Fortress of Louisbourg - Ride Into The Past - 2014

For the bicycle enthusiast out there or just for someone looking for something interesting to do and good for you, check out this Bicycle tour of from the Royal Battery at the Fortress to Kennington Cove beach. Hosted by Velo Cape Breton, this is a dirt road, mountain bike would be best. If you need to arrange a rental beforehand, touch base with Eliot (the tour host) who can direct you to the local bike shop for meeting your needs.

For more information on this event please contact:
Velo Cape Breton
efrosst@hotmail.com
(902) 674-0936

Price: $10

Weather

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 Labels: 2014 , bicycle , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg

Cape Breton Music Roundup #4 - September 18 - September 20 2014

Quite a bit going on around the Island this weekend. Since everyone knows the weekend starts on Thursday, let's start with a very busy Thursday and move straight through to a great final performance for a show on Sunday. As always, more showtimes can be found at our Music Guide Cape Breton page.

Thursday September 18 2014

Eddie Cummings - Red Shoe Pub, Mabou

9 PM
$8
Last chance of the season to see Eddie Cummings perform an acoustic set. If you are in the area make sure to get out and check this show out.

Maxim Cormier - Cape Breton Fudge Co., Sydney

7:30 PM
$12 in advance or $15 at the door
Join award winning guitarist Maxim Cormier at his release concert for his latest album 'Maxim Cormier 2'. Cormier's acoustic guitar work ranges styles from jazz, blues, folk, classical to traditional Celtic music.

Murder Murder with Pretty Archie and East Coast Love Story - Govenor's Pub, Sydney

10 PM
$7
Stellar lineup for an evening of music here. Ontario bluegrass band Murder Murder will be joined by local talents Pretty Archie and East Coast Love Story for a night of high octane twangy-ness. Highly Recommend.

Friday September 19 2014

Evans & Doherty - Louisbourg Playhouse

8 PM
$25
East coast music veterans Evans and Doherty will be bringing their lively blend of traditional, original and contemporary with a liberal sprinkling of stories and humour to the Louisbourg Playhouse

Saturday September 20 2014

LouisRocks: Founder's Feast - Fortress of Louisbourg

7:30 PM
$100
A truly unique experience, 18th century culinary event followed by a concert in the military chapel. Tickets are sold out online, some may still available in select locations, click the link above to see locations.

We Unite! Saturdays: Static in Action / The High Tide / Rad & Subtract - Fox Den Bar and Grill, Sydney

10 PM
NA
Made up of long time locals band members Harry Doyle, Alicia Penney and Hector Smith of Static in Action will be kicking out the indie/punk rock jams along with fellow locals The High Tide and from out of town Rad & Subtract. This should be a high tempo, high energy evening.

Sunday September 21 2014

Portals - The New Dawn Center, Sydney

7 PM
$20
If you haven't had the chance yet, come check out the final public performance in 2014 of Portals, created and directed By Robyn Cathcart. The show is well worth checking out and this is your last chance.

Thursday, September 18, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton music roundup , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , mabou , music , music guide cape breton , sydney

Fortress of Louisbourg - Louisbourg by Night: Lantern Tours - 2014

For anyone interested in the darker side of Louisbourg, the ghosts and haunting's of various old structures to the lost souls of shipwrecks past walking the streets of the old fortress, come out for this wonderful night of touring those same streets of the lit only by lanterns candle light. Your guides will present various stories of the paranormal on this unique and ghostly tour.

Dates:

September 17th, 2014,
September 24th, 2014
October 15th, 2014
October 22nd, 2014

Tickets are $25 each.
Tour starts at 7:30 (please arrive early)
Dress warm and comfortablly
(902) 733-3548 for additional information
Tickets available through the Fortress website

Monday, September 15, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg

Fortress of Louisbourg - Founders Feast - 2014

A truly unique experience. First enjoy a full-course 18th-century gourmet dining experience, perfectly paired with select wines inspired by the Louisbourg Governor's own cellar. Then after the meal step into the stunning King's Chapel stage concert recital directed by Robyn Cathcart, this production will explore maritime life using historic elements of the Fortress and following interesting personalities, some of whom would have inhabited the 18th century settlement.

Date: September 20th, 2014

Tickets: $100
Parking at reception center starts at 5:30 PM
Music starts at 7:30 PM
No Refunds or exchanges - Rain or Shine.
On line tickets SOLD OUT
May be able to purchase locally at:

Sydney

The Cape Breton Curiosity Shop, 296 Charlotte Street

Louisbourg

The Louisbourg Playhouse, 11 Aberdeen Street

Or by Phone: (902) 733-3838

Sunday, September 14, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg

Fortress of Louisbourg - Learn to Camp:18th Century Style - 2014

This sounds like it could be a ton of fun. As part of the the Learn to Camp series of events you'll discover how to pitch a tent, learn camping skills and go back in time to the 1700s. You'll be camping out on the Waterfront Quay under the starry night sky unobstructed by city lights the view is breath taking. Everything you need to learn to camp, 18th century style will be provided so come out and enjoy yourself.

Dates: September 12, 2014 - September 14, 2014

Monday, September 8, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg

Fortress of Louisbourg - LouisRocks - Men of the Deeps and Barra MacNeils - 2014

Following up a big night from Jimmy Rankin and Coig isn't an easy task, however this show on Sunday August 24th is one that can do it. Featuring Cape Breton staples the Men of the Deeps and The Barra MacNeils.

The Men of The Deeps

A choir of working and retired coal miners from Cape Breton Island. The Men of the Deeps have been moving audiences since 1966. Singing the life and work of the Cape Breton Coal Miner, this is a show which is a must for anyone who truly wants to feel Cape Breton.

The Barra MacNeils

For over 27 years The Barra MacNeils have been entertaining audiences on and off of Cape Breton Island. The family based Cape Breton band from Sydney Mines are one of the top Celtic bands in the world and an act that is enjoyed by a diverse range of audiences

Sunday, August 17, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , louisrocks , music

Fortress of Louisbourg - LouisRocks - Jimmy Rankin and Cóig - 2014

Coming up with SuperFête celebrations comes a couple of top notch concerts. The first being Jimmy Rankin and Cóig on August 23rd. Take a look below for some information and videos on the artists.

Jimmy Rankin

Touring in support of his latest album Back Road Paradise comes Cape Breton music veteran Jimmy Rankin. Playing since his early teens with his siblings in The Rankin Family, Jimmy has gone all country on his latest release. Come out to hear his usual combination of smart lyrics, great vocals and perfectly crafted songwriter material.

Cóig

Còig ( "Ko-ig". Scottish Gaelic for 'five') is basically a Cape Breton Celtic supergroup. Originally formed as a promotional band for Celtic Colours, these five entertainers have come together to play in support of their new album "Five". All are busy solo performers so don't miss this chance to get out and see them play together.

Thursday, August 14, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , louisrocks , music

Fortress of Louisbourg - CultureFête - 2014

A three day festival that recreates the bustling multicultural harbour side market that was 18th century Louisbourg. Re-enactors, artists, musicians and dancers come together to transport you back in time. This a great chance to come out and experience Cape Breton Island as it once was.

July 25, 2014 to July 27, 2014

Friday, July 25, 2014 - Trades Day

10:30: Navigation Talk by Capt. M. Krüger - De la Vallière House
10:30: Guided Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
10:45: Have a Blast at Louisbourg! Become a Cannoneer in Training * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
11:00: Soldier’s Life Interpretive Talk - Guardhouse
11:30: Children’s Dance - Petit Grandchamp House
11:45: Cannon Firing - King’s Bastion
1:10: Soldier’s Life Interpretive Talk - Guardhouse
1:15: Playing Hooky: Children’s Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
1:30: Navigation Talk by Capt. M. Krüger - De la Vallière House
1:30: Guided Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
1:30: Children’s Dance - Petit Grandchamp House
2:00: Blacksmithing Demo - Artillery Forge
2:15: Public Punishment - King’s Bastion to Frederic Gate
2:30: Boat Construction Demo - De la Vallière Storehouse
2:30: Children’s Theatre - Bigot Theatre
3:10: Historic Weapon Firing - Guardhouse
3:20: Field Music Demonstration - King’s Bastion
3:30: The Drink that Sugar Made: Rum Tasting * (30 minutes) - Grandchamp House
3:30: Hiking Through History: The Art and Science of Defending a Fortress * (60 minutes) - Guardhouse
3:45: Sail making talk by Derek Harrison - De la Vallière Storehouse
3:45: Upper-Class Dance - Engineer’s House
4:30: Cannon Firing - Lartigue House

Throughout the day:

Lace making - De Gannes House
Open air craft shops - Artillery Yard
Knife making - Armoury and Forge
Book binding - Clerk’s Office in King’s Storehouse
Blacksmithing - Artillery Forge
Boat construction - De la Vallière Storehouse
Timber hewing (until 3pm) - King’s Storehouse
Masonry (until 3pm) - Artillery Yard

See a wide array of trade demonstration in the re-enactors’ camps throughout the day. - Quay

Saturday July 26, 2014 - Arts Day

10:30: Guided Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
10:30: Life of a Soldier Tour * (60 minutes) - Guardhouse
10:45: Have a Blast at Louisbourg! Become a Cannoneer in Training * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
11:00: Performance Art: "4 Seasons through my mind" - Military Chapel
11:00: Soldier’s Life Interpretive Talk - Guardhouse
11:30: Children’s Dance - Petit Grandchamp House
11:45: Cannon Firing - King’s Bastion
1:10: Soldier’s Life Interpretive Talk - Guardhouse
1:15: Playing Hooky: Children’s Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
1:30: Guided Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
1:30: Children’s Dance - Petit Grandchamp House
2:00: Performance Art: "4 Seasons through my mind" - Military Chapel
2:00: Healing Gardener: Garden Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
2:15: Public Punishment - King’s Bastion to Frederic Gate
2:30: C is for Cookie...and Coffee! Hearth Cooking Workshop * (60 minutes) - Engineer’s House
2:30: Children’s Theatre - Bigot Theatre
3:10: Historic Weapon Firing - Guardhouse
3:20: Field Music Demonstration - King’s Bastion
3:45: Sail making talk by Derek Harrison - De la Vallière Storehouse
3:45: Upper-Class Dance - Engineer’s House
4:30: Cannon Firing - Lartigue House

Throughout the day:

Lace making - De Gannes House
Open air craft shops - Artillery Yard
Knife making - Armoury and Forge
Book binding - Clerk’s Office in King’s Storehouse
Blacksmithing - Artillery Forge
Boat Construction - De la Vallière Storehouse
En Plein Air - Artist around the site

See a wide array of trade demonstration in the re-enactors’ camps throughout the day. - Quay

Sunday July 27, 2014 - Food & Well-being Day

10:00 - 1:00: Children’s Activities by YMCA - King’s Garden
10:30 - 3:30: Healing and Herbs Learning Opportunities - Artillery Yard
10:30: Guided Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
10:30: Life of a Soldier Tour * (60 minutes) - Guardhouse
10:45: Have a Blast at Louisbourg! Become a Cannoneer in Training * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
11:00: Soldier’s Life Interpretive Talk - Guardhouse
11:30: Children’s Dance - Petit Grandchamp House
11:45: Cannon Firing - King’s Bastion
1:00: Coffee Roasting Demonstration by Full Steam Coffee Co. - De la Vallière House
1:10: Soldier’s Life Interpretive Talk - Guardhouse
1:15: Playing Hooky: Children’s Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
1:30: Guided Tour * (60 minutes) - De la Plagne House
1:30: Children’s Dance - Petit Grandchamp House
2:15: Public Punishment - King’s Bastion to Frederic Gate
2:30: Children’s Theatre - Bigot Theatre
3:00: Coffee Roasting Demonstration by Full Steam Coffee Co. - De la Vallière House
3:10: Historic Weapon Firing - Guardhouse
3:20: Field Music Demonstration - King’s Bastion
3:30: The Drink that Sugar Made: Rum Tasting * (30 minutes) - Grandchamp House
3:30: Hiking Through History: The Art and Science of Defending a Fortress * (60 minutes) Guardhouse
3:45: Upper-Class Dance - Engineer’s House
4:30: Cannon Firing - Lartigue House
Throughout the day:

Open air craft shops - Artillery Yard
YMCA promotion of programs - Artillery Yard
Breast feeding awareness - Rodrigue House

For a healthy alternative walk the Old Town Trail back to the visitor reception centre located past the Desroches House.

Outside activities are weather permitting.
Extra fees
Paid activities and workshops can be purchased at De la Plagne House (#34)

Thursday, July 17, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg

Fortress of Louisbourg - Louisbourg Live: Looking - 2014

Another in the Louisbourg Live series, a play from Norm Foster, Looking. The story of four singles seeking relationships. The story start on a blind date and follows through several weeks with our characters. The show runs Thursdays at the Fortress from July through August. Show starts at 7 PM, rain or shine, no refunds. May not be suitable for all ages. Cost is $30.

Tickets available through the Fortress Louisbourg Association website.

Also

Phone

(902)733-3838 (leave a message, calls will be returned)

The Louisbourg Playhouse

11 Aberdeen Street, Louisbourg

** Price accurate at time of post. **

Friday, July 4, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , louisbourg live

Various - Canada Day - 2014

Canada Day - Enjoy FREE entry to all Parks Canada sites.

Canada Day Celebrations - Chéticamp Visitor Centre - 2 PM to 4 PM
Celebrate Canada Day in Cape Breton Highlands National Park with live music, family activities and cake. Hosted collaboratively by La Société Saint-Pierre and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Canada Day Celebrations - Ingonish Beach Day Use Area - 8 AM until dark.
Keltic Lodge and community locations. Cake, music and games for the whole family!

Canada Day Celebrations - Fortress of Louisbourg/ - All Day
Free entry to the Fortress.

Canada Day Celebrations - Louisbourg S & L Railway Station
A community celebration held in Louisbourg. Opening Ceremony, raising of the flag, singing of "O Canada", outdoor concert, cutting of cake, face painting, kid's activities, pony rides, BBQ and more! Best of all: FREE!
Half Mile Yard Sale – along the Main Street in Louisbourg 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Canada Day Open House - Highland Village Museum - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Free entry to the Highland Village. Featuring a Céilidh.

Canada Day Celebrations - Sydney Mines Legion
769 Main Street, Sydney Mines

9:30 AM – Flag Raising
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Free Pancake Breakfast
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Doll Carriage & Bike Parade

There will be a special appreciation award presentation for Richie Penney in honor of the many years of service he has provided his community Sponsored by The Royal Canadian Legion, Breton Branch 008 & Ladies Auxiliary.

Canada Day Celebrations - Florence Fire Hall
Free BBQ, Fire Safety Awareness, Face Painting, Children’s Games & Activities Tuesday, June 24, 2014 Labels: 2014 , canada day , cape breton , cape breton events , cheticamp , florence , fortress of louisbourg , highland village , ingonish , iona , louisbourg , sydney mines

Fortress of Louisbourg - LouisRocks - Bluesfest - 2014

Fortress of Louisbourg - LouisRocks - Bluesfest! - 2014

A little info and some tunes from artists playing at LouisRocks - Bluesfest:

Thom Swift

Coming out in support of his 2014 East Coast Music Award (Blues Recording of the Year) winning album The Fortunate Few is New Brunswick born, Nova Scotia based singer/songwriter Thom Swift. Hist Roots and Blues style has connected with listeners from Canada, Europe and the United States.

Carson Downey Band

The band that comes out swinging with a sonic assault design to win over any audience. With their musical roots in blues, soul, rock and funk and over 20 years experience in the music business, this band from North Preston Nova Scotia puts on a high energy show that must be seen to be understood.

John Campbelljohn

If it's alone with an acoustic guitar or up front accompanying his power trio on guitar or on his dobro lap steel you will get the sound of a musican who loves the craft of music. With a show that features sounds such as rocking blues, reggae, roots and even sometimes a bit country, this is a must see act with a huge range of sounds.

Kim Wempe

Smoky vocals and an amazing stage presence mark the performance of Kim Wempe. Her roots-tinged pop/blues sound features gospel like melodies and her power vocal performances leave audiences wanting more.

Curtis Matheson

The youngest performer on this bill is not one to be taken lightly. Performing since the age of 14, look for the release of his first album A Particular Blue, coming soon.

Friday, June 13, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , louisrocks , music

Fortress of Louisbourg - LouisRocks - 2014

The LouisRocks series returns for another year at the Fortress of Louisbourg. Come out and catch some great acts in an amazing atmosphere. Like no musical event you've been too before. Below is a listing of the each of the events. Make sure to check back as we'll be doing a rundown on each of these.

July 19th - LouisRocks! - Bluesfest

What a way to kick this series off. Bluesfest will feature some of the best blues musicians from the east coast.

Acts include Thom Swift, Carson Downey, John Campbelljohn, Kim Wempe, and Curtis Matheson. The event cost is $30. Fireworks will follow. Show goes rain or shine, no refunds

There will be an after party as well! Stop by the Louisbourg Playhouse after the show. Cost is $10 or $5 with a ticket stub from Bluesfest. The Privateers will be playing!

August 23rd - LouisRocks! – Jimmy Rankin and Cóig

Next up in the series is a celtic rock attack. Jimmy Ranking and Cóig will be performing as part of the SuperFête celebrations. Cost is $30. Fireworks will follow this show as well and it goes rain or shine, no refunds.

There will be an after party as well! Stop by the Louisbourg Playhouse after the show. Cost is $10 or $5 with a ticket stub from Bluesfest. The Privateers will be playing!

August 24th - LouisRocks! - Men of the Deeps and Barra MacNeils

Following up the next day with two Cape Breton staples, the Men of the Deeps and Barra MacNeils. SuperFête celebrations continue will this afternoon show. Paired with the concert from the evening before this sets up to be a great 24 hours of music at the Fortress. This event is not ticketed, normal park admission will be required to attend. Show goes on rain or shine, no refunds.

September 20th - LouisRocks! - Theatre Production by Robyn Cathcart

A three course meal followed by a stage concert recital by Robyn Cathcart at the Fortress Chapel will close out the series. The production will explore life in the Maritimes using the Fortress of the 18 hundreds as the backdrop. Show goes rain or shine, no refunds. Cost $100.

*Ticket prices were accurate at the time of posting.

For more information or tickets:

Fortress Association Website

By Phone: (902) 733-3838 *messages will be returned

In Person:

The Cape Breton Curiosity Shop, 296 Charlotte Street, Sydney

The Louisbourg Playhouse, 11 Aberdeen Street, Louisbourg

Thursday, June 12, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , louisrocks , music

Fortress of Louisbourg - Louisbourg Live: Portals - 2014

This diner theatre show will give you a chance to experience the culture, history and industry of Cape Breton and it's people. Enjoy the music and stories with your five course meal as history is played out before your very eyes. Shows run Wednesday evenings at the Chapel at the Fortress of Louisbourg. Rain or shine, make sure to wear something warm and have some comfy footwear. Tickets are $70.

Tickets available through the Fortress Louisbourg Association website.

Also

Phone

(902)733-3838 (leave a message, calls will be returned)

The Cape Breton Curiosity Shop

296 Charlotte Street, Sydney

The Louisbourg Playhouse

11 Aberdeen Street, Louisbourg

Monday, June 9, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , louisbourg live

Fortress of Louisbourg - Learn to Camp: Aboriginal Traditions - 2014

Fortress of Louisbourg - Learn to Camp: Aboriginal Traditions

Running shortly after Louisbourg Celebrates: Mi'kmaq Heritage, as part of the Learn to Camp events, on June 28th comes Learn to Camp: Aboriginal Traditions. Pitch a tent and enjoy an evening of Aboriginal storytelling in the courtyard of the Kings Bastion then a night under the stars surrounded by the 18th century walls of the Fortress. Shaping up to be an excellent time. Just bring a sleeping bag, tent provided.

Friday, May 23, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , mi'kmaq

Fortress of Louisbourg - Louisbourg Celebrates: Mi'kmaq Heritage! - 2014

Fortress of Louisbourg - Louisbourg Celebrates: Mi'kmaq Heritage!

As part of a series, Louisbourg Celebrates, the Fortress of Louisbourg has partnered with different groups and organizations for these events. The first event partners the Fortress with the First Nations Communities of Membertou, Eskasoni, Potlotek, Wagmatcook and Waycobah for a celebration of Mi'kmaq heritage. The event will include a Pow-Wow at the Fortress, join in with traditional song and dance and listen to Mi'kmaq storytellers speak of their culture and their legends. The day will be filled with the sound of drums and the air will be rich with the smell of traditional Aboriginal food. This event is sizing up to be a great one so make sure to get out and enjoy!

Thursday, May 22, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , eskasoni , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , membertou , mi'kmaq , potlotek , wagmatcook , waycobah

Fortress of Louisbourg - Special Events Schedule - 2014

Check below for the special events schedule for the Fortress of Louisbourg for 2014. We will be adding details for events in the coming weeks, so check back often for updates.

June 21: Louisbourg Celebrates Mi'kmaq Heritage!

June 28: Learn to Camp: Aboriginal Traditions

July 1: Canada Day (Free Admission!)
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Louisbourg Live: Portals
July 3, 10, 17, 31: Louisbourg Live: Looking
July 19: Louisbourg Celebrates: Families and Parks Day
July 19: LouisRocks Concert: Bluesfest - Carson Downey, Thom Swift and others!
July 25-27: CultureFête

August 3: Storm the Fortress
August 6, 13, 20, 27: Louisbourg Live: Portals
August 7, 14, 21, 28: Louisbourg Live: Looking
August 8-10: Learn to Camp 18th Century Style!
August 10: Grand Phare Ride
August 12: Louisbourg Celebrates: Pride Day
August 14-16: Archaeology: Uncovering the Past
August 16: Fab Forts
August 16: Race Through Time
August 17: Louisbourg Celebrates: Acadian Day
August 23-24: SuperFête de Saint-Louis
August 23: LouisRocks Concert: Còig and Jimmy Rankin
August 24: LouisRocks Concert: Men of the Deeps and The Barra MacNeils

September 6: Hammer-In: Blacksmithing Through Time
September 11: McLennan Award Ceremony: Celebrating Volunteers in Culture and Heritage
September 12-14: Learn to Camp 18th Century Style!
September 17, 24: Louisbourg by Night: Lantern Tours
September 20: Louisbourg Live: Founders' Feast

October 1, 8, 15: Louisbourg by Night: Lantern Tours
October 11: Ride Into the Past
October 12: Celtic Colours International Festival: Step Into the Past
October 16: Celtic Colours International Festival: Music of the Night / Musique de la nuit

November 9: Louisbourg Celebrates: Remembrance Day

December 7: Louisbourg Celebrates: The Holidays

Monday, May 12, 2014 Labels: 2014 , cape breton , cape breton events , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , schedule

Louisbourg 300 - CultureFête!

CultureFête!

Beginning July 25th and running through the 28th come out and see a re-creation of the bustling, multicultural, harbor-side market which would have been common to the 18th century town. The reenactors of Culturefête will be giving demonstrations of various aspects of 18th century living, some of which will include basket making, camp life, and fly fishing.

The encampment will have daily themes:

July 26th: Trades day. A mish-mash of contemporary and period specific tradespeople will performing demonstrations and offering workshops on a variety of trades including blacksmithing, boat building, and stone cutting. There will also be a craft market in parade square as well(cash only).

July 27th: Artists and Artisans day. Local art from the 18th century will be the focus this day. Artisans will exhibit their craft in and around the site. The Craft Market in Parade Square will be open for visitors.

July 28th: Culinary day. Food!! The feature today will be 18th century food. Three local chefs will be giving culinary demonstrations throughout the day. Also Full Steam Coffee Company, Mars Heritage Chocolate, and Big Spruce Brewing will be hosted on-site.

The cost of admission for each day of CultureFête is the regular Parks Canada entry fee.

More Fortress of Louisbourg

More Louisbourg 300

Tuesday, July 23, 2013 Labels: cape breton , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , louisbourg300

Louisbourg 300 - Forge 300

Forge 300

Hosted by the Cape Breton Blacksmiths Association comes the first ever international blacksmithing event held at the Fortress of Louisbourg. Get an in-depth look at a trade practiced 300 years ago in the Fortress with experts coming from around the world to demonstrate their talents. This stands to be one of the most interesting parts of the Louisbourg 300 celebrations. See below for demonstration dates and times:

Friday July 5th - 9:30am - 5pm

Saturday July 6th - 9:30am-12:00pm

Sunday July 7th - 9:30am - 11:00am - Closing ceremonies to take place afterwards

*Schedule is subject to change

Forge 300 Website

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Labels: forge300 , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg , louisbourg300

Louisbourg 300 - Learn to Camp300

Learn to Camp300

Last year the Fortress of Louisbourg hosted the first Learn to Camp event. It's back this year giving campers a chance to pitch their tents on the King's Bastion. For more information: 902-733-3552.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 Labels: cape breton , fortress of louisbourg , louisbourg300

Places to go, Things to see

Cape Breton Island is full of fun, I have stayed in many places and did many things. In this blog I am going to discuss some key places to visit.

1) Louisbourg- Now I am bias to Louisbourg, being from there. However, it is so much fun! You can do hikes, such as the lighthouse trail. It takes you along some amazing coast line, many beaches and some great places to sit and have a picnic! You can also head down to the wharf and watch some locals fish, even join in. My favorite festivity in Louisbourg is Crab Fest! Hundreds of people gather for a crab dinner and mussels and some drinks and dancing later in the evening. It is always a good time for people from the local community and tourists alike. The fortress is amazing, you can buy local bread, made in a brick oven, have food, witness cannon firings, and see how people lived in the 18th century. Also this is a big year, Louisbourg 300!
According to the Parks Canada website (http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/activ/louisbourg300.aspx) they describe Louisbourg 300 as "A major attraction that cannot be overlooked is the Fortress of Louisbourg, and it is Louisbourg 300 this year. A big celebration! Get ready for a celebration three centuries in the making! Join us in 2013 for Louisbourg300, a grand fête marking the 300th anniversary of the founding of Île Royale – modern day Cape Breton Island – and its capital, Louisbourg. Special events will be held throughout the 2013 visitor season, so any time is the perfect time to visit!" Also, when visiting Louisbourg don't miss the chance to see Little Lorraine and Main-a-Dieu. Great tiny fishing towns!

2) Margaree- I love Margaree, the awesome river to go fishing in, the tiny friendly towns and awesome scenery. There are some cute farms there that you can check out, some places to go fishing, horseback riding, hikes, or many cabins to rent and have some people out on a deck BBQing and enjoying a cold one.

3) Baddeck- I stayed here alot for work (during the winter months) and it was fun then too! Its a nice little town right on the water. Alot of charm and character. Its a good starting point if you want to do the cabot trail. You can d0 a whale watching tour, get an amazing view of Alexander Graham Bells home, see an island full of birds and get a look at the rich yachts docked in the harbor. Baddeck is great for history too! Baddeck is home to the first powered flight in Canada and the British Empire. There is a museum about Alexander Graham Bell and all his accomplishments that you can visit and to make this town even more fun, there is one of the best golf courses in Cape Breton- Bell Bay. For the avid golfer, this is your town! You can also head to any restaurant or hotel during the evening for some live entertainment and a good brew.

4) Meat Cove- I LOVE MEAT COVE! Its the very top of the island, you really have to go out of your way to get there, but when you do, your mouth will drop with the views. Imagine travelling on a tiny road, over a tiny bridge and then being on the top of the world, this is how it is. Soon as you get there be sure to get out of your car and head to your closest view point (which will probably be a cliff, so dont get too close to the edge) and you will see nothing but rolling hills, deep blue ocean smashing against rocks and the most amazing sunrise/sunset. A must see when you are in Cape Breton!

5) Ingonish- Ingonish has a great beach, the Keltic Lodge (with great food) and local music. Its a wonderful spot to go relax, hike and check out the highland national park. That Park is wonderful! There are natural waterfalls, moose sightings, great hikes, spectacular views and stunning beaches! These are a few of my favorite places in Cape Breton, be sure to check back for live music venues and good eats! Friday, May 31, 2013 Labels: baddeck , cape breton , cape breton beaches , cape breton golf , cape breton highlands , cape breton vacation , crab fest , fortress of louisbourg , hiking , ingonish , lighthouse , louisbourg , louisbourg300