Louisbourg

Travel Guide

Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site featuring a house, heritage architecture and a small town or village
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site showing a small town or village, heritage architecture and street scenes
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site showing heritage elements
Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site showing 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 ¥13,760 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
¥13,760
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
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 (547 reviews)
"Very friendly staff. Excellent location near the water front."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 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 ¥30,828 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥30,828
per night
Oct 5 - Oct 6
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (321 reviews)
"Very nice property. Meals not included but breakfasts there were very nice and the dining room was great."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 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.
Rita's Retreat: The Bachelor ~ Indoor Saltwater Pool ~ with Lake View!

Rita's Retreat: The Bachelor ~ Indoor Saltwater Pool ~ with Lake View!

Sydney
Stay at this cottage in Coxheath. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Membertou Heritage Park and Petersfield Provincial Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"I lovely place to stay. The property is close to all the Sydney area activities while being out of town with quiet ,peaceful surroundings. The property is dated and its age is showing. Trim and paint need a refresh and the doors need oiling. The pool was nice but also showing its age. The Bachelor ..."

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2025

Rita's Retreat: The Bachelor ~ Indoor Saltwater Pool ~ with Lake View!
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (23 reviews)
"Super comfortable beds. Nice big tv and we could watch Netflix, Prime. Clean and bright. Weather wasn’t good enough to sit outside but beautiful area behind house with chairs for all ofnua"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

Welcome to The White House Retreat in Cape Breton
3 bedroom 1 bathroom with entire house

3 bedroom 1 bathroom with entire house

Glace Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Glace Bay. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Marconi National Historic Site of Canada and Cape ...
"Overall not very good."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

3 bedroom 1 bathroom with entire house
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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Reviews of Louisbourg

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Top Destination
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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Could not find anywhere to eat after 8pm after arriving in the evening.