Louisbourg Lighthouse Centennial Celebrations

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Join us in celebrating the Louisbourg Lighthouse Centennial! The current tower, built in 1924, is the longest-serving of the three erected on this historic site. This iconic beacon, connected to 18th-century Atlantic trade and military history, symbolizes Louisbourg's rich cultural heritage and maritime legacy.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 13, 2024
Community Storytelling at S&L Railway Museum
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

7330 Main Street
Louisbourg, NS
B1C 1P5

Have you ever wondered what tales the Louisbourg Lighthouse holds? Join us for an evening of special storytelling where the community comes together to share memories and narratives inspired by historical photographs of the lighthouse, provided by the Beaton Institute and Parks Canada. This evening event will take place in the Round House at the S&L Railway Museum. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Be part of a cozy evening where history comes alive through the voices of our community.

 

Saturday, September 14, 2024
Louisbourg Lighthouse Centennial Celebrations - Community Event
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Louisbourg Waterfront,
Mitchell Street, Louisbourg, NS

Join us for a fun-filled celebration on Saturday, September 14 on the Louisbourg Waterfront to honour the centennial milestone of the Louisbourg Lighthouse with an afternoon of family fun activities, barbeque, live musical performances, and community spirit!

Boat Parade with Cannon Salute
12:00 p.m.

Be sure to watch for the noon boat parade in the harbor, complete with a cannon salute from 18th-century Louisbourg! Watch as a fleet of boats sails through the waters, echoing the maritime traditions of Louisbourg.


Ongoing Activities
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mainstage Performances:

  • Khozie: Khozie is a Canadian artist with a deep love for the meld of sound and story. He was born in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, and his cinematic pop melodies are reminiscent of the island life that inspired his early creativity. The influence of the sea finds its way into much of his music, evident in the orchestral swells and emotive lyricism of the work.
  • Nathan Bishop MacDonald: Few singer/songwriters have experienced such a diverse range of musical influences as Nathan Bishop MacDonald. As the driving force behind the successful Canadian Celtic band, Celtae, and now performing with his new band, Finlaggan, Nathan's music is deeply rooted in his Cape Breton upbringing. Nathan is also currently working as a heritage interpreter and musician at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
  • Eric Angus Whyte: Eric Angus Whyte is a Cape Breton songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with three solo albums and two ECMA nominations. Known for his 17-year tenure with the Louisbourg Playhouse production Cape Breton Lyrics & Laughter, his fingerstyle guitar and storytelling have taken him on tours across North America and Europe, collaborating with Joel Plaskett, Gordie Sampson, and Greg Keelor.


Community BBQ Fundraiser

Jokers Wild:
Fun for kids with a bouncy castle, face painting, and games!

Knot Tying and Navigation Talks by the Coast Guard College
Learn essential maritime skills from experts.

Coast Guard College's "Zodiac" on Display
Check out the impressive Zodiac vessel up close.

"Letters to the Lighthouse": Time Capsule Booth
Add your letter to the time capsule and leave a message for future generations.

Learn to Navigate Louisbourg’s Harbour:
Join the Parks Canada Outreach Team for an exciting and educational experience with our brand-new board game! Dive into the history and challenges of navigating Louisbourg’s harbour, both past and present. Test your skills and see if you can make it out without running aground!

 
 

About the Louisbourg Lighthouse

The Louisbourg Lighthouse, standing steadfast on the north side of Louisbourg Harbour, is a living testament to maritime heritage. The current lighthouse is the longest serving of all three that were erected on Lighthouse Point. Lighthouse Point is the site of the first lighthouse in what is now Canada.

The Louisbourg Lighthouse is an important historical landmark that still serves as a coastal light and a prominent beacon for seafarers and visitors alike. Designed in a classical style, this tapered octagonal tower showcases skilled craftsmanship. Painted in the traditional Canadian Coast Guard colors of white with a red lantern, it holds historical and environmental significance.

Just in time for its centennial milestone, the Louisbourg Lighthouse is undergoing a significant refurbishment. This historic landmark, essential for marine navigation, not only serves as a guiding light but also stands as a testament to Louisbourg’s rich heritage. The refurbishment ensures that future generations can continue to explore and appreciate the legacy of the Louisbourg Lighthouse for many years to come.

For more information about the history of Lighthouse Point and Louisbourg’s historical towers, click here.

Thank you to our partners:

Four partnering logos from left to right: Cape Breton Island, Fortress Louisbourg Association, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency with the Government of Canada symbol.

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