Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton is an island of Nova Scotia on the eastern end. We crossed the causeway Wed and headed for North Sydney and a campground 3 miles from the ferry to NewFoundland. 

Lookoff (turnout) on Cape Breton highway

After booking the campground for 2 days, I called to book a ferry date of Fri 7/30, only to find out it's sold out at least 2 weeks ahead.With plans to be back in New York mid Sept., we don't have the time to wait out a trip to Newfie. Maybe next time. Too many things not in our favor of making the trip. 


So today we ventured out in the wind and rain to Louisbourg, site of a reconstructed French fort built in 1713. The road to the fort follows the north coast, called the Marconi trail, and we went through small fishing villages. We arrived in Louisbourg, followed the signs to the fort and end up at a visitor center. No fort in site. After the Citadel in Halifax, I expected a big deal. This has been a great reconstruction project by Parks Canada since 1960, cost twice as much to get in and we see nothing. We're directed to a bus that takes us to the other side of the bay.

Louisbourg fort

 Whoa, now there's a fort. Louisbourg was a walled city, over 80 buildings, governors "palace" that looks slightly like the Versailles, military personnel and cannons. It has been carefully excavated, reproduced, reconstructed down to the hinges and nails. People in period costumes "run"' different stores or businesses and discuss life in the 18th century. It was like being in an old French town, very impressive and well worth the visit.

Oldest lighthouse in Canada

Cape Breton is a mix of people. Natives are the Mi'k ma'k, the French arrived early and settled all around the island and other parts of Nova Scotia. They were called Acadians. The English came in the 1700's, fought, took over and expelled the Acadians. The Gaelic influence is quite strong with Scottish communities, Gaelic schools, music and dance. All of these are still present on Cape Breton. In addition, there is the Cabot trail, well known National park and drive. So we will travel to the middle of the island to do more exploring of the Gaelic cultures, the Acadians, the inland lakes and the Cabot trail.