Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada

Living and Working Community

© Parks Canada

Each summer the Fortress springs to life. Dozens of costumed interpretors become the town's residents of the summer of 1744. Period homes, exhibits and theme centres line the streets, as well as along the busy waterfront (quay).

Men, women and children enact the full range of society from the leisurely activities of the rich to the hard physical labour of the poor. You'll see musicians, soldiers, merchants, street vendors, bakers, servants and fishermen.

The "residents" will surprise and delight you with stories, dances, music, nailmaking, cooking, sewing, gardening and much more.

At the elegant home of Étienne Verrier, the King's engineer, find out about the layout of the town, its fortifications and the engineer's activities at the time of the siege.

Experience the family life of a military officer of the Compagnies Franches de la Marine. Visit the home of Captain and Madame DeGannes. Discover some tricks of open-hearth cooking and the skill of lace making.