Accommodation: The Silver Dart Lodge
This morning after breakfast we boarded our bus and departed for the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
The fortress is named for Louis XIV of France, and it was one of the most extensive European fortifications in North America. The fort is now operated by Parks Canada as a living museum.
Our guide, dressed in costume, told us a bit about the fort and its history. During the reconstruction of the fortress, more than one million artifacts were uncovered by archaeologists. Some of the homes that were left in ruins by different sieges over the years remain, and there is no plan to restore them at this point.
After his talk, we were invited to walk around the fortress and learn about the battles as well as meet the characters from that bygone era.
We walked from building to building, and in many of the buildings, we listened to stories narrated by folks dressed in authentic costume. We strolled through the gardens, the buildings and houses, and admired the beautiful Governor’s apartments.
We enjoyed a lunch – a customary meal cooked according to century old recipes. Allan and I had the turkey pie, which wasn’t that great, but the soup they served as an appetizer was delicious.
We entered De la Perelle Property – an exhibit of the Sisters of Louisbourg. The nuns there were members of a religious order who operated the town’s school. Girls went there for their education. They did not reside there, however. The girls from wealthy family’s paid a fee for the schooling while poorer families paid what they could afford. Boys from less wealthy families learned how to help their fathers by learning how to manage the family’s livelihood, while boys from wealthy families went to boarding school in France for seven years, and most opted not to return home.
It was a very enjoyable experience and we arrived back to our chalet in the late afternoon. We had dinner with our new friends… Lots of laughs and good natured ribbing as we got to know each other better. It was a wonderful day and the weather was perfect!
Tomorrow is an early day as we leave for Prince Edward Island.
Once again – a beautiful sunrise to start the day.
Remnants of a home at the fortress
The military musicians serenaded us during lunch
The military chapel – Fortress of Louisbourg
Typical kitchen where the cooks prepared meals for those wealthy enough to have cooks and maids
Bedroom
Governor’s bedroom at the fortress
Fortress of Louisbourg