Top 10 Specialty Museums in Cape Breton Island, Canada

Welcome to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a magical place on the edge of a continent where past and present come together to celebrate Canada’s diverse heritage. Please note that we have three seasons throughout the year: Low season Opportunities to experience the Fortress of Louisbourg's quiet streets during the low season allow visitors to imagine life in the toughest of conditions almost 300 years ago. While there are no services available, a low season visit may provide the best opportunity for visitors to experience the stillness of the streets, take in the beauty of the exterior architecture of the buildings, or simply enjoy the treasures that life's quietest moments may bring. For a new way to experience the site in the low season, try our Explora app. Through sound, video, photos, quizzes and text, you will hold stories about Louisbourg in your hands as you walk through both the reconstructed town and the fortress's ruins. Explora is available to download for free at the App Store and through Google Play. Shoulder season For those seeking quiet opportunities and some on-site services, visiting during the shoulder season is recommended. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy an inspiring setting with beautiful visuals as they stand on our history-laden grounds. Several buildings with exhibits are open for you to discover. Explore the site on your own or embark on an Explora tour of the grounds. To enhance your visit you may purchase a guided tour or participate in the Time Travel program. Accessible guided tours are available as well. We recommend reserving a place on these tours in advance. By the end of June, the site will begin to fill with costumed interpreters as we ramp up for peak season. After Labour Day, the Fortress of Louisbourg winds down once again with costumed animators interpreting some buildings into September. No matter the season, be sure to find out from reception what activities and experiences may be on offer that day. Peak Season Peak season brings a different kind of magic on-site as costumed people add life to the streets and the homes. A foggy day cloaks the site in mystery and creates scenes and images not to be forgotten. A cold day with wind and rain may draw visitors to the warmth of a welcoming fire or to the cozy inn for a warming bowl of soup. A hot day shows the town and its various gardens at their brightest. On summer feast days colour and pageantry break the routine of daily life as the townspeople promenade in their finery. Chores are the order of the day on summer and fall mornings. With the rooster's crow comes bread from the ovens that supplies both soldiers and hungry visitors. Louisbourg's inhabitants are happy to share their stories, and can be found working the forge, tending the gardens and running the kitchens. The beat of drums and the chime of the garrison clock order the soldiers' day. The sound of a cannon marks midday. You can even fire a cannon or musket yourself by taking part in our 'Have a Blast' or 'Have a Ball' programs. Music might be heard from a waterfront tavern. Children play games in the streets, while the sentry at the gate challenges those who wish to enter the walled town. A public punishment gathers spectators. Sheep run through the streets, called home by the stable hand. Each hour offers something unique and real. During the peak season you can immerse yourself in an 18th century dining experience, available daily, at the Hotel de la Marine and Grandchamp House. For those who prefer a modern experience L'Epee Royale Cafe offers a cozy stop for hot and cold beverages and a variety of pastries. Groups can pre-arrange a dining experience by calling 902-733-3552. The daily fare varies with the season. Please check in advance for menu options and our ability to accommodate any special dietary requirements. Hours of Operation Low season: October 11, 2016 - May 21, 2017) Open Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shoulder Season: May 22 2017 to June 30 2017 and September 5 2017 to October 9, 2017 Open 7 days per week 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Peak Season: July 1 - September 4 Open 7 days per week 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dining Establishment Hours of Operation Grandchamp House Lower class (Less formal dining) July 1 - August 25 (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.) Hotel de la Marine Upper class (More formal dining) July 1 - August 25 (Doors open at 11 a.m.) Hotel de la Marine Lower class (Less formal dining) August 26 - October 9 2017 (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.) L'Epee Royale Cafe May 22 - October 9 2017 (Doors open at 10 a.m.) When the Fortress of Louisbourg is in low season, programs and services are provided through the Fortress Louisbourg Association after-hours programs. Whether it's the bustling street or the solitude of the shore, a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg offers many opportunities for memorable experiences.

Our Museum can be found in Northern Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail Nova Scotia in the "Top of the Island" Region. We have a beautiful exhibit hall that includes local artifacts along with professional displays that take you back in time while getting a taste of our local heritage. We also have a blacksmith forge, settlers' garden, and a historic Church building that has become our Culture Centre where we feature talented musicians and other events each week. Our Museum also serves as the Information Centre for the the area, so there are many great reasons to stop in and visit us!

Le Centre de la Mi-Carême is devoted to the old French tradition of the Mi-Carême or the Mid-Lent Break. In the midst of the 40 days of Lent, a group of people decided they deserved a break... and so the tradition was born. Dressing up, going house to house having others guess who is under the mask followed by kitchen parties, food & drink galore. The Mid-Lent break started as a day, and now lasts a whole week, ending in our very Centre with a Gala on the Saturday evening! As well as learning about our long living tradition, the gallery presents an array of beautiful handcrafted masks & papier maché masterpieces. Come on in and explore our crazy tradition to gain a taste of our culture. For those who want to dive right in, we offer workshops on the making and the painting of masks!

The Jost House is the oldest house in Sydney Nova Scotia, built in 1786. We are open June 1st to October 29th and/or all cruise ship days. During your visit, a guide will give you a personal tour of our 1786 kitchen and the ground floor of the museum. The basement has been restored to the original 18th century kitchen. On the ground floor we have many historical Victorian artifacts in our bedroom, parlour, dining room and store. The upstairs portion of the house, added in 1910, has four different exhibit rooms to browse around in at your leisure. Our Hours in September and October are 10-4 Monday to Saturday but vary on cruise ship days. We are open on Sundays if a cruise ship is in port.

Step back into time to when seamen and vessels relied on lighthouses for navigation. Climb the stairs in Canada's first heritage lighthouse and take a guided tour in the adjacent century old house now serving as a place to hold and maintain our historical treasures of St. Paul Island and the many shipwrecks surrounding it.