The guards frown on rowdiness and the authorities are always on the look out for English spies. This is 1744 and France and England are at war. That means Louisbourg is at war, too. There are two guards at the gate and cannons atop the ramparts. Daily drill and musket fire fill the air. The fortress’ military might will soon be tested. But for now the 18th-Century walled town, next to the ice-free harbour is France's shining light on the eastern seaboard and her best hope for dominance of North America.

Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction site in North America with some one-fifth of the fortress re-built, bringing visitors a glimpse of the life and times of a place that helped shaped Canada's destiny and changed the face of North America forever.

Is this a world you might want to explore? You can, at Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site. Fortress Louisbourg preserves and re-creates this amazing period in time, where men of quality wear swords and intoxicated thiefs are pilloried for stealing a loaf of bread. You don’t have to steal the bread, it is now available for you to purchase at the King’s Bakery. Parks Canada interprets Fortress Louisbourg through 18th-century architecture, period buildings, original artifacts, interpretive displays, and costumed animators who take on the roles of the soldiers, townsfolk, fishermen, maids, merchants, bureaucrats, low-life and gentry of 1744 New France on Isle Royale (Cape Breton Island).

Fortress Louisbourg is a busy spot; an east coast trading centre for fish and rum, lumber and furs, coal and sugar. The Portuguese white fleet is out there. The local Mi’kmaq come with their baskets and berries. Sometimes a New England schooner will straggle in. Blown off course, of course. But secretly looking for a cask or two of Caribbean rum. For medicinal purposes, they say. New Englanders brought along their chocolate for exchange. A replica of this exclusive and delicious American Heritage Chocolate made by Mars uses the original 18th century recipe, and is available in the restaurants and gift shops. Two gift boutiques sell other one-of-a-kind treasures found only at Fortress Louisbourg. You can also enjoy an 18th century meal at Fortress Louisbourg. Check out Hotel de la Marine, a lively waterfront tavern or le Grand Champs, a waterfront cabaret or have your 18th century feast in a comfortable Inn - L’Epee Royale.

There are many ways to experience life in a bustling military town circa 1744. As a visitor you are welcome to explore the extensive grounds, visit the buildings and interpretive rooms, ask questions of the animators, and participate in special activities like dancing, music, dining, wine tasting, candlelight, and murder mystery tours as well as children’s KAPPOW program. Members of Fortress Louisbourg Association support the fortress and are involved in children, youth, adult and military animation. Youth can even learn how to play the drum, 18th Century style. (To find out more about membership and programs, click the menu buttons on the left.)

What makes Louisbourg extra special is that this is the very spot where the original fortress stood. Careful excavation, original building plans and the supremely efficient French bureaucracy has helped preserve and re cast this important piece of North American history. We are still exploring and you can be part of it through our Archaeology Program.

It's as if you are really there in the year 1744! Especially when the guards frog-march an unfortunate thief towards the carcan, the townsfolk mocking him mercilessly every step of the way. It's all done in the name of the King and the Royal Fleur-de-Lis. Vivre La France!