How to get here

Map of Cape Breton Island

By land:

After crossing the Canso Causeway, you will be faced with two options:

1) Take Highway 105, the Trans-Canada Highway.  At Bras d'Or, take Highway 125 to Sydney until you reach Exit 8; then take the first exit off the roundabout, onto Route 22. This route will take you straight to the modern community of Louisbourg. Follow the signs to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.  Approximate travel time: 3 hours.

2) Take Route 4, also called Highway 104.  In Sydney River, take the turn-off onto Highway 125, then take Exit 8, taking the first exit off the roundabout, onto Route 22.  This route will take you straight to the modern community of Louisbourg. Follow the signs to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Approximate travel time: 2.5 hours. 

By air:

The J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport now offers direct daily flights between Sydney and Toronto, as well as daily flights between Sydney and Halifax.  Please check their website for further information. 

From the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport, turn left onto Trunk 4 West toward Sydney.  After 8 km, turn left onto NS-125 W.  After 3.5 km, take Exit 8 for Route 22, and turn left at the bottom of the off-ramp.  Continue on Route 22 through the roundabout.  This route will take you straight to the modern community of Louisbourg.  Follow the signs for the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.  Approximate driving time: 35 minutes.

Driving directions to the reconstructed town

June 24 to September 13, 2024

Follow Route 22 through the town of Louisbourg and turn right at the large sign indicating “Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site/Entrance.” Park in one of the designated areas and proceed to the Visitor Reception Centre. From there, visitors can pay their entry fees and bus transportation will be available to the reconstructed site.

September 14 to June 19, 2025

Follow Route 22 through the town of Louisbourg, continue past the main entrance and follow the signs directing you to “Entrance 2 (Gate 2).” A Fortress of Louisbourg employee will be there to greet you and provide you with further instructions. Follow the road into the reconstructed site, keeping to the right when the road forks, until you arrive at the stop sign. Park as directed.