize it was older than tatting. The pattern was beautiful and it was interesting to learn about it. Also in the same house the other lady who was dying yarn using natural dyes. I wish I had written down what all she used. I would love to try myself. If I ever have the chance to come back I most definitely will.

  • 5/5 Michael O. 7 months ago on Google
    It was interesting to learn that the original structures had been mostly destroyed and abandoned in the later 1700's and reconstruction efforts if a portion began in the 1960s. We opted for the self guided tour. The "inhabitants" were great sources of information about their role and the history of Louisbourg. We spent half a day there, however, could have spent a full day there to stop for a drink at the tavern or a bite to eat. It was a beautiful fall day with great views out onto the ocean. No wonder it was selected as a location for a fortified community in the early 1700s. I was also surprised at the original size of the community and the population. The park itself is worth the drive if you are in the area. The drive to and from is also quite pictureque.

  • 5/5 Ombretta H. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a great and inexpensive excursion. I would recommend about 4 hrs. If you plan ahead, and want to experience more (firing muskets, or cannons) would mean a longer day. Kids under 17 are free this year, and the costumed actors know their roles and who they are representing. Highly recommend. Hurricane Fiona did make a mess of the area, but the fortress is amazing.

  • 5/5 Mavis 8 months ago on Google
    Fortress Loisburg is a favourite stopping spot when in Cape Breton. Reasonable rates, a shuttle into the fort every 15 minutes, very clean and well maintained and accessible. Plenty of very knowledgeable staff dressed in period attire are always willing to engage and share the history with you. Interactive events, food, drinks and lots of buildings you can go in and out of. Give yourself minimum 3 hours to explore.

  • 5/5 Dave L. 10 months ago on Google
    This is an amazing spot I wish I found years ago! Definitely a must for cape Breton as they have put so much hard work and love into recreating the fort. There are reenactors everywhere that are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about telling the stories of this fort. Definitely make sure you check this out

  • 4/5 Taija S. 9 months ago on Google
    The fortress was a great experience. So much to see, unfortunately we visited in the late afternoon so we probably missed some things. Very cool to be transported back in time. I know they offered an online website with a map but I wish there was a physical version. While it wasn’t too busy there I found that a lot of the actors didn’t really talk much. It would have been nice if there was more interactive things to do.

  • 5/5 Tyler T. 9 months ago on Google
    Fantastic site full of history. A historical reenactment site where everyone is in period clothing (1744) A large site with offsite parking where you get on a shuttle buss that travels every 15min. You can walk the site at leisure or there are guided walking/ motorized tours as well. Very interesting to see. Wear good walking footwear and bring warn clothing. Food and beverages onsite.

  • 5/5 Sandy R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great to be back this year and find a lot more open. The interpreters are great. They love to stop and talk and share what life was like back then. They really make it fun to visit. There was a woman in a garden explaining what all the plants are used for, how they are preserved for winter etc. Every one has taken time to learn who their character is. Grandson and I had a great lunch from the Cafe and enjoyed seeing the cannon fired at noon. Thanks for another fun visit.

  • 5/5 Diana B. 9 months ago on Google
    What can I say but expect to stay a couple of hours to a full day. Lots to see and read. If you are a read everything person, make it a full day. Go early to buy a loaf of bread made there at the bakery. Restaurants and little cafe on site. They take credit and debit cards on site now. So much to do that I can't write it all here. Things to do and see for all ages. Bring water & jacket as it might get cool and you need to take a bus from the entrance down to the fortresses.

  • 5/5 John M. 9 months ago on Google
    What an incredible experience! We could have spent an entire day here! If you ever get a chance, go see and experience it! We had a delicious ape turnover and THE BEST Chocolate Croissant IN THE ENTIRE WORLD at the Cafe in the village!

  • 5/5 Shirlee D. 2 years ago on Google
    What an amazing piece of history. Definitely need a full day to view everything. We spent 3 hours and didn't see everything.

  • 5/5 Wen S. 2 years ago on Google
    You must visit here if you come to the area, so much fun and lots of information/history. Everyone here is super friendly.

  • 5/5 Vitaliy M. 2 years ago on Google
    So much history related to this place. Hard to believe this place was restored from nothing. Learned a lot.

  • 5/5 Miriam S. 2 years ago on Google
    A must see. Great historical site with amazing views of the area.

  • 5/5 Ron L. 2 years ago on Google
    First visit in 45 years, and they have expanded the restoration quite a bit. The selection of structures to display presents a wide variety of architecture and primitive tools and manufacturing processes. There are plenty of costumed villagers and soldiers who are very approachable and helpful, while remaining in character. The Kings Bastion contains photographic documentation of the area prior to restoration that magnifies your appreciation for what they've done. They've recently added a working period tavern where adult beverages are available, as well. My GPS tried to take me in the back road as it's evidently shorter, and road signs supported the turn off, but the road is ultimately closed, so stick to the pavement! LOL

  • 4/5 Jennifer W. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. My own complaint is that its not very wheelchair accessible. It would have been fantastic if they had a little walkway paved, versus trying to push my mother in her wheelchair through the gravel. Other than that, great place!


Call +1 902-919-8392 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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