As an immersion into history the fortress in Louisbourg is hugely successful and it is probably well worth allowing time to spend a whole day behind its fortified walls. The first sign of things to come occurs as the visitor approaches the gate and is challenged with the cry friend or foe. Speaking with an English accent or wear a redcoat and you are likely to fall foul of the law and be escorted to the guardroom for further questioning!
Casual visitors will get to enjoy interacting with locals dressed in 18th century garb. These guys are good and seldom break out of character. Spend a little more money and you can become a charterer yourself and enjoy an even deeper relationship with the proceedings. I myself for example became a cannoneer, was given the war name La Romaine and the uniform of a gunnery officer in an army loyal to the King of France.
Trained to march and load a 20 lb cannon ball into the gaping mouth of an 18th century cannon I was eventually able to fire it myself at noon from the ramparts of the fortress and yes you could say I had a blast!
We are grateful to Destination Canada, Air Canada and ship operators One Ocean Expeditions for kindly hosting us on this trip