Louisbourg is a fishing village surrounded by the fortress’ National Historic Park on both sides of the bay. On one side is a lighthouse built near the site of the country’s first lighthouse in 1730. On the other side is the mighty fortress and its partially rebuilt village.
I visited on Sunday, it’s usually closed on Sundays, but I lucked out because it was open for family day. The reconstructed village around the fortress is one-fifth of its original size. It makes the difference between a fort and a fortress – a fort is just a military installation whereas a fortress protects a civilian settlement.
The French-built town was fortified in the eighteenth century, it became Canada’s largest historical reconstruction in the 1960s. Today, it looks the same as it did in 1744. There are 50 barracks, taverns, houses, and shops that are fully open for visitors to enjoy every summer. I had the pleasure to visit three of them. The French-appointed governor lived in a 10-room suite in the bastion that also house the officers.
Massive stone fortifications, ditches, and wooden walls surround the fortress on all sides land and sea. There are even two restaurants on site in the heritage buildings, and, occasionally, a Beavertails stand. Uniformed staff are available on site to interpret the history for guests.
