Louisbourg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Louisbourg
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a small town or village
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site featuring heritage elements
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site which includes 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 centre stretches along the northern shores of Louisbourg Harbour. Along Main Street you will find shops, cafés, restaurants and guesthouses set inside colourful 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 theatre. 

Stroll to the harbour 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 centre 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 kilometres) from the town centre. 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 ₹8,081 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹8,081
₹9,489 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Louisbourg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (490 reviews)
"Room was very nice,clean, and staff was awesome"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 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 ₹18,141 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹18,141
₹21,301 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach guesthouse in Louisbourg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a private beach. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (307 reviews)
"Truly relaxing. Outstanding Louisbourg hospitality and food. Great stay."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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 Wi-Fi 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 24 Jul 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.
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 Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and Netflix. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (340 reviews)
Great space but think twice if not penthouse level
"Cameo's location is amazing"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Cameo Hotel and Suites
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (981 reviews)
"Awesome stay"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Micro Boutique Living Wolfville
The Quarterdeck Resort

The Quarterdeck Resort

4 out of 5
7499 Highway 3, Summerville Centre, NS
Stay at this 4-star beach holiday home in Summerville Centre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Popular attractions Summerville Beach Provincial ...
9/10 Wonderful! (224 reviews)
"Amazing, beach resort - steps away from the Atlantic shore."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

The Quarterdeck Resort
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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