The community of Louisbourg is located on the historic southeast coast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Louisbourg is famous for its rich culture and heritage, dynamic festivals and events series and warm hospitable people. The region’s French, English, Scottish and Mi'kmaq heritage and fascinating history of sailing ships and shipwrecks melds with today’s tourist attractions, boardwalk and modernized fish processing facilities. 

During the early 1960s, Louisbourg residents witnessed the reconstruction of the Fortress of Louisbourg. This 18th century French Fortress is the largest reconstruction project in North America. Today, thousands of visitors flock to the Fortress, making it one of Canada’s most treasured historic attractions.

Along with taking a step back in time, visitors to the region enjoy magnificent ocean views, sandy beaches, hiking, dining and shopping. Festivals including the Annual Crab Fest and the Fête de Saint Louis offer visitors an experience to remember. An evening of entertainment can also be had at the Sydney & Louisbourg Railway Museum  or at Louisbourg Playhouse, featuring musical and theatrical talent from across Cape Breton Island. 

A visit to Louisbourg is not complete without a visit to the Louisbourg Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Canada. The property is the starting point to a trail that runs along the seacoast…a dream for hiking enthusiasts. You can spend many pleasant hours walking along the coast from the lighthouse to Kennington Cove.

For daily or overnight expeditions, Louisbourg’s restaurants, attractions and accommodations suit the wish lists of visitors from all over the world! Click here to learn more.