Day 26 - Louisbourg in Cape Breton - Sat, July 13

Our campsite on Mira river, close to Louisbourg

The river, next to our campsite...

We left our trailer at the campsite and drove the coastal route to Louisbourg - a fairly short drive. "The Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest reconstruction project in North America. The original settlement was founded in 1713 by the French and developed over several decades into a thriving centre for fishing and trade.  Fortified against the threat of British invasion during the turbulent time of empire-building, Louisbourg was besieged twice before finally being destroyed in the 1760's. The site lay untouched until well into modern times, when archaeologists began to reconstruct the fortress as it was in the 18th century." They knew exactly how to reconstruct because they found detailed documents (which had been done in triplicate) of every aspect of the settlement. 

Coming into present day town of Louisbourg...

 Looks like we were parked next to Mich & Erik & family!

But, we never saw them... maybe one day they'll be here!

Louisbourg in the distance on left... They take you there by bus.

It is the 300th year anniversary of Louisbourg this year! Everyone there plays the character of someone back in the 1713 era, so it really feels like you've stepped back in time!

The guard, interrogating us at the entrance gate!

 Fishing village (Cod drying racks between boat and hut)

 The blacksmiths on a short break...

Getting back to work... starting the fire again...

Click here to see a 30 sec video of the power of a bellows to start a fire.

 On Main Street... Rue Toulouse

Click here for a 20 sec video of the children being entertained on the street.

 The gardeners...

Making lace...

The piper, playing for the dancers...

 The dancers...

Click here to see a 20 sec video of one of the dances

 Excavating more of the Louisbourg ruins...

Human remains found at the excavation site... 

apparently, many hundreds had been buried here

 after disease hit the settlers one very bad winter. 

The musicians on rue Toulouse...

Click here to see a 1:36 video of muskets being fired...

Click here to see a 1:16 video of muskets and a cannon shot!

We stayed in Louisbourg until close and then went for supper for some seafood chowder and salad at yet another seafood restaurant in the present day town of Louisbourg. Yum!

We then visited the lighthouse and the remains of the original lighthouse built in early 1700's that was eventually destroyed by fire.

 Seagulls following a day's catch...

Seagulls still hoping!