Get a taste of Louisbourg’s 300^th anniversary

Ottawa, Ontario, January 29, 2013 -- Louisbourg was once a bustling seaport, a hub for trade and transport on the Atlantic, a multicultural, multilingual community and France’s prize in the new world. Today, it is the largest historical reconstruction in North America, welcoming thousands of visitors each summer who interact with costumed animators at this once-mighty French fortress of the 1700s.

This year marks the 300^th anniversary of the founding of Louisbourg. To kick start the celebrations, Parks Canada is bringing some of the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to the 2013 Winterlude Festival.

“This is a treat for Winterlude visitors who will have a wonderful opportunity to experience a sense of the Fortress of Louisbourg right here in Canada’s capital,” says Parks Canada CEO Alan Latourelle. “As Parks Canada gears up to celebrate Louisbourg300, Canadians are invited to rediscover this key chapter in our history and to start planning their trip to Louisbourg which was recently named the #1 place to visit in Canada in 2013.”

During the first three weekends of February, Winterlude visitors at Jacques Cartier Park will get a taste of life in 18^th century Louisbourg, literally. Historic hot chocolate will be served as visitors mingle with Louisbourg residents and make their own tricorne hat – a must-have fashion item of the era.

Founded in 1713, Louisbourg was described as the most suitable place for settlement on l’île Royale (present day Cape Breton Island) and quickly grew into a thriving multicultural, multilingual community of 5,000 people. This diverse population came together sharing the goal of building a good life based on the resources and promises of the island and its surrounds.

To celebrate Louisbourg’s legacy, Parks Canada has a full line-up of events and activities scheduled for the 300th anniversary. These activities include concerts; a cultural fair showcasing music, dance, food and the arts; a harbour festival and new programs to immerse visitors in 18th century life. To learn more about the Louisbourg300 celebrations in 2013, visit www.pc.gc.ca/Louisbourg300.

To find out more about Parks Canada at Winterlude, visit www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude.

Located on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, Louisbourg was named The Best Place to Visit in 2013 by vacay.ca.

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Information:
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
www.twitter.com/parkscanada