Louisbourg Fortress | Robert Humrickhouse

It rained the whole time we were driving to Louisbourg. But, if you’re going to spend a day driving, it might as well be raining. We woke up the next morning to crisp horizons and a clear blue sky.

Our first order of business in this area was taking in part of the Cabot Trail. It is one of the most scenic highways in Canada. We were warned by a school teacher at the Roosevelt Cottage that she had witnessed several travelers burn out their brakes on the steep grades. To get there we took the Englishtown Ferry. It is a cable ferry that traverses a 410 foot channel and only takes about 3 minutes for the crossing. Friendly doggums were on board enjoying the trip.

At the top of one mountain, there was a picnic turnoff. It was the start of the Smokey Trail which is a difficult trail, about 6 miles long ending in a small town. We noticed there was a jog out to a great spot for a view and hobbled out.

After driving for a few hours we stopped in Sydney on the way back. We were thrilled to learn the restaurant had oysters and lobster. Wayne ordered a dozen and I ordered a whole one (lobster number 3). The waiter came running back with a long face and told us they only had four oysters left and they would be on the house. With only four, the presentation outdid the volume.

We made it back to watch the Full Harvest Moon rise over the bay.

Another beautiful morning. That’s the Louisbourg Fortress in the center of our view. After coffee and breakfast Wayne went rock hunting and came upon a whole gaggle of Piping Plovers. Who knew Monty and Rose had so many relatives.

After checking out of our room we headed to the fortress for the main agenda of the day. For the full history, click on the link above, it’s very interesting but here is a taste – The original settlement was made in 1713, and initially called Havre à l’Anglois. Subsequently, the fishing port grew to become a major commercial port and a strongly defended fortress. The fortifications eventually surrounded the town. The walls were constructed mainly between 1720 and 1740. By the mid-1740s Louisbourg, named for Louis XIV of France, was one of the most extensive (and expensive) European fortifications constructed in North America.