A person sitting on a bench in front of a building

The Fortress of Louisbourg & Lighthouse

Travel back in time to 1744 and discover what life was like at Fortress Louisbourg, the re-creation of a French fort that is so impressive it has become a Canadian National Historic Site.

  • Visit the National Historic Site of Fortress Louisbourg
  • Explore a place untouched by time
  • Enjoy a guided historic tour
  • See the first lighthouse in Canada

  • Difficulty level

    Level 2: Moderate - some mobility needed

  • Min. passengers

    30

  • Max. passengers

    84

  • Booking Code

    A-LOU1

  • From

    $ 149

  • Notices

    Warm clothing, comfortable footwear, umbrella. Approximately 0h45 in total driving time.

The excursion starts with a photo stop at the first lighthouse in Canada, and only the second lighthouse in North America! The remnants of the lighthouse's foundation, built by the French in 1734, are still visible today. The current lighthouse has been standing on this site since 1924. 

Our journey then continues to Fortress Louisbourg. Upon arrival at the fortress you get an introduction and participate in a brief guided tour. You are then free to explore this fascinating historic site on your own and admire the beauty of the exterior's architecture and visit some of the open exhibit buildings. 

Then experience a trio of rotating workshops that offer opportunities to explore events of the past. Rub shoulders with local characters: the De Gannes family and the chief engineer's servants; they provide a rare and interesting glimpse into the challenges faced by the people who lived here during the 18th . Revel in the magnificence of the king's bastion while you hear stirring tales of soldiers testing their mettle in an unfamiliar, new environment. And for pure indulgence, treat yourself to the elegant bliss of our chocolate demonstrations, delighting in a first-hand experience making hot chocolate the 'old-fashioned' way. 

With the help of informative visuals on the fort's grounds, the Fortress of Louisbourg offers visitors the opportunity to imagine life in the toughest of conditions almost 300 years ago.

After spending approximately 2 hours at the fort, you board the coach for the trip back to the ship.

Practical information

  • Booking code: A-LOU1
  • Included: Hot chocolate
  • Requirements: Warm clothing, comfortable footwear, umbrella. Approximately 0h45 in total driving time.