Photo #9939 - Access to Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site Step back in time to 1744! Experience Louisbourg, a thriving seaport and capital of Ile Royale (Cape Breton Island). The Fortress was one if the busiest harbours in North America during the 18th century and one of France's key economic and military centres in the New World. Today, it stands as North America's largest historical reconstruction. The Louisbourg Highway, Sydney to Louisbourg South on this highway is the town of Louisbourg and the Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site. This site is the largest reconstruction site in Canada. Here you will find many costumed animators who will guide you through a typical day in 1744 as well as explaining the history of the times.