Berceau de l’Acadie – Cradle of Acadie

• Built in 1605, Port-Royal was the first successful European settlement north of St. Augustine, Florida. It was in use for only eight years.
• Membertou – chief of the Mi’kmaq nation, and his people welcomed settlers and helped them survive in their new environment
• Rebuilding the Habitation at Port-Royal in 1939 was the Canadian government’s first large-scale reconstruction project, greatly assisted by Samuel do Champlain’s early 17th century drawings and written descriptions.

• Fort Anne is in the historic town of Annapolis Royal, which served as the capital of Nova Scotia until 1749 and is among the most fought-over pieces of land on the continent.
• Thirteen battles took place on the grounds at Fort Anne and it changed hands seven times.
• The fort is built in a traditional, star-shaped plan: Raised earth bastions at four corners allowed defenders to repel invaders.
• Visitors to the fort enjoy panoramic views of the Annapolis River, a mosaic of hills, pastures, and historic homes.

• Construction began on Fort McNab in 1888 and was finished in 1892. The fort marked a new chapter in Halifax’s history as one of the British Empire’s, and subsequently Canada’s, most significant naval stations during the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Fort McNab was Halifax’s first fort to have swift-acting breech-loading armament.
• Between the 1880s and the 1940s, Fort McNab served as a gun battery and stood as the Gatekeeper of Halifax Harbour.

• Georges Island Tunnel Tours: Discover the underground complex beneath Fort Charlotte on Georges Island. This maze of cold brick tunnels once housed the ammunition for the fort’s powerful guns in bomb-proof security. It’s easy to get lost in these cramped passages, so a guide is essential!

• Centuries ago, Fort Edward was the scene of discord between British garrisons and Acadian and Mi’kmaq peoples. Today, the fort – with its 1750 soldiers’ blockhouse and grassy earthworks – has fallen silent making it the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll and picnic, with a historical twist.
• The term “blockhouse” usually denotes a simple wooden structure of two storeys with the upper storey overhanging the lower. The heavy timbers that formed their walls were easily cut from nearby forests and hewed with simple tools. Blockhouses provided excellent protection against arrows and small arms, the weapons used most when the British built Fort Edward.

– This breathtaking site brings you back to French colonial life between 1713 and 1758. First home to the Mi’kmaw people, the 18th century brought French, Basque, German, English, Irish, Scottish, and African people to its shores. Immerse yourself in this diverse history as you explore a beautiful coastal landscape. Take in the looming fortifications, heritage gardens, and elegant homes of the reconstruction. Then, wander original 18th century ruins for a full experience of the past come to life.

– Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in North America. Depending on the season, most visitors plan to spend four hours here.

– Costumed animators, 18^th century-style buildings, exhibits, and trails offer unforgettable experiences for all travellers

·       Marie Marguerite Rose is the first free Black businesswoman on record in Canada’s history. She was enslaved in Guinea, Africa, and sold to a merchant in 18^th century Louisbourg. After 19 years, she was released from slavery and opened an inn and tavern. Visit the plaque commemorating her story and a recreated inventory of her possessions.

·       Two defining battles in Canada’s history took place here in 1745 and 1758, involving the French, English, Acadian, and Mi’kmaw peoples. Imagine yourself there as you smell the black powder during the daily French artillery demonstration which peaks with a booming cannon firing (July to mid-September).

·       Louisbourg is the site of the first observatory in Canada. The dark skies over the Fortress make it the perfect place to stargaze 300 years later, when you spend the night through our Wake Up in the Past programs (June to mid-October).