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We did the tour first which was a perfect way to start our day. Learning about the history of the Fort and what many of the buildings were all about was incredibly helpful in understanding what we were seeing. Not everything was open because it was low season so we will definitely visit again, next time in peak season!

The Parks Canada staff were incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Many were "re-enactors" who stuck to their role and gave interesting information about how they and others lived and how different roles were viewed. We found that the staff brought the stones to life. We spent six hours there and could have spent more, but mainly because we learned so much from talking to staff that when we walked around we had a sense of the life at the time. We would certainly recommend that everyone take the walking tour offered by Parks Canada.It is like the difference between watching a foreign language movie with and without an interpreter. You see the images in both cases, but with the "interpreter" you understand what they mean.

Louisbourg is a small oceanside town with LOTS of history and beauty. Be sure to visit the Lighthouse on the other side of the harbour. The scenic walking trail (easy walking) is incredible. Just parking at the trailhead and getting out to view the lighthouse is beautiful. And of course, the Fortress of Louisbourg is must do !

Lovely little town but very vacant and needs restoring. THe fortress was amazing . Ate at the Spoondrift and Salty Diner. Excellent. ALso ate at the Bothy and it was exceptional. Attended church. Canapa candles was very helpful to me. The Little Shop of Louisbourg great wood carvings.

The obvious best part of Louisbourg is seeing the Fortress. You can easily spend 4 hours or more in the Park and you can add more time if you want to walk along some of the trails and see some of the outer fortifications. The re-enactors and guides are knowledgeable and eager to greet you. Beyond the Fortress, there is the lighthouse (with a beautiful, easy walk) and Glace Bay is an easy drive.

After 32 years since my last visit, I was saddened to find that the bustling daily life and historical scenes of my past recollected experience were no longer present (lots of costumed interpreters, horses and carts, auctions, active village programs throughout the day, period meals served in the food purveyor spaces). The life and character of this historical fortress apparently died a COVID death as very few individuals were around to bring to life the settlement in its heyday. Barely any animals to be seen and lots of closed buildings. Our highlight was the bakery and buying fresh bread. Unfortunately a disappointment but hopefully some federal funding can inject new life into this excellent site in the near future.