Before travelling to Sydney to board our ferry to Newfoundland we stopped at the historical site of Fort Louisbourg. I wasn't exactly sure what it was at first but my fiance assured me it was an important Canadian site to see. The ticket building is located about a 5 minute drive from the fort and admission was $17.50/ adult. WORTH EVERY PENNY!
A small bus (leaving in 15 minute intervals) picks you up and brings you to the gates of the fort where you are free to roam around as you please. It really does feel like you are walking back in time to the 1740's. Fort Louisbourg was a French fortress that became an important commercial port but eventually got captured by British Colonists in 1745. When you walk through the gates you are greated by a French soldier in full attire questioning you on why you are visiting the fort. Throughout the entire fort you will see people in full costume going about their daily routine like they would of in the 1700's.
Wandering freely around the town was exciting, and having the freedom to search the streets and inside buildings really gave you the realistic feel. There were many buildings to wander through such as the giant holding room for all of the barrels of whisky or the sleeping quarters for the soldiers.
In one particular brick building a woman was inside and told us about the typical household back then and how drying fish was so important. Men working in the Cod fishing industry would actually make more than men in the fur trade industry! She also told us that despite making decent money, houses were built very simply in case of a raid on the fort where houses would need to be burned down. The homes were built very simple indeed but served their purpose and were functional.
There was even a restaurant you could eat lunch at (with suprisingly decent prices) that still used the original decor making you feel like you were eating in the 18th-century. The staff were dressed in poofy white dresses and bonnets serving traditonal recipes, even observing the church calender and not serving meat dishes on days of abstinence (Fridays and Saturdays).
You will also find many different animals in the town like sheep, roosters,chickens and goats. I particularly loved petting the sheep and being able to feel the rough texture of the wool. The rooster was fun to watch as well as he strutted around the pen puffing his feathers.
My personal favourite was a visit to the Bakery where you could see bread being baked in the traditional wood burning ovens. Fresh bread was tossed into awaiting baskets where two young girls would sell you either a single bun or entire loaf. ($2.50/bun and $5.50/loaf). You could choose between white, whole wheat and a heavy rye. We purchased a white bun and a rye bun to sample which turned out to be a very satisfying and filling lunch! I also must add that you can buy apple turnovers made in the bakery as well that are to die for!
There is so much to write about as everything we explored was worth noting except once again I must remind myself to keep my blogs short and sweet :) Visiting Fort Louisbourg was a great experience, with so much important history. I enjoyed it immensly and can'tt say enough how great of a job they have done perserving the fort and giving visitors of all ages a truly unique and interactive experience.
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