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Fortress of Louisbourg Nova Scotia Canada
Travel east coast Canada with Caravan Tours and visit an 18th century fortified fortress, the historic Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
Caravan offers a fully guided tour of Canada’s
Maritime Provinces.
The location of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site in Nova Scotia was one of the busiest seaports in North America during the 1700s. The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 settled the War of Spanish Succession. Control of mainland Nova Scotia was given to the British and Cape Breton Island was granted to the French.
For almost three decades, French engineers built immense stone and mortar walls to encircle the garrison along with the town Fortress of Louisbourg. This was one of the most expansive fortifications in North America. The fortress walls were built 30 feet high and 36 feet across, prompting King Louis XIV to joke that the Fortress of Louisbourg should be visible from his palace in France.
Visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site!
Call Toll Free 1-800-227-2826
Fortress of Louisbourg Reconstruction
In 1928 the Fortress of Louisbourg was dubbed a Canadian National Historic Site. By 1961, after an extensive archaeological study, one-quarter of the partial reconstruction of the Fortress of Louisbourg began. Today it is a significant national monument and visited by tens of thousands of tourists every year.
Guests experience a sense of what it was like to live in a fortified city over 300 years ago. Hundreds of actors in period clothing animate the streets during summer, playing the roles of 18th-century wealthy merchants, destitute soldiers, and shopkeepers.
If you’ve ever wanted to fire a cannon, shoot a musket, tend livestock, or be a rum taster, Fortress of Louisbourg residents show you how. There’s even a Rookie Tour for children that allows them to learn about herding sheep and goats, military marching, and fishing…the way it was three centuries ago.
There are also three authentic 18th-century restaurants plus a bakery in the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. But don’t just taste test the food. Know how it was grown and cooked by learning first-hand from Fortress residents who teach you.
Dauphin Gate
During its heyday, only three gates to the Fortress of Louisbourg were accessible by land. Dauphin Gate is the main entrance of the Fortress and was manned by soldiers around the clock. At night, Dauphin Gate was locked, and the drawbridge was raised.
The fortress gate design was quite unique incorporating:
- A sluice gate for managing water levels
- A sentry box elevated above the ditch
- Musket loopholes in the doors that were once used for defending the entrance from attack
About Caravan Tours
Not quite 300 years old, Caravan Tours started as a family-owned Tour Company back in 1952. We are now a second-generation family-operated Tour Company offering fully guided tours throughout the United States plus Canada, Panama, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
Let us take you back 300 years with a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site Nova Scotia where the real becomes surreal. As the smoke from cannon fire clears, it will be evident that this won’t be your average holiday experience.
For more information about the Fortress of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia or to book your Caravan Maritime Provinces tour, please call Caravan Tours Toll Free at 1-800-Caravan (227-2826).
This east coast Canada tour also includes visits to destinations in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
- Read our Caravan Nova Scotia Tour Reviews page
2023 Hotels
2023 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Halifax, Nova Scotia
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Halifax is the gateway to the Canadian Maritimes. Your hotel is located on the downtown waterfront boardwalk of Halifax. The hotel is adjacent to the Historic Properties, and is connected to the downtown indoor pedway system. The rooms have all the modern amenities. There is a casino, fitness center, spa, swimming pool, and whirlpool for you to enjoy.
Days 3, 4 • Moncton, New Brunswick
Chateau Moncton Hotel & Suites, on Main Street facing the Tidal Bore
The elegant Chateau Moncton is conveniently located on Main Street in Moncton, New Brunswick, within easy walking distance to downtown and the shopping mall, as well as the Tidal Bore Park and exhibits. The hotel is situated on the banks of the historic Petitcodiac River and its famous Tidal Bore that comes in twice a day from the Bay of Fundy. All Caravan rooms have a view of the Petitcodiac River. Enjoy breathtaking views also from the deck of Le Galion Lounge. Services and amenities include 42” & 52” HDTVs, iron & ironing board, in-room coffee & tea, free wired and wireless high speed internet, 24 hour fitness room, public use computer, 100% smoke-free.
Days 5, 6 • Baddeck, Cape Breton
Auberge Gisele's Inn
The inn is located in the quaint town of Baddeck, which is the official starting point of the Cabot Trail. Baddeck's waterfront, a short stroll away, has a vibrant array of maritime shops, cafes and restaurants. The famous Bell Bay golf course is a short drive.
Days 7, 8 • Halifax, Nova Scotia
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
The Marriott Harbourfront Hotel is located on the downtown waterfront boardwalk of Halifax. The hotel is adjacent to the historic properties, and is connected to the downtown indoor pedway system. The rooms have all the modern amenities. There is a casino, fitness center, spa, swimming pool, and whirlpool for you to enjoy.
Movies
Movies
Cabot Trail04:41- Peggy's Cove 02:24
- Hopewell Rocks 02:01
- Green Gables01:57
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) to your hotel, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel (1919 Upper Water Street) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Airport car services, taxis, and limos are available curbside outside Arrivals for all passengers. When you arrive, please proceed to the Ground Transportation desk located in the arrivals area for more information. The drive time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The taxi set meter rate is $72 Canadian to the Marriott. Ride-shares may also be available. Uber is also available. The airport bus #320 is $4.25 Canadian per person (limited hours) and drops off at the Scotia Square Mall, three blocks uphill from your hotel. The Scotia Mall connects to the hotel via indoor pedways and is a 10 minute walk. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.
departure Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). Your Tour Director will help you arrange your transfer to the airport. The driving time to the airport is approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares are $72 Canadian. Please advise your Tour Director if you would like to ride-share. Uber and Limos are also available. The airport bus #320 (limited hours) is $4.25 Canadian per person and leaves from the Scotia Mall (limited hours).
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada must carry a passport, valid for at least six months past your entry date into Canada. Non U.S. citizens, please check your passport and visa requirements. Beginning in 2016, Canada requires non US citizens and Visa exempt foreign visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel to Canada. This requirement also applies to Permanent Residents of the US (Green Card holders). More information can be found at www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html. Children under 18 years old, traveling internationally without both parents or legal guardians, should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). See Travel Tips for more details.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Halifax | Moncton | Baddeck | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 15/13 | 5.4 | 26/09 | 4.0 | 29/17 | 6.0 |
| Feb | 31/15 | 4.3 | 29/10 | 3.2 | 29/17 | 5.0 |
| Mar | 38/23 | 4.9 | 37/20 | 3.9 | 37/24 | 5.0 |
| Apr | 47/31 | 4.5 | 48/31 | 3.5 | 46/30 | 5.0 |
| May | 59/40 | 4.1 | 62/41 | 3.8 | 58/38 | 4.0 |
| Jun | 68/48 | 4.0 | 72/50 | 3.7 | 68/47 | 4.0 |
| Jul | 74/55 | 3.8 | 78/57 | 3.8 | 74/55 | 4.0 |
| Aug | 74/56 | 4.4 | 76/55 | 3.2 | 73/54 | 4.0 |
| Sep | 67/50 | 4.1 | 67/47 | 3.5 | 66/50 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 57/41 | 5.4 | 55/38 | 4.1 | 55/43 | 5.0 |
| Nov | 46/32 | 5.3 | 44/29 | 3.9 | 45/33 | 6.0 |
| Dec | 35/21 | 5.4 | 32/16 | 4.2 | 34/26 | 7.0 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halifax | ||||||||||||
| temp | 15/13 | 31/15 | 38/23 | 47/31 | 59/40 | 68/48 | 74/55 | 74/56 | 67/50 | 57/41 | 46/32 | 35/21 |
| rainfall | 5.4 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Moncton | ||||||||||||
| temp | 26/09 | 29/10 | 37/20 | 48/31 | 62/41 | 72/50 | 78/57 | 76/55 | 67/47 | 55/38 | 44/29 | 32/16 |
| rainfall | 4.0 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| Baddeck | ||||||||||||
| temp | 29/17 | 29/17 | 37/24 | 46/30 | 58/38 | 68/47 | 74/55 | 73/54 | 66/50 | 55/43 | 45/33 | 34/26 |
| rainfall | 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 14 Travel Tips. Read all 57 Travel Tips Virtually everything! Hotels, all meals listed in the itinerary, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Bottled water is provided free on the motorcoach and purified water is provided at the meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Children age 5 and over are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price. Virtually everything! Hotels, many meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and over are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation and medical coverage. The cost is $129. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation and medical coverage. The cost is $129.What is included in the tour price?
Are meals included?
Children on Tour
Family Trips
My Tour Price Does Not Include
My Tour Price Includes
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
Forms of Payment
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Size of Tour Group
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Caravan’s $129 Protection Plan Offers Peace of Mind
Caravan Travel Protection
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 222 Customer Reviews "The Nova Scotia experience was fantastic. The scenery was something that needs to be experienced first hand and just enjoyed. Having the tour guides to help us along and assist us in understanding and interpreting what we were seeing was probably the most important aspect of taking a guided tour over driving ourselves. On our own, we would not have had half of the experiences we did on this tour - we would never have known what to look for. This was our first guided tour. We were relatively unsure of a group outing after always being on our own. As a result of the experience, we are planning our next tour - with Caravan." "I have traveled extensively with several different tour companies and am very pleased with my experience with Caravan. They deliver what they promise and provide a pleasant and hassle-free vacation." "A++. We can’t say enough about every aspect of this spectacular 1,300 mile journey. Our tour director and driver were so caring and knowledgeable and they made this journey one that will be remembered and cherished always. We had adequate time to take photos and videos, and the accommodations were 5 star. Every aspect of this trip far exceeded our expectations. We will definitely take another Caravan Tour!" "This was one of the best tours we’ve been on. Saw many things the average traveler wouldn’t. The director and driver worked well together as a team. Our director was an unbelievably kind and informative person. She went above and beyond for all of us." "Our director enthusiastically greeted and welcomed all us travelers from all parts of the USA. I noted her spontaneous laugh and good humor as we set out on our days ahead in the Maritime Provinces. She told us all about the Bay of Fundy and Bore tide. We walked on the ocean floor among very interesting rock formations. What a miracle of nature. We crossed Prince Edward Island on the Confederation Bridge, and learning how hard and difficult it was to construct made all the difference in appreciating it. All the incredible places and people we met along the way on Cape Breton, balmy weather and seeing a an eagle swoop down in the bay for chicken was such a forever memory. At Cheticamp the latch hook rugs were works of art and such fun to recall Stella Camus creating them from ages 16 to 91! The Cabot Trail is so incredibly beautiful. Halifax’s Maritime museum will be forever remembered. Again, our director did everything possible to make our tour the best, always gave us suggestions and time lines to various outings. She took worry and concerns away as we felt safe and taken care of in her charge. I look forward to traveling again with Caravan and feel sure you have the best travel plans ahead for us." "We had wanted to take this trip for awhile. It was everything we had hoped for and more. We saw things we had never seen. The ride on the bus provided beautiful, breathtaking scenery. Fantastic tour director, wonderful driver, great group of people, food was great and scenery unbelievable. Caravan does a great tour! It was our first but will not be our last." "Caravan did a marvelous job providing an introduction to the Canadian Maritimes. I very much liked the sightseeing and activities. I especially enjoyed the sailing trip near Alexander Graham Bell’s house, the bald eagles with their brilliant antics. I also liked the visit to Louisbourg: what a wonderful restoration. There was much to learn about the environment, spirituality, and human intersectionality. How all these elements coalesced is an astonishment to me. What a superb tour! Ours was truly a brilliant director, the Maritimes meant the world to him and by extension, to us. He is a true national treasure."
Read All 222 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 222 Customer Reviews
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
All meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors), NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Catalog Association).
