2 Best Sights in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

This may be Cape Breton's—or even Nova Scotia's—most remarkable attraction. After the French were forced out of mainland Nova Scotia in 1713, they established their headquarters here in a walled, fortified town at the mouth of Louisbourg Harbour. The fortress was captured twice (by New Englanders in 1745 and by the British in 1758), and after the second attack it was razed, a critical factor in ending France's dream of a North American empire. In the 1960s, archaeologists rebuilt a fifth of the fortress, using the original plans. From June through mid-October, costumed interpreters well versed in the history of the site convincingly re-create the era with military drills, cannon-firing, and general day-to-day activities of the 18th-century inhabitants. The three inns serve food prepared from 18th-century recipes. Free guided tours are given in high season, and events—including themed dinner theaters and archaeological programs—make a visit even more memorable. An off-season visit, without all these activities, can paint an even more compelling picture of life here 300 years ago.

On a spectacular headland, this site commemorates the spot at Table Head where, in 1902, Guglielmo Marconi built four tall wooden towers and beamed the first official wireless messages across the Atlantic Ocean. An interpretive trail leads to the foundations of the original towers and transmitter buildings. The visitor center has large models of the towers as well as artifacts and photographs chronicling the radio pioneer's life and work.