French soldiers march down dirt streets and ladies dance in formal parlours. Cannon fire shakes the ground as harpsichord tunes mingle with baking bread aromas drifting from the stone bakery – step through Louisbourg’s fortress walls and time-warp back to the 1700s. Chat with fishermen, sailors and servants. Sip rum and watch lace-making as children play 300-year-old games and stew simmers on an open-hearth fire. It’s so real, it seems surreal.
The peak season (July 1 to September 7, 2015) brings a different kind of magic on site as costumed animators add life to the streets. Louisbourg’s inhabitants can be found working the forge, tending the gardens and running the kitchens. Children are busy at play while the guard at the gate challenges those who wish to enter the town. Each hour offers something unique.
The shoulder season (May 18 to June 30 & Sept. 8 to Oct. 12, 2015) is your opportunity to enjoy, at low price, an inspiring setting as you stand on our history-laden grounds. Enhance your visit with special programs and guided tours. Several buildings with exhibits are open for you to discover.