NOVA SCOTIA

Today we are visiting Cape Breton Island (Louisbourg), Nova Scotia, Canada.  Here’s what the Viking Daily has to say:  Cape Breton Island sits at the confluence of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.  Hiking paths dot its terrain, inviting treks through its rolling farmlands, striking highlands and dense forests, while sheltered inlets call to kayakers and boaters to explore the rocky shoreline.  The island is home for an array of birdlife, including cormorants, hawks and skuas. The fortified town of Louisbourg was one of France’s strongholds in North America during the 18th century.  Today, the partially reconstructed fortress and its former town are a National Historic Site.

We have two events today.  First off, we are going to visit that “fortified town” of Louisbourg and then going out on the Gulf in a Zodiac!  When we signed up for the “included tour” which was a visit to a fort, followed by a trip to a light house, I honestly didn’t expect too much.  However, I was wrong!  The town of Louisbourg was so interesting and enjoyable.  It was a French stronghold, founded in 1713 that was destroyed during the war between the English and French.  The English invaded the town twice and the second time, in 1758, they destroyed the town and moved on.  In the 1960’s the Canadian Government reconstructed Louisbourg to show what it was like when it was inhabited by the French colonists.  Many of the homes even were furnished in the same furnishings of that period.  It was very well done and certainly worth the visit!

After our visit to Louisbourg, we made a photo stop at the lighthouse.  

Once we returned to the ship, we had a quick lunch and boarded a Zodiac for a fun ride around the gulf.  We saw several seals playing in the water as well as several species of birds.  The Zodiac was small - there were eight of us on board - and could go amazingly fast!  We got wet, but had a great time!

View of Louisbourg from the Gulf.  Also zipped by one of the tenders and got an amazing view of our ship!

Here we are - wet, cold and happy!

What an adventurous day!