Louisbourg

Travel Guide

Louisbourg
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site featuring street scenes, a small town or village and heritage architecture
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site featuring heritage elements
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site featuring street scenes, a small town or village and heritage architecture

Visit a charming seaside town in Nova Scotia, known for its 18th-century fortress, sweeping coastline, walking trails and beaches.

Perched on the southeast coast of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is the picturesque town of Louisbourg. It is where you can experience what life was like inside an 18th-century fortress, hike through forests and dive down to explore shipwrecks. 

Louisbourg dates back to the late 16th century, when British settlers established a fishing community here. The town takes its name from Louis XIV of France, who commissioned its fortress in 1713.

Louisbourg’s major attraction is the Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site on the south side of Louisbourg Harbour. This is a partial reconstruction of the fortified town that once stood on this spot. Visit restored buildings, watch costumed actors reenact traditional activities, learn about Louisbourg’s earliest settlers and sample customary food of the time.

The town's center stretches along the northern shores of Louisbourg Harbour. Along Main Street you will find shops, cafés, restaurants and guesthouses set inside colorful clapboard buildings. Discover the town’s coal hauling, railroad and marine history at the Sydney and Louisbourg Railway Museum. Enjoy independent theatrical productions at Louisbourg Playhouse, a mock 17th-century theater. 

Stroll to the harbor waterfront to see the town’s time-honored fishing heritage. Spot multicolored boats at the fisherman’s wharf and see local fishermen bring in the day’s catch. Louisbourg celebrates its fishing industry at August’s Louisbourg Crabfest, an annual festival of live music and delicious seafood. 

Well-maintained walking trails and spectacular scenery make Louisbourg a good destination for being outdoors. Follow the Lighthouse Trail across a forest-clad headland to the Louisbourg Lighthouse. A 20-minute drive from the town center is Kennington Cove and Anson’s Cove, two sandy beaches with more coastal walks and picnic areas. Take a refreshing swim on a warm day and join a scuba diving trip to explore the shipwrecks around Louisbourg Harbour.

Louisbourg is about a 6-hour drive east from Halifax. Get here via rented car or fly to Sydney Airport, situated 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the town center. Louisbourg is bitterly cold in winter and mild in summer, yet its attractions and stunning landscapes captivate whatever the season.

Fortress Inn Louisbourg
Fortress Inn Louisbourg
2 out of 5
7464 Main Street, Louisbourg, NS
The price is P5,330 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
P5,330
P6,258 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Louisbourg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (467 reviews)
"It was great."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Fortress Inn Louisbourg
North Star Beach Suites
North Star Beach Suites
3 out of 5
15 Commercial Street Extension, Louisbourg, NS
The price is P11,964 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P11,964
P14,048 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach guesthouse in Louisbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (302 reviews)
"Such a beautifully decorated place, very clean and comfortable. We would highly recommend having dinner at the Bothy which is connected to the property."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

North Star Beach Suites
The Cozy Fox
The Cozy Fox
3 out of 5
83 Bastion Ave, Louisbourg, NS
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Louisbourg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sydney and Louisbourg Railway Museum and Louisbourg ...
"Very welcoming host with an amazing home. We had a suite with a separate entrance. The hosts pets made us feel at home. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023

The Cozy Fox
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Micro Boutique Living Wolfville
Micro Boutique Living Wolfville
3.5 out of 5
336 Main Street, Wolfville, NS
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Wolfville. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (955 reviews)
"Awesome location and hotel -definately will be back"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Micro Boutique Living Wolfville
Cameo Hotel and Suites
Cameo Hotel and Suites
3 out of 5
1572 Barrington St, Halifax, NS
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Halifax. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and Netflix. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (329 reviews)
"Seamless check-in! Our contact was readily available for inquiries. One of the fans was broken so our contact asked us to swap it out from an empty suite. Quick resolution! Thank you."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Cameo Hotel and Suites
Ingonish Chalets
Ingonish Chalets
3 out of 5
36784 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Groovy Goat Farm are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (423 reviews)
"Was such a cute little chalet. Very clean, beds and pillows very comfy!"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Ingonish Chalets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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