Overview
Enjoy one of the best historic landmarks in Canada!
Make sure you check out the Dauphin Gate which was one of three land gates that provided entry to Louisbourg. This entrance was guarded 24/7 by up to 30 soldiers.
This tour includes:- Round trip transportation from the cruise ship pier
- Private vehicle with experienced local guide
- Guided tour of the best historic reconstruction around!
Most of the European history of Canada is framed by the ongoing rivalry between the French and the English. At the height of the struggle, during the 1700s, the English founded Halifax and the French built the Fortress of Louisbourg. The original fortress was captured and destroyed in 1758 but in the 1960s the Government of Canada restored 25% of the original Fortress with a focus on its most impressive buildings. This magnificent recreation, staffed with animators in historic costume, is approximately 30 minutes from the Port of Sydney. Join us as we step back in time!
Your guide is thoroughly familiar with the Fortress as well as other nearby historic and natural attractions. The heart of the tour is the three hours you will spend exploring the fortress where you may have the chance to interact with the site animators, be they soldiers, privateers, aristocracy, servants or prisoners. In addition to the fortress we will visit: Kennington Cove (where the British landed their naval forces); the site of Canada’s first lighthouse; and some rugged Atlantic coastline. If time permits as we return to the ship we will experience some of the colorful history of Sydney, Nova Scotia’s second largest city.
- Entrance fee to the Fortress of Louisbourg is not included in the price. During peak season (July 1- Sept 1) it costs 17.60 USD per person. Low season it costs 7.30 USD per person.
- From July 1 - September 1 the Fortress of Louisbourg is considered to be in "Full Site Animation" where all programs are running during the day. From September 2nd - October 13 it is considered to be in "Partial Site Animation".
- Access inside the site is only on foot. The roads are unpaved and there is sometimes uneven terrain and loose gravel. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Dressing in layers is recommended.
- This tour is not available from October 14 - October 31.
- The Fortress of Louisbourg is approximately a 30-45 minute drive from Sydney.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 5 hours
- 09:00 AM, duration: 5 hours
- 10:00 AM, duration: 5 hours
