Louisburg

After leaving the SchoolHouse, we crossed the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island. Most of the day was spent travelling towards Louisburg, an historic site that brings to life 18th century life on the coast. When I last visited Cape Breton Island (some 18 years ago!) I hadn’t had time to visit, so this was new to me too.

We arrived around supper time and spent some time exploring the old graveyard and gun embankments, for this was a fort built by the French to safeguard the coast from the British.

The next morning, Saturday, we entered the Fort proper. After interrogation to ensure we weren’t British spies, the guard let us through.


From the battlements on the wall, one has a clear view across the bay to the lighthouse. Inside the walls, about twenty houses and business establishments, along with a church and stables, provided insight into the living conditions of the time. We enjoyed an icecream in the local pub but forewent on the period food in the restaurant next door, as it was somewhat expensive.
The highlight for the children was seeing the animals in people’s backyards – several turkeys, pigs, goats, and the like. I particularly enjoyed the Mi’qmaq interpretation centre and the house wherein two ladies were roasting a chicken – and explained to us how the mechanical spit turned with a few simple gears and a chain.


It was a fine, if cool and windy day.