Five great places to come face-to-face with Atlantic Canada's Past

1. Welcome to New France

It’s easy to leave the trappings of the 21st century behind at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site in Cape Breton, NS—especially when you hear the crack of musket fire, smell the freshly baked bread and witness the women and men in period costume as they go about their daily business.

Welcome to 1744 New France. As soon as you pass through the massive fortress gate, you step into a bustling 18th-century fortress and colonial seaport. Be prepared for the guard who will challenge you at the gate—he’s on the lookout for English spies. Visitors here walk in the footsteps of those who lived 300 years ago, on the battleground where the French and English struggled for supremacy. For a fun and authentic experience, eat in the “lower class” inn or tavern, where you’ll dine with large white napkin tied around your neck and only one utensil—a large pewter spoon.

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of Île Royale—modern day Cape Breton Island, with Louisbourg as its capital—and events are planned throughout the summer to celebrate.

2. The Viking experience

See evidence of the first known European influence in the Americas at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, on Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America, dating back 1,000 years.

The Norstead Viking Village, which replicates a Viking port of trade at L’Anse aux Meadows, is just two kilometres from the UNESCO World Heritage Viking Site. It is said to be one Canada’s “top 10 hidden travel gems.” Join costumed interpreters in the Chieftain’s Hall and listen to mysterious Viking tales, or step aboard the full-scale replica of the Viking ship, Snorri.

3. A soldier’s life

March your kids down to the Guard House at Barracks Square in Fredericton’s Historic Garrison District—where British soldiers were stationed during the early 1800s—and sign them up for duty as 19th-century soldiers—complete with the bright red tunics of the British regiment. A Day in a Soldier’s Life is a one-hour adventure geared towards children from four to 13 years of age. Guides provide drill instruction; kids practise marches and turns, and show off their skills in a parade at the end of the adventure. There’s also a guided tour of the grounds.

4. Step into l’Acadie

Cross the boardwalk and enter the delightful world of Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, NB. The village is a fictional creation based on the novel La Sagouine by internationally renowned author Antonine Maillet. The village paints a picture of Acadian life and offers visitors an opportunity to interact with the characters who live on l’Île-aux-Puces (Flea Island). Bonus: The traditional music and Acadian food are authentic—and very good. And the sense of joie de vivre is unforgettable.

5. Kindred spirits

While visitors to PEI are able to experience the lure of Anne of Green Gables in any number of ways, the best way to truly see what inspired author Lucy Maud Montgomery is to visit Green Gables, part of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Cavendish National Historic Site.

Montgomery visited the farm as a young girl and based her books on the Green Gables farm. Walk the grounds, smell the flowers, and tour the house and barn that inspired the setting for her most famous book. You may even feel you’re channelling the author herself as you walk the Haunted Woods Trail.