Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
The Fortress of Louisbourg regularly offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Take part in the daily life of the “residents” of this 18th century fortified town and plan your visit around the activities that interest you most. There is no shortage of choices!
Peak Season
Peak season activities
(July 1 to September 13, 2024)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:30 am | Guided tour: Get the full story of Louisbourg – from its past to its present on this outdoor walking tour. 45 minutes |Fees |
| 10:50 am | Fire a Musket: Have a Ball Sign up with the Compagnies Franches de la Marine and get a soldier’s basic training (no push-ups required!) 30 minutes | Fees | Ages 16+, max 2 participants per half hour |
| 11:00 am | Life of a soldier Listen to his story and watch a musket firing 15 minutes | FREE |
| 11:00 am | Fire a cannon: Have a blast Become a cannoneer and fire a real cannon 45 minutes | Fees | Ages 17+ | max 1 participant per timeslot |
| 11:15 am | Children’s dance Join in the circle and enjoy 18th-century folk music 30 minutes | FREE | Available Monday to Friday from July 3 to August 25 |
| 11:45 am | Cannon firing demonstration Be amazed by the fifes, drums and cannon firing 15 minutes – FREE |
| 1:00 pm | Motorized guided tour: Get the full story of Louisbourg on wheels – from its past to its present 45 minutes | Fees | Limited to 7 people per tour |
| 1:50 pm | Fire a Musket: Have a Ball Sign up with the Compagnies Franches de la Marine and get a soldier’s basic training (no push-ups required!) 30 minutes | Fees | Ages 16+, max 2 participants per half hour |
| 1:55 pm | Prisoner of the day Play the role of the prisoner during the Public Punishment. This experience must be reserved by contacting the Fortress of Louisbourg directly (ages 16 and up). To book this tour, call (902) 919-8392 or send an email to louisbourg.info@pc.gc.ca 30 minutes | Fees | Limit of one person | Available daily until September 15 |
| 2:00 pm | Life of a soldier Listen to his story and watch a musket firing 15 minutes | FREE |
| 2:15 pm | Public Punishment Follow the crowd to the iron collar 15 minutes | FREE| Available daily until September 15 |
| 2:30 pm | Guided tour: Get the full story of Louisbourg – from its past to its present on this outdoor walking tour. 45 minutes |Fees |
| 1:30 pm | Mi’kmaw demonstration Discover Mi’kmaw culture and history 15-30 minutes | FREE |
| 3:10 pm | Military Drill Watch a French artillery demonstration with fife and drum 10 minutes | FREE |
| 3:30 pm | Motorized guided tour: Get the full story of Louisbourg – on wheels – from its past to its present 45 minutes | Fees | Limited to 7 people per tour |
| 4:45 pm | Secure the Fortress – Evening gun and retreat Finish your visit with a bang – the last blast of the day 10 minutes | FREE |
Shoulder Season
Shoulder season activities
(June 1 to June 30 and September 14 to October 14, 2024)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:30 am | Guided tour: Get the full story of Louisbourg – from its past to its present 45 minutes | Fees |
| 1:00 pm | Motorized guided tour: Get the full story of Louisbourg on wheels – from its past to its present on this outdoor walking tour 45 minutes | Fees | Limited to 7 people per tour |
| 2:30 pm | Guided tour: Get the full story of Louisbourg – from its past to its present on this outdoor walking tour. 45 minutes | Fees |
| 3:30 pm | Motorized guided tour: Get the full story of Louisbourg – on wheels – from its past to its present 45 minutes | Fees | Limited to 7 people per tour |
Food & Drink
For a quick bite to eat, look no further than our café: tea, coffee, cookies and more. Open May 20th to October 13th, 2024 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Have a seat in our Restaurant De La Marine to enjoy a meal, available from June 30th to August 31st, 2024 from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm or take advantage of our Perfect Picnic offer to have a meal packed for you to enjoy anywhere in Louisbourg! Available June 23rd to October 13th, 2024 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Calling all craft beer and liquor enthusiasts! Enjoy locally-brewed beers and ciders as well as locally produced rum in the authentic atmosphere of our new Storehouse Tavern, open daily June 23rd to October 13th, 2024 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Don’t forget to have a taste of Louisbourg’s unique soldier’s bread, baked fresh daily at the King’s Bakery. Open June 16th to September 28th, 2024 from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.
For prices, and to make a reservation with the Fortress Louisbourg Association, call or email in advance:
foodservices@louisbourg.ca
902-733-3230
Additional Discovery and Recreational Activities Can Be Found On Parks Canada
Discovery
Are you looking for additional ways to indulge your curiosity about the history of the Fortress, the cultures of its residents and the natural beauty of its surroundings? Follow the links below for information on planning your own “discovery” activities:
Recreation
If recreation is more your thing, follow the links below to find out about swimming at the beautiful beaches of Kennington Cove and Anson’s Cove or walking and hiking our nature trails, in particular Simon Point Trail and the Lighthouse Trail: