Louisbourg

Travel Guide

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

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 CA $129 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
CA $129
CA $151 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
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 (486 reviews)
"Comfortable room, quiet, convenient to downtown"

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 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 CA $289 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $289
CA $339 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (304 reviews)
"Beautiful room, spacious, fresh air through lots of lovely windows with ocean views. Dinner at the Bothy was top notch, very satisfying"

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

North Star Beach Suites
Maritimee in the Maritimes 
Louisburg N.S.

Maritimee in the Maritimes Louisburg N.S.

Louisbourg
Stay at this vacation home in Louisbourg. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Sydney and Louisbourg Railway Museum and Louisbourg ...
Maritimee in the Maritimes Louisburg N.S.
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.
Maritimee in the Maritimes 
Louisburg N.S.

Maritimee in the Maritimes Louisburg N.S.

Louisbourg
Stay at this vacation home in Louisbourg. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Sydney and Louisbourg Railway Museum and Louisbourg ...
Maritimee in the Maritimes Louisburg N.S.
Very cozy quiet and rustic space on a lake.

Very cozy quiet and rustic space on a lake.

Tower Road
Stay at this cabin in Tower Road. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
"It was quiet, well stocked and had everything we needed"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Very cozy quiet and rustic space on a lake.
Welcome to The White House Retreat in Cape Breton

Welcome to The White House Retreat in Cape Breton

River Ryan
Stay at this vacation home in River Ryan. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attraction Fort Petrie Military Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
Spacious property
"Beautiful updated house on a private and spacious yard."

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

Welcome to The White House Retreat in Cape Breton
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Louisbourg

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 32%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 21%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Nothing seemed to be open. A bit of a ghost town.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Enjoyed the Fortress and the Lighthouse Trail, plus the railway museum. Tried two restaurants - one was overpriced, and the other could have been very good but missed small details.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Residents are very accomoding!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We did not do any tourist things other than Louisbourg Fortress because of the weather.