hi folks,

Have you started to make plans for your 2022 Nova Scotia Holiday? I am here to help!

This issue will focus on the Fortress of Louisbourg and the many attractions at the fortress and in the town of Louisbourg.

The Fortress of Louisbourg is one of the many gems on Cape Breton Island. It is living history with customed animators roaming the site going about their daily business.

The year is 1744 and the Fortress of Louisbourg is controlled by the French. It is their much needed gateway to the New World and all of the riches that are there!!

Cape Breton is also controlled by the French and is known as Ile Royale at this time. Mainland Nova Scotia is in the hands of the British.

The French have been here since 1713.

The history of the Fortress of Louisbourg

Are you wondering why the Fortress of Louisbourg was so important? Why does Cape Breton link itself so strongly to its history?

What is the connection between the Fortress of Louisbourg and the history of New France? And what does this have to do with the hints of resentfulness between the English and the French in Canada?

Learn about the fortress and its history and its implications for the future of Canada. Remember the years 1713, 1745, 1758, 1763 and 1961. They are important and you can learn why on your 2022 visit to Louisbourg.

Don't forget to visit the Louisbourg Cross when you visit. It dates to 1745 when it was stolen by the British.

Attractions at the Fortress of Louisbourg

There is alot to see and do during your visit. I have listed on this page some of my favourite things to do while at the fortress.

They all look great. I strongly recommend you do the Ruins Walk. These are old ruins that have not been reconstructed. This walk is along the coast so, sadly, a percentage of the ruins are being adversely affected by coastal ersosion.

But there is still a lot to see. There are several monuments and also several information panels which explain different ruins along the walk.

I also suggest you take a guided tour. The tour guides are full of information about the fortress. They can give you lots of tidbits of trivia that you might not read about in the different displays.

The Town of Louisbourg is a lovely place located directly on the harbour. This is a fishing community so you'll see lots of activity on the harbourfront. It is a great walking down with several shops and restaurants to visit.

There are a variety of accommodations on the main street where you have easy access to everything.

The Louisbourg Playhouse hosts shows all summer long. The Sydney & Louisbourg Railway Museum is full of history all the way back to the time of the fortress. The restored railway station dates to 1895.

Kennington Cove is gorgeous. The beach is wonderful and this coastline is very historic. Wolfe's forces landed along this area in 1758 starting the second siege of Louisbourg.

Do you enjoy scuba diving? There are many wrecks waiting to be explored. Louisbourg Scuba Services will lead you to The Celebre (1758), the Evelyn (1913), the Prudent (1758) and others.

The annual Louisbourg CrabFest hasn't been able to happen since the pandemic. But they are tentatively scheduling it for July 30 this year. Check their facebook page to follow their plans.

Words cannot describe how fantastic the Louisbourg Lighthouse hiking trail is to discover.

This is the site of the first lighthouse in Canada erected in 1734. The current is the 3rd one. The ruins of the first 2 are still visible.

The first part of this trail is not difficult so bring the family and enjoy. You'll be able to see the fortress across the bay.

Spotlight on Louisbourg

There is a good choice of accommodations in the town of Louisbourg. It's been a rough couple of years so, if possible, please stay in the town overnight during your visit to the fortress.

Have a look through my page on Louisbourg accommodations and hopefully you'll find one that suits your needs.

Are you planning to spend some time on the Cabot Trail during your vacation?

Why not order a copy of my e-book: 44 Awesome Things - Cabot Trail plus 14 awesome tips for along the way. This indispensable guide will give you a ton of information about what to see and do on your tour of the Cabot Trail.

Maybe you are planning to spend some time in Halifax and Cape Breton for your vacation? Check out my 2nd ebook:

Itineraries for 3 days in Halifax & 3 days in Cape Breton.

Both ebooks are great guides. They will certainly be useful to you during your Nova Scotia Holiday. You can get a special 'bundle' deal if you want to purchase both. Go to my website and check it out!

Itinerary Planning Service

I am now offering an itinerary planning service. Do you want to spend some vacation time in Nova Scotia but you don't know where to start planning?

I can help. Email me at yournovascotia@gmail.com and I'll send you my rates and service conditions.

YouTube Channel

I am excited to announce that I have launched the Your Nova Scotia Holiday YouTube channel .

Check it out, please subscribe and comment on the videos. And share with your friends. I’ll be adding more videos on a regular basis.

For the moment, these are some of the videos on my channel:

Welcome Piper at the Nova Scotia Information Centre in Amherst

Crossing the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton

The Bluenose II sailing during the 2017 Tall Ships Parade of Sail in Halifax

The Gaff Point hiking trail

The Ovens Sea Caves

Blue Rocks

The Skyline hiking trail

I need your vacation stories!

Do you have a story about your Nova Scotia vacation? It doesn't need to be long or too detailed. Something short & sweet is good. Whatever you are comfortable with.

You will get your own page on the Your Nova Scotia Holiday website featuring your vacation story and your pictures. I'd love to hear from you. Send me an email. I look forward to hearing from many of you.

Nova Scotia Travel Map

Do you have a Nova Scotia travel map?

Call TOLL FREE 1-800-565-0000 and Nova Scotia tourism will send you one for FREE.

Find accommodations on Trip Advisor

Seriously, Trip Advisor is a great tool when planning a trip. I use it all the time and try to write reviews when I can.

Use this link Nova Scotia accommodations on Trip Advisor for your search and to make your accommodations booking. I earn a small commission with each reservation made via my site and this helps pay my expenses.

I would really appreciate it!! Cheers!!

Nova Scotia covid info

Don't forget to follow me on social media!

That's it for now. See you next month.

Best to everyone,

Ann Marie, Editor, Your Nova Scotia Holiday